Anti-Obesity Pharmacotherapy

There are four FDA-approved long-term medications and one short term FDA-approved medication that can be used to treat the disease of obesity. These medications are used adjunctively with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Our team will conduct a thorough medical evaluation and review your past medical history, co-morbidities, and current medications to formulate an optimal medical weight loss plan that will help you achieve a healthier weight.

You may be a candidate for weight loss medications if you have the following:

  • Body mass index greater than 30
  • Body mass index greater than 27 with one or more weight related medical problem (co-morbidity)

Long-term Use Medication

Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion)

This is an oral combination medication that works in two parts of the brain to reduce hunger and control cravings.

Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended release)

This is an oral combination medication that works in the brain to help reduce appetite, increase satiety (fullness), and alter the taste of certain foods to make eating less enjoyable.

Saxenda (liraglutide)

This GLP-1 receptor agonist is a daily injectable that suppresses appetite through the brain as well as slows down gastric emptying to promote early satiety.

Xenical (orlistat)

This medication is a lipase inhibitor and blocks absorption of 25%-30% of the dietary fats that are consumed. Xenical blocks the body’s absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins. When patients are using Xenical, they should take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamin A, D, E, and K.

Wegovy

This GLP-1 receptor agonist is a weekly injectable that was approved in June 2021. This medication suppresses appetite through the brain as well as slows down gastric emptying to promote early satiety.

Plenity

This FDA-cleared device is made up of cellulose and citric acid. It is called a device and not a medication because none of it is absorbed in the body. Take 3 capsules 20-30 minutes before lunch and dinner with 16 ounces of water. When the capsules dissolve, these fiber molecules absorb 100 times in weight in water and fills up the stomach, which reduces space available for food. It is has not nationally launched, but NGPG BMI is part of the Plenity Early Prescribing Program (PEPP) and we can offer this treatment to our patients. Click here to watch a video about how Plenity works.

Short-term Use Medication

Phentermine

This is an appetite suppressant that can be prescribed for short term use. The duration of use is usually 12 weeks, but phentermine may be prescribed longer at the provider’s discretion.

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