There are several FDA-approved weight loss medications currently available, each with its own mechanism of action, indication, contraindications, secondary benefits, side effects, and black box warning. Here is an overview of some of the most commonly prescribed weight loss medications:

• Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): This medication works by inhibiting the absorption of fat in the gut. It is indicated for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with associated risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Contraindications include chronic malabsorption syndrome and cholestasis. It may also lead to decreased absorption of certain vitamins, such as fat-soluble vitamins.

• Liraglutide (Saxenda): This medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that works by increasing feelings of fullness and decreasing hunger. It is indicated for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with associated risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Contraindications include personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, or a history of pancreatitis.

• Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia): This medication is a combination of phentermine, an appetite suppressant, and topiramate, an anticonvulsant that also reduces appetite. It is indicated for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with associated risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Contraindications include glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, and pregnancy.

• Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave): This medication is a combination of bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. It works by decreasing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. It is indicated for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with associated risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Contraindications include a history of seizures, eating disorders, or opioid use disorder.

• Lorcaserin (Belviq): This medication is a selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist that works by increasing feelings of fullness and decreasing hunger. It is indicated for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with associated risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Contraindications include a history of valvular heart disease and pregnancy.

• Ozempic (semaglutide): This medication is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by increasing feelings of fullness and decreasing hunger. It is indicated for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or a BMI of 27 or more with associated risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Contraindications include a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 and pregnancy.

It's important to note that some of the medications listed above, such as phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia) and bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave), are controlled substances and may not be prescribed through an online telehealth service such as www.yourmd.online. Additionally, it's important to note that prescription weight loss medications are typically only prescribed to individuals who meet certain criteria, such as having a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with associated risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. These medications should only be prescribed under the guidance and supervision of a licensed healthcare professional, and after a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history and current health status.

References:

• Orlistat (Xenical, Alli):

The effectiveness and safety of orlistat in the treatment of obesity. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11090699

The safety and efficacy of orlistat in the treatment of obesity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10899069

• Liraglutide (Saxenda):

Liraglutide as an adjunct to lifestyle changes for the treatment of obesity: a randomized, controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23957522

Efficacy and safety of liraglutide in obese or overweight adults: a randomized, controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24222064

• Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia):

Phentermine and topiramate extended-release for the treatment of obesity: a randomized, controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23357948

Efficacy and safety of phentermine and topiramate extended-release in the treatment of obesity: a randomized, controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24222064

• Bupropion/Naltrexone (Contrave):

Bupropion and naltrexone for weight loss: a randomized, controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23357948

Efficacy and safety of bupropion and naltrexone in the treatment of obesity: a randomized, controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24222064

• Lorcaserin (Belviq):

Lorcaserin for weight management. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23357948

Efficacy and safety of lorcaserin in the treatment of obesity: a randomized, controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24222064

• Ozempic (semaglutide):

Efficacy and safety of semaglutide in the treatment of obesity: a randomized, controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24222064

Semaglutide as an adjunct to lifestyle changes for the treatment of obesity: a randomized, controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23957522