Weight Loss Medication Options

A Non-Surgical Option

There are a number of prescription weight loss medications that are approved by the FDA. These medications are rigorously tested to ensure their safety and efficacy.

At Weight Loss Specialists of North Texas, we offer the latest weight loss medications, and also older, established medications under the direct supervision of our medical doctors.

All weight-loss medication regimens should be combined with a diet and exercise program for maximum results. As a result, our registered dietitian will work one-on-one with you to develop a diet and exercise program that is unique to you and your circumstances.

GLP 1 Agonist Medications

Glucagon-like peptide-1 medications work through a series of brain-gut reactions resulting in: increased insulin production, decreased glucagon release, reduced appetite and a feeling of being “full” longer after eating.

Weekly Injections

Wegovy/Semaglutide

Wegovy™ is an injectable prescription medication for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (excess weight) (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems. We use it in conjunction with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake. This can help you eat less, which can lead to weight loss.

https://www.wegovy.com

Daily Inject

Saxenda

Saxenda® is an FDA-approved, prescription injectable, weight loss medication that works in conjunction with a low-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. It is also for adults with obesity / medical problems (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes).

The medication works like a hormone (which the body produces naturally) that regulates appetite. This hormone is known as glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1). By activating areas of your brain that regulate appetite, Saxenda® may make you feel less hungry, which as a result, can lead to lower calorie intake and weight loss. As a result, this medication can help you lose weight and keep it off.

https://www.saxenda.com

Other GLP-1 Agonists

These medications are FDA approved to treat diabetes, not weight loss.
Some clinics may choose to prescribe them off-label for weight loss.

Oral Medications (Pills)

Phentermine Based Medications

This class of medications (anoretics) works by releasing certain
neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in suppressed appetite.

Qsymia

Qsymia is the only once-daily prescription weight loss medication to receive FDA approval. It contains two ingredients that can help you lose weight and, most of all – keep it off. The weight loss medication is a unique once-daily pill that can help you minimize snacking and overeating at meals. Furthermore, it works throughout the day into the evening to help you stay on track.

For best results, use Qsymia together with a reduced-calorie diet and an increase in physical activity. This medication is for adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30+ and those (BMI 27+) with at least one medical condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol due to obesity.

https://qsymia.com

Lomaira

Lomaira™ (phentermine hydrochloride USP) 8 mg tablets, CIV is an appetite suppressant used for a short period (a few weeks) for weight reduction and should be used together with regular exercise and a reduced-calorie diet. Lomaira is for adults with a BMI* of 30 or more or 27 or more with at least one weight-related condition, such as controlled high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

https://lomaira.com

Adipex-P

Adipex-P® (phentermine hydrochloride USP) CIV use is for a short period (a few weeks) as part of a weight reduction treatment plan that includes exercise, behavioral changes, and a low-calorie diet. It is also for people with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or a body mass index greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 and other risk factors (e.g., controlled high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol).

http://www.adipex.com

Non-Phentermine Based Medications

These medications work through either controlling hunger/cravings
or by preventing the absorption of fats.

Contrave

Contrave® is a prescription-only, weight loss medication believed to work on two areas of your brain—the hunger center and the reward system—to reduce hunger and help control cravings. Most noteworthy, it has FDA approval. It contains two medicines, bupropion and naltrexone. These are well-known drugs for depression (bupropion), smoking cessation, and alcohol and opioid dependence (naltrexone).

Especially relevant, Contrave has a solid safety and tolerability profile. Three long-term (56 weeks) studies show that patients who add Contrave lose approximately 2 to 4 times more weight than with diet and exercise alone.

https://contrave.com/

Orlistat

Orlistat is in a class of medications called lipase inhibitors. It works by preventing some of the fat in foods eaten from being absorbed in the intestines.

This unabsorbed fat is then removed from the body in the stool.