Yes, several FDA-approved weight loss medications are available to help people lose weight and keep it off. Six medications are approved for long-term use: orlistat, phentermine-topiramate, naltrexone-bupropion, liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide. These medicines work best when combined with healthy eating and exercise.
In this guide, you’ll learn about all the weight loss medications available today, how they work, who can take them, and what results you can expect.
Understanding Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss medications help your body in different ways. Some make you feel less hungry, others help you feel full faster, and some change how your body absorbs fat.
These medicines are not magic pills. They work best as part of a complete plan that includes eating better and moving more. Think of them as helpful tools, not quick fixes.
How Do These Medicines Work?
Your body uses several systems to control hunger and weight. Weight loss medications work with these systems in three main ways:
Reducing Appetite Many medicines help quiet the hunger signals in your brain. They mimic natural hormones that your gut releases after eating to signal that you’re full. This makes you want to eat less.
Slowing Digestion Some drugs slow down how fast food moves through your stomach, making you feel full longer. Food sits in your stomach for more time before moving to your intestines.
Blocking Fat Absorption Certain medicines stop your body from absorbing some of the fat from food you eat. The fat passes through your body instead of being stored.
FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications
Let’s look at each medication approved by the FDA for weight loss.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
These are the newest and most talked-about weight loss medicines.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Wegovy is one of the most effective weight loss medications available today. In studies, people lost an average of 15% of their body weight, equal to about 35 pounds.
You inject Wegovy once a week under your skin. In March 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight.
Common side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, and feeling sick to your stomach. These usually get better over time.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Saxenda is an older GLP-1 medication that you inject once daily. In a 56-week study with over 3,700 people, 62% of patients lost at least 5% of their body weight.
In August 2025, the FDA approved the first generic version of Saxenda, which costs 30% less than the brand name. This makes it more affordable for many people.
The most common side effect is feeling sick to your stomach.
Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
Zepbound is the newest weight loss injection approved in November 2023. People in studies lost an average of 21% of their body weight, equal to 48 pounds using the highest dose.
In December 2024, Zepbound became the first medication approved to treat obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
You inject Zepbound once a week. Common side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, and throwing up.
Combination Pills
Contrave (Naltrexone-Bupropion)
Contrave combines an antidepressant (bupropion) and an addiction treatment drug (naltrexone). Together, these medicines work on your brain to reduce hunger.
You take Contrave as pills you swallow. People who took Contrave for 56 weeks lost between 2.5% and 5.2% of their starting weight more than people who took a placebo.
This medication can raise blood pressure, so your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly. It also carries a warning about suicide risk.
Qsymia (Phentermine-Topiramate)
Qsymia combines two medicines that work together. In studies, about 70% of adults lost at least 5% of their body weight after one year, and nearly 50% lost at least 10%.
Side effects can include faster heart rate, high blood pressure, trouble sleeping, and feeling nervous. This medicine can cause birth defects, so women who can get pregnant need reliable birth control.
Fat Blocker
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Orlistat changes how your body digests and absorbs fat. It blocks about one-third of the fat you eat from being absorbed.
Alli is a lower-dose version available without a prescription. You take orlistat pills three times daily with meals.
Common side effects include oily stools, gas, and sudden bowel movements. These side effects happen less often if you eat a low-fat diet.
Short-Term Options
Phentermine (Adipex-P)
Phentermine is one of the oldest weight loss medicines, used since 1959. It was originally used short-term to jump-start weight loss, but newer guidelines have added it to long-term therapy.
This medicine acts like a stimulant to reduce appetite. Side effects include headache, trouble sleeping, high blood pressure, and fast heartbeat.
Your doctor may prescribe phentermine for short-term use or as part of a longer plan.
Who Can Take Weight Loss Medications?
Not everyone qualifies for weight loss medicines. Doctors use your Body Mass Index (BMI) to decide if these medicines might help you.
BMI Requirements
Most medications are prescribed for someone with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater if the person has weight-related health conditions.
Weight-related health conditions include:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Heart disease
Before Starting Medication
Your doctor will look at several things before prescribing weight loss medicine:
- Your current health problems
- Other medicines you take
- Your family medical history
- The medicine’s cost
- Possible side effects
Four of these drugs are approved for adults and children ages 12 and older. Talk with your doctor about which option is right for you.
What Results Can You Expect?
Weight loss varies from person to person. Adults who take prescription medications as part of a lifestyle program lose 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight than people in a lifestyle program who do not take medication.
Timeline for Results
Most weight loss takes place within the first 6 months of starting the medication. Your doctor will check your progress after 12 weeks.
If weight loss of at least 5% is not achieved within 12-16 weeks at the maximum tolerated dose, then an alternative medication should be considered.
Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
Losing even 5% to 10% of your weight can improve your health. Benefits include:
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Better blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
- Less joint pain
- Better sleep
- More energy
Wegovy significantly reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke), which occurred in 6.5% of participants who received Wegovy compared to 8% who received placebo.
Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Most weight loss medicines cause side effects, especially when you first start taking them.
Stomach Problems
Nearly half of people taking GLP-1 medicines have stomach side effects. These include:
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Throwing up
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
How to Feel Better:
- Eat slowly and stop when you feel full
- Choose smaller portions
- Avoid fatty and spicy foods
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat bland foods if you feel sick
Most symptoms are generally mild and temporary and typically decrease as your body adapts to the medication.
Other Common Side Effects
Different medicines cause different side effects:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
- Constipation
Talk with your doctor if side effects bother you. They may adjust your dose or switch you to a different medicine.
Serious Side Effects
Weight-loss medications can cause other serious side effects, including an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis), gallstones, kidney problems, or allergic reactions.
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Severe stomach pain
- Severe throwing up
- Fever
- Clay-colored stools
- Swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Trouble breathing
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Weight loss medications can be expensive. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates the annual net price of Wegovy at $13,600, while phentermine can be had for as little as $10.
Insurance Coverage
Some insurance plans cover weight loss medicines, but many don’t. Coverage is more likely if you need the medicine for another reason, like reducing heart disease risk.
Wegovy and Zepbound are now available for eligible cash-paying patients. NovoCare Pharmacy offers Wegovy in all dose strengths via home delivery, and LillyDirect provides Zepbound single-dose vial access starting at certain doses for about $499 per month.
Contact your insurance company to find out what your plan covers.
Combining Medication with Lifestyle Changes
Medications don’t replace physical activity or healthy eating habits as a way to lose weight. Studies show that weight management medications work best when combined with a lifestyle program.
Diet Tips
- Eat more vegetables and fruits
- Choose lean proteins
- Pick whole grains over refined grains
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks
- Watch portion sizes
- Eat slowly and mindfully
If you’re considering diabetic weight loss medications, talk with your doctor about options that help with both blood sugar and weight.
Exercise Guidelines
Federal guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and at least 2 days a week of muscle-strengthening activities.
You may need more than 300 minutes of activity weekly to reach or maintain your weight loss goal.
Building Healthy Habits
- Keep a food diary
- Plan meals ahead of time
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress
- Find support from family or friends
- Work with a dietitian if possible
For support with your medications, consider medication counseling services.
How Long Do You Need to Take These Medicines?
People can’t go on the drugs for a short amount of time, lose weight, and then promptly stop taking the medication. These drugs are long-term drugs, meaning you may have to be on them the rest of your life.
What Happens If You Stop?
As soon as people stop the medication, they often will regain the weight. This occurs because there are circuits in the brain that have a sense of your body weight “set point”.
Your body tries to return to its previous weight when you stop the medicine. This is why lifestyle changes are so important.
Long-Term Use
If you have lost enough weight to improve your health and are not experiencing serious side effects, your health care professional may advise you to stay on the medication indefinitely.
Your doctor will monitor your progress and help you decide how long to continue treatment.
New Medications on the Horizon
Scientists are developing exciting new weight loss medicines. The most exciting one, also known as the “triple G,” will have three GLP hormones instead of the one or two typically found in medications now, which may equal or surpass bariatric surgery in weight loss.
What’s Coming
Amgen is developing MariTide, a once-monthly injection that entered Phase 3 clinical trials in March 2025. In a Phase 2 study, it showed up to 20% average weight loss at 52 weeks.
Other developments include:
- New oral medications as effective as injections
- Monthly injections instead of weekly
- Medicines that preserve muscle while losing fat
- Better options for people who don’t respond to current medicines
Special Considerations
For Women
Women who can get pregnant need to know:
- Most weight loss medicines can harm a developing baby
- Use reliable birth control while taking these medicines
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should not take weight-loss medications
For Children
Some weight loss medications including semaglutide and liraglutide are approved for children 12 and older with obesity.
Children need special monitoring and support when taking weight loss medicines.
With Other Health Conditions
Tell your doctor about all your health problems. Some conditions affect which medicines you can safely take:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Thyroid problems
- Mental health conditions
- History of eating disorders
Compounded vs. FDA-Approved Medications
The FDA has received 520 reports of adverse events associated with compounded semaglutide and 480 reports associated with compounded tirzepatide.
Understanding the Difference
Compounded medications are made by pharmacies to meet specific needs, like if you’re allergic to an ingredient. However, compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
The FDA warns that compounded weight loss medicines could contain wrong ingredients or wrong amounts. Stick with FDA-approved medicines from licensed pharmacies.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing a weight loss medication is a personal decision you make with your doctor.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Which medication is best for my situation?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- How much weight loss can I expect?
- How long will I need to take it?
- What does it cost?
- Does my insurance cover it?
- What lifestyle changes do I need to make?
Finding Support
Weight loss is easier with support. Consider:
- Working with a dietitian
- Joining a support group
- Getting help from a counselor
- Tracking your progress
- Celebrating small wins
Many compounding pharmacies can help customize medications to meet your specific needs.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Some side effects need immediate medical attention:
Call Your Doctor Right Away If You Have:
- Severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away
- Thoughts of hurting yourself
- Vision changes
- Severe allergic reactions
- Signs of pancreatitis
- Severe dehydration
People taking certain weight-loss medications have reported having suicidal thoughts or actions, and the FDA continues to look into whether this is caused by the medication.
Never ignore warning signs. Your safety comes first.
Alternatives to Medication
Weight loss medicines aren’t right for everyone. Other options include:
Lifestyle Changes Alone
Many people lose weight successfully through diet and exercise without medication. This takes time and commitment, but it works for many.
Behavioral Therapy
Working with a therapist can help you:
- Change eating habits
- Manage emotional eating
- Develop healthy coping skills
- Stay motivated
Bariatric Surgery
Your health care professional may refer you to a bariatric surgeon to see if weight-loss surgery might be an option for you.
Surgery is typically considered when other methods haven’t worked and you have serious health problems related to weight.
Final Thoughts
Weight loss medications offer real help for people struggling with their weight. Research shows that some people taking prescription weight management medications lose 10% or more of their starting weight.
These medicines work best as part of a complete plan that includes healthy eating, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes. They’re not quick fixes, but helpful tools for long-term weight management.
If you’re considering weight loss medication, talk with your doctor. They can help you understand your options and create a plan that works for your situation. Remember that losing weight takes time, and every small step forward matters.
For more information about weight management options, including injectable weight loss medications and other services, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can guide you toward the best choice for your health goals.
Weight loss is a journey, not a race. With the right medication, lifestyle changes, and support, you can reach your goals and improve your health for years to come.