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?
Who can take weight-loss drugs?
Your healthcare professional may suggest a weight-loss medicine for you if you haven't been able to lose weight through diet and exercise and your:
- Body mass index, also called BMI, is greater than 30. This means you have a condition that involves having too much body fat, called obesity.
- BMI is greater than 27. And you also have a serious medical issue linked to weight, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Before choosing a medicine for you, your healthcare professional asks about your health history and health challenges. Then your healthcare professional talks with you about the pros and cons of prescription weight-loss drugs.
These medicines aren't for everyone. For example, you shouldn't take prescription weight-loss drugs if you're pregnant or breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant.
