List of Medications
Description
• Mechanism of Action: Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone, enhancing insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, and promoting satiety.
• Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
• Average Weight Loss: Clinical trials have shown an average weight loss of approximately 15% over 68 weeks.
• Suitable Candidates: Individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
• Serious Side Effects/Considerations: Risk of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney injury. Not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Description
• Mechanism of Action: Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that enhances insulin secretion, reduces glucagon release, and promotes satiety.
• Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
• Average Weight Loss: Clinical trials have shown weight loss of approximately 20-25% over 72 weeks.
• Suitable Candidates: Individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 with at least one weight-related health condition.
• Serious Side Effects/Considerations: Risk of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney injury. Contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Description
• Mechanism of Action: Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that increases feelings of fullness and reduces appetite.
• Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
• Average Weight Loss: Clinical studies indicate an average weight loss of about 5-10% over 56 weeks.
• Suitable Candidates: Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 with at least one weight-related health condition.
• Serious Side Effects/Considerations: Risk of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney injury. Contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Description
• Mechanism of Action: Orlistat inhibits gastrointestinal lipases, reducing the absorption of dietary fats.
• Common Side Effects: Oily stools, flatulence, frequent bowel movements, and fecal incontinence.
• Average Weight Loss: Studies have shown an average weight loss of 3-5% over 12 months.
• Suitable Candidates: Individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 with at least one weight-related health condition.
• Serious Side Effects/Considerations: Potential for liver injury, kidney stones, and reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Should be taken with a low-fat diet to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Description
• Mechanism of Action: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, and bupropion is an antidepressant; together, they affect the central nervous system to reduce appetite and food cravings.
• Common Side Effects: Nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, and dry mouth.
• Average Weight Loss: Clinical trials have demonstrated an average weight loss of 5-10% over 56 weeks.
• Suitable Candidates: Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 with at least one weight-related health condition.
• Serious Side Effects/Considerations: Risk of suicidal thoughts, seizures, and increased blood pressure. Contraindicated in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, seizure disorders, or a history of eating disorders.
Description
• Mechanism of Action: Setmelanotide is a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist that addresses genetic conditions causing severe obesity, such as melanocortin-4 receptor deficiency.
• Common Side Effects: Nausea, injection site reactions, and increased appetite.
• Average Weight Loss: Clinical trials have shown weight loss ranging from 10-20% in patients with genetic obesity.
• Suitable Candidates: Individuals with specific genetic causes of severe obesity, such as rare MC4R (melanocortin-4 receptor) mutations.
• Serious Side Effects/Considerations: Risk of elevated blood pressure, irritability, and fatigue. Must be prescribed with careful monitoring.