Many people are looking for ways to help them lose weight without having to have bariatric surgery. In recent years, several medications have become available that offer significant results, but they must be administered by subcutaneous injection. Well, there is good news for those who are needle-shy; now you can get weight loss pills that actually work, because semaglutide is now available in an oral form.
Today we are going to talk about what is the strongest weight loss pill on the market today is and what medications are available in oral form that are FDA approved to help you lose weight.
Prescription Weight Loss Pills
Prescription weight loss pills are medications that your doctor approves for you to use under their supervision. They are normally recommended for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or 27 or higher who also suffer from weight-related health conditions.
These pills actually work in various ways, like some help to suppress your appetite or reduce the amount of fat your body can absorb, and some make you feel perpetually full so you do not get hungry and eat. The weight loss pills that have shown weight loss results include:
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it works by mimicking a hormone that is naturally produced by your body when you eat to help with the digestion process. In addition to helping to regulate your blood sugar levels, it also helps suppress your appetite and keeps food cravings under control. Semaglutide also helps keep the food you eat in your stomach for a longer time so you do not get hungry as often.
It was originally designed to be administered in an injection format but is now also available in oral form under the brand name Rybelsus.
This form of semaglutide has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and while it is not yet approved specifically for weight loss, clinical trials have shown that a 50 mg dose of oral semaglutide produces significant results, and doctors can prescribe Rybelsus off-label for weight management. In fact, the trials have indicated that those taking 50 mg of oral semaglutide once a day lost about 15% of their starting weight over 68 weeks.
The most common side effects of semaglutide pills include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Phentermine (Adipex-P and Lomaria)
Phentermine is a stimulant that helps suppress your appetite by influencing your central nervous system. It is one of the most commonly prescribed weight loss medications, comes in tablet and capsule form, and can only be used for short-term treatment. People who use phentermine lose an average of 3% to 5% of their starting body weight in about three months.
Common side effects include an increased heart rate, insomnia, and dry mouth.
Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia)
Qsymia combines phentermine with topiramate, which is a medication commonly used to treat seizures and migraines. This combination helps to promote weight loss, and clinical trials have shown that individuals taking Qsymia can lose about 10% of their body weight in about 13 months. This medication is taken by mouth once a day.
The common side effects include tingling sensations, dizziness, and constipation.
Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)
Contrave is a prescription medication that combines naltrexone, which is used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence, and bupropion, an antidepressant, and works by influencing your brain. In your brain, there is a section that is called “the reward center,” and when this section is activated, it makes you feel good.
Things like unhealthy foods, exercise, laughter, music, sex, and physical touch activate this part of your brain. Unfortunately, things like social media, screen time, drugs, and alcohol also trigger this part of your brain, which is why many people have issues with addiction.
This medication targets your brain’s reward system to reduce your appetite and stop cravings. It is taken by mouth two times a day, and the average weight loss people have achieved is between 5% and 9% of their starting weight in 12 weeks.
Side effects can include nausea, constipation, and headache.
What Are The Best Weight Loss Pills for Women?
The effectiveness of weight loss pills can vary among people and work for both men and women, but some medications have been noted for their benefits in women:
- Semaglutide: It is very effective for reducing appetite, helping to promote extended satiety, and promoting significant weight loss results;
- Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia): It helps control food cravings and keeps you feeling full longer;
- Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave): Helps curb emotional eating and food cravings and helps you feel better.
If you are a woman seeking the best weight loss pill for your needs and circumstances, Dr. Simmons at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions and his team of weight management professionals can help determine the best option.
What Is The Strongest Weight Loss Prescription Pill Available Today?
When comparing the weight loss achieved by individuals who participated in clinical trials for the medications outlined above, Rybelsus (semaglutide) is the best diet pill and helped those who used it to lose more weight than the others currently on the market.
How Can I Find The Best Diet Pill For Me?
Determining the best prescription weight loss pill for you will depend on your individual needs, weight loss goals, and the potential side effects you may experience. Dr. Simmons at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions can help find the one that will work best for you. If you are open to weight loss injections, medications like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) have shown the most significant weight loss results.
If you prefer taking your weight loss medication orally, a consultation with our weight management experts can identify the best option to help you reach your goals. Losing weight can help resolve or reduce metabolic health conditions and issues with mobility, lower your risk for heart disease and stroke, and improve your quality of life. Start on the path to better health today, and let the experts at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions create the perfect customized plan to help you reach your goals. Get started today by setting up your in-person or virtual consultation today.
