Articles
Prescription weight-loss drugs
Common weight-loss drugs
Safety of weight-loss drugs
Factors to consider
What drugs are approved in the U.S. for weight loss?
Who is a candidate for weight-loss drugs?
How long does drug therapy last?
The bottom line
Content
Who can take weight-loss drugs?
How well do weight-loss drugs work?
What you should know about weight-loss drugs
How long do I take a weight-loss drug?
What drugs are approved for weight loss?
Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Orlistat (Xenical)
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Other weight-loss drugs
Medicines not approved by the FDA
Are weight-loss drugs right for you?
Safety of weight-loss drugs
Factors to consider
What drugs are approved in the U.S. for weight loss?
Who is a candidate for weight-loss drugs?
How long does drug therapy last?
The bottom line
Content
Who can take weight-loss drugs?
How well do weight-loss drugs work?
What you should know about weight-loss drugs
How long do I take a weight-loss drug?
What drugs are approved for weight loss?
Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Orlistat (Xenical)
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Other weight-loss drugs
Medicines not approved by the FDA
Are weight-loss drugs right for you?
How long do I take a weight-loss drug?
How long you take a weight-loss drug depends on how well the medicine works for you. If you lose enough weight to improve your health and don't have serious side effects, your healthcare professional may suggest that you take the medicine long term.
If you haven't lost at least 5% of your body weight after taking the full dose of a medicine for 3 to 6 months, your healthcare professional may suggest another treatment, such as another weight-loss drug.