Finding Success with FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications

In this article:

• The FDA has approved six medications for long-term weight loss use: Orlistat (Xenical, Alli), bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), as well as GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepetide (Zepbound), and liraglutide (Saxenda).
• People with a BMI over 30, or a BMI over 27 and obesity-related health conditions, may benefit from weight loss medications.
• The medications differ in how they work, their possible side effects, and how to take them.
• Regardless of whether you’re on prescription medications for weight loss, long-term weight management depends on behaviors like healthy eating, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress in healthy ways.
• Lark can support your goals and help you stay motivated as you make progress towards your health and weight loss goals with or without medications as you log food, get tips for eating healthier, and make small changes that can turn into healthy habits.

For some overweight patients, weight loss medications can be a tool for increasing weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes the possible value of weight loss medications and has approved several different drugs for long-term use.

• Orlistat (Xenical)
• Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
• Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
• Liraglutide (Saxenda)
• Semaglutide (Wegovy)
• Tirzepatide (Zepbound)

Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE) is also approved for weight loss, but only for people with certain genetic conditions.

Here’s what to know about how weight loss medications work, who might benefit from taking them, and how to make the most of them if your healthcare provider prescribes them for you.

How Weight Loss Medications Affect Your Body

It’s important to learn how weight loss medications affect your body so you can understand how they might help with weight loss and what side effects may occur. The National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) describes how they work.

Orlistat (Xenical) reduces the absorption of dietary fat by inhibiting the activity of a digestive enzyme called lipase. Fat is calorie-dense, with 9 calories per gram. When your body absorbs less dietary fat, you’re getting fewer calories which can help you lose weight.

Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) suppresses appetite with phentermine and topiramate. Topiramate also helps increase feelings of fullness. When you don’t feel as hungry for a meal, you’re more likely to eat less. That way, it’s easier to reduce your calorie intake and lose weight.

Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave) includes an antidepressant (bupropion) and a chemical that affects appetite and the reward system (naltrexone). It can help reduce hunger and increase fullness so you eat less.

Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), and Tirzepatide (Zepbound) are similar in that they mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone. Results can include decreased appetite, decreased calorie intake, reduced cravings, increased metabolism, and slower gastric emptying, which helps you feel full for longer.

Who They’re For And Not

The NIDDK says that weight loss medications may be for you if lifestyle changes haven’t been enough to help you achieve your weight loss and maintenance goals. Your healthcare provider may discuss weight loss medications with you in these situations.

• If you have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2
• If you have a BMI over 27 plus one or more obesity-related comorbidities like type 2 diabetes or hypertension

Benefits of losing extra weight can include improved blood sugar regulation, lower blood pressure and triglycerides, and improvements in joint pain and sleep apnea.

Weight loss medications aren’t for everyone. Because they all have potential side effects and risks, you should only take them for medical reasons, and not for cosmetic reasons. In addition, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any health conditions you may have or medications you may be on to decide whether weight loss medication may be safe for you, and which one may be best.

Weight Loss Medications and Your Weight Loss Program

Aside from taking your medications, your daily choices affect your weight loss results. It’s best to choose a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity, including moderate to

vigorous-intensity activity and muscle-strengthening exercises.

It’s also a good idea to think about other factors that can affect weight through metabolism, appetite, hormones, and the ability to make smart choices. For example, getting more sleep can improve weight loss. Being short on sleep can increase hunger, interfere with blood sugar

regulation, and reduce energy levels so it’s harder to do things like be physically active and prepare healthy food. Getting more sleep can reverse these barriers.

You may want to consider joining a health program that includes weight loss medication support. A weight loss program like Lark includes these elements.

• A plan for reducing calories from foods and beverages. Lark helps members choose more nutritious foods and beverages in place of less nutritious, higher-calorie options.
• A plan for appropriate physical activity. Lark lets members set and track physical activity goals while offering 24/7 coaching to make it a habit.
• Support in making healthy lifestyle changes and turning them into lasting habits.
• A plan for preventing weight regain in the future. Lark helps members set new goals and maintain their new habits.

Eating for Success with Weight Loss Medications

To lose weight with or without any type of weight loss medication, you need to reduce calorie consumption compared to calorie output. A successful eating plan for weight loss can include these strategies.

• Reducing portion sizes: Eating smaller portions of higher-calorie foods like desserts, fatty foods, and starchy foods
• Increasing satisfying foods: Eating larger portions of low-calorie foods like vegetables, broth-based soups, fruit, and lean proteins
• Choosing nutritious foods: Replacing low-nutrient foods with nutrient-dense foods like fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Helpful approaches can include preparing food at home instead of eating fast food, using simple tools like the Plate Method for meal planning, and drinking more water.

Specific types of weight loss medications can have additional guidelines for maximizing results and reducing possible side effects.

On Orlistat, for example, you’ll also need to follow a low-fat diet. That’s because the medication works by blocking fat absorption. If you eat too much fat, you’re more likely to experience diarrhea and an upset stomach. It’s also important to ask your provider about potential deficiencies of vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble and can have lower absorption on orlistat.

On GLP-1 agonist medications, or liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound), it’s important to keep fat down and portions small to reduce the chances of feeling overfull or nauseous. Increasing fiber, fluids, and protein consumption can help reduce constipation and loss of muscle mass from rapid weight loss.

Taking Medications as Prescribed

It’s important to take your medications as prescribed to get maximum results. Take the dose your provider prescribes, and at the correct frequency. If you’re taking an injectable medication, be sure you know how to administer it properly. Also think about things like storing your medications properly, and ordering refills in a timely manner.

How Lark Can Help

Weight loss medications can help some people lose more weight, and you’re more likely to find success if you make small, sustainable lifestyle changes at the same time. Lark can help you make positive choices on a daily basis. Your Lark coach is available 24/7 for encouragement, coaching, and tracking. Lark can help you engage in healthy behaviors and establish habits that fit into your lifestyle so you can lose weight and keep it off with or without GLP-1 medications.

Click here to see if you may be eligible to join Lark today!

‍