Prescription weight loss medications, including GLP-1 agonists, orlistat, and setmelanotide, may be effective for some people.

But other lifestyle changes are still necessary for long-term success. When paired with other lifestyle changes and taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional, these drugs may offer an effective way to lower your weight.

We reviewed all of the weight loss medications that are currently available, including how they work, who they might be appropriate for, research on their effectiveness, and potential safety concerns. The Food and Drug Administration FDA has approved several drugs for losing weight with overweight and obesity.

These medications require a prescription from a doctor and should only be taken under medical supervision. These currently include :. Most work by reducing your food intake, decreasing fat absorption, or increasing fat-burning, resulting in significant weight loss over time.

However, this can vary depending on several factors, including the specific medication that you take. Keep in mind that these medications should be used alongside dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, such as regular physical activity.

Not only will adopting dietary and lifestyle changes help increase the effectiveness of weight loss drugs, they can also help minimize weight regain, which often occurs after you stop taking these medications.

Three GLP-1 agonists have been approved for weight loss, including liraglutide Saxenda , semaglutide Wegovy , and tirzepatide Zepbound. All three are available as a self-administered injection, but liraglutide is administered once daily , while semaglutide and tirzepatide are only injected once per week.

Though not approved specifically for weight loss, some other GLP-1 agonists intended to treat type 2 diabetes are sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management, including :.

GLP-1 agonists are only available through a prescription from a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Several telehealth services and weight loss programs may also provide prescriptions if you meet the eligibility criteria, including Ro Body Program and Calibrate.

How it works: GLP-1 agonists work by slowing the emptying of the stomach, increasing feelings of fullness, and reducing the secretion of glucagon , a hormone involved in regulating appetite.

Effectiveness: Several studies have found that GLP-1 agonists could be beneficial for weight management.

For instance, one study with 1, adults found that taking 2. Another small study found that people taking liraglutide lost an average of Side effects: Common side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, increased heart rate, infections, and indigestion.

Though uncommon, severe side effects have also been reported, which may require medical attention. These include kidney problems, thyroid C-cell tumors , gallbladder disease, low blood sugar, and suicidal ideation. Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with multiple endocrine neoplasia MEN syndrome type 2, history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis, pregnancy, and current use of certain prescription medications.

It can also be purchased over the counter as the brand Alli. After a medical consultation, a doctor can prescribe orlistat. Certain telehealth services may also provide a prescription for this medication. How it works: Orlistat works by blocking the activity of certain enzymes used to break down fats in the digestive tract, which helps to reduce the amount of calories you absorb.

Effectiveness: According to a study of 80 people with obesity, those who took orlistat lost an average of They also experienced significant reductions in body mass index BMI , belly fat, and total and LDL bad cholesterol levels.

Side effects: Orlistat often causes digestive issues like loose or oily stools, gas, and frequent bowel movements, making the medication difficult for some people to tolerate.

It could also contribute to nutrient deficiencies, including in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, or K. Following a low fat diet is typically recommended while taking this medication to help minimize adverse side effects.

Contraindications: chronic malabsorption, cholestasis a type of liver disease , pregnancy, renal impairment, and current use of certain prescription medications. It requires a prescription from a doctor and is sold under the brand Qsymia.

How it works: This medication includes phentermine , a central nervous system stimulant and appetite suppressant with similar mechanisms to amphetamine. It also includes topiramate , an anticonvulsant that helps reduce appetite and enhance satiety feeling full to promote weight loss.

It could also cause increased body temperature, an inability to sweat, and psychiatric or cognitive disturbances. Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with glaucoma eye conditions that can lead to blindness , a history of hyperthyroidism, pregnancy, recent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and current use of certain prescription medications.

This medication, sold under the name Contrave, is an oral medication that combines bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, which is used to manage opioid or alcohol use disorder. A doctor can determine whether Contrave may be a good option for you and then provide a prescription. Some online services may also prescribe Contrave following a virtual consultation with a healthcare professional.

Over 1 year, participants lost an average of 11—22 lb 5—9 kg. It might also increase heart rate and blood pressure. Contraindications: This medication is not recommended for people with a history of seizures, end-stage renal disease, pregnancy, and current use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, opioids, or certain other prescription medications.

Setmelanotide, sold as Imcivree, is in a class of medications known as melanocortin 4 MC4 receptor agonists. How it works: People with specific genetic mutations may experience insufficient activation of the MC4 receptor in the brain, which could contribute to obesity.

Setmelanotide works by increasing the activation of this receptor, leading to reduced hunger, decreased calorie intake, and increased metabolism , all of which could promote weight loss. Participants also experienced a significant reduction in hunger with no serious treatment-related adverse events reported.

Another small study in children, adolescents, and adults found that setmelanotide significantly improved quality of life as early as 5 weeks after starting treatment, which could be related to reduced hunger and body weight.

Side effects: Some of the most common side effects of setmelanotide include injection site reactions, hyperpigmentation , nausea, headache, diarrhea, and stomach or back pain.

Dietary supplements are sold as health aids. They're taken by mouth. Common ingredients are vitamins, minerals, fiber, caffeine, herbs and other plants. Some of the most popular supplements claim to improve nutrition, boost energy, build muscle or burn fat.

Companies that make supplements are responsible for the safety of their products. They must ensure that their products are free of contaminants and that they're accurately labeled. Dietary supplements don't require approval by the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA. But if a supplement is found to be unsafe, the FDA can issue warnings or ask that it be withdrawn from the market.

The FDA can also take action against companies that make false or unsupported claims to sell their supplements. You might be surprised to learn that makers of dietary supplements rarely carry out clinical trials. That's part of the reason why there's little scientific evidence to show that weight-loss supplements work.

For example, raspberry ketone is marketed as a clinically proven weight-loss product. That claim is supported by one clinical trial. The trial included 70 adults with obesity. All were placed on a restricted diet and exercise program. They were then randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or a supplement containing raspberry ketone, caffeine, bitter orange, ginger and garlic root extract.

While these results are intriguing, the fact that the trial was small and lasted only eight weeks means the results can't be reliably generalized to real-world situations.

And importantly, a short trial like this may miss side effects that only become apparent with long-term use. In addition, the trial used a supplement that contained multiple ingredients. So it's impossible to tell which ingredient was responsible for the weight loss. Ideally these initial results would be tested in a much longer trial involving hundreds of participants with careful monitoring for side effects.

Results from such a trial would allow for an informed decision about the safety and effectiveness of such a product. Until such trial data is more readily available, claims regarding dietary supplements and weight loss should be treated with caution. A product isn't necessarily safe simply because it's natural.

Though rare, some dietary supplements have been linked to serious problems, such as liver damage. Supplements can have strong effects. Ephedra ma-huang is an herb once used for weight loss.

It's now banned by the FDA because it was associated with adverse effects, such as mood changes, high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, stroke, seizures and heart attacks.

Some weight-loss supplements have been found to contain hidden ingredients, such as prescription drugs, that may be harmful. It's important to do your homework if you're thinking about trying a weight-loss supplement.

Check credible websites, such as those run by the U. Office of Dietary Supplements and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Also be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any supplement.

This is especially important if you have health problems, take prescription drugs, or are pregnant or breast-feeding. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Do Weight Loss Gummies Actually Work? Medically reviewed by Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN , Nutrition — By Ashley Marcin on November 6, How gummies work Safety Consumer reports say Keto gummies Versus other supplements FAQs Takeaway Weight loss gummies claim to burn fat, suppress appetite, and otherwise support the quest to shed pounds.

How do gummies help you lose weight? Ingredient Impact on weight loss green tea may have a modest effect green coffee bean extract may have a modest effect ketones not enough evidence garcinia cambogia little or no effect caffeine may have a modest effect.

Which gummies work best for weight loss? Are weight loss gummies safe? Possible side effects. ingredient potential side effects green tea constipation, nausea , increased blood pressure , and liver damage green coffee bean extract urinary tract infections , headaches ketones none identified garcinia cambogia nausea, headache, stomach upset, mania , liver damage caffeine fast heart rate , jitteriness, or vomiting ACV laxative effect.

What do consumer reports say about weight loss gummies? Do they make keto gummies for weight loss? How do gummies compare to other weight loss supplements? Frequently asked questions.

How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Nov 6, Written By Ashley Marcin. Medically Reviewed By Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN. Share this article. Read this next. How Drinking More Water Can Help You Lose Weight. By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice. How Green Tea Can Help You Lose Weight. By Kris Gunnars, BSc. By Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA and Franziska Spritzler.

GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic and Mounjaro Linked to Lower Risk of Depression Patients with diabetes who used GLP-1 drugs, including tirzepatide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide had a decreased chance of being diagnosed… READ MORE.