Weight Loss: Prescription Medication

Have you Heard of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist?

Imagine a world where weight loss is more than just “eat less, move more.” A world where science and medicine come together to offer solutions tailored to your unique body. The journey to weight loss can often feel like a maze, full of dead ends and false starts. But what if there was a tool that could help guide you through this maze? Prescription medications for weight loss could be that guiding tool. In this article, we’ll explore how these medications can provide an additional tool in your weight loss journey and how they can benefit your weight loss plan.

Among these medications are Hormone Mimickers such as Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Semaglutide (Ozempic). These drugs mimic hormones in your body that regulate appetite, helping you feel less hungry and more satisfied after eating, which can lead to a reduction in calorie intake. These injectable medications have been approved for long-term use. However, like all medications, they can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in some patients and thus needs close monitoring by your doctor.

Saxenda, for instance, is used for chronic weight loss in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise in adults aged 18 and above who have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater, or a BMI of 27 kg/m2 and less than 30 kg/m2 and weight-related health problems (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal levels of fats in the blood or breathing problems during sleep called ‘obstructive sleep apnoea’)

Another category of prescription medications for weight loss is Appetite Suppressants, like Phentermine. These medications work by triggering the release of chemicals in your brain that make you feel full, helping to reduce your food intake. However, it’s important to note that these medications can have side effects, such as increased blood pressure or heart rate, restlessness, and insomnia.

Fat Absorption Blockers such as Orlistat work by preventing your body from absorbing some of the fat you eat. Instead, the fat passes through your body undigested, reducing the number of calories you take in. It’s important to follow a low-fat diet while taking this medication to minimize side effects.

Next on our roster of weight loss medications is Contrave, an Appetite and Craving Suppressant. This medication is a unique blend of two drugs: naltrexone, which is commonly used to manage certain addictive behaviors, and bupropion, an antidepressant that can also aids with smoking cessation.These two components work synergistically to influence the reward pathways in your brain, helping to decrease your appetite and increase your sense of fullness^. This dual-action approach can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with food cravings.

Contrave has been shown to be effective in clinical trials, with patients experiencing significant weight loss over a year of treatment. In fact, patients who achieved a weight loss of at least 5% at week 16 were likely to maintain clinically significant weight loss after 1 year of treatment.However, it’s important to be aware that Contrave, like all medications, can have side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and headaches.

While these medications can aid in weight loss, they are not magic pills. They are most effective when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also carry severe risks if not taken correctly.Don’t be a Doctor Quack! Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

Ready to take a step further? Take control of your journey with the help of Hisential’s Slim & Trim weight loss program, which combines prescription medications with individualized nutrition plans from our nutritionists. You’ll also receive expert guidance from a team of doctors and have access to the internationally acclaimed fitness gym, F45. Contact us today and unleash your full weight loss potential.

Reference:

1. Khera R, Murad MH, Chandar AK, et al. Association of Pharmacological Treatments for Obesity With Weight Loss and Adverse Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2016;315(22):2424–2434. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.7602″
2. Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency. Saxenda Product Information. Available at: https://quest3plus.bpfk.gov.my/front-end/attachment/519/pharma/81508/81508_20220415_151014_.pdf
3. Fujioka, K., Plodkowski, R., O’Neil, P., Gilder, K., Walsh, B., & Greenway, F. (2016). The relationship between early weight loss and weight loss at 1 year with naltrexone ER/bupropion ER combination therapy. International Journal of Obesity, 40(9), 1369-1375. DOI: 10.1038/ijo.2016.67
4. Makowski, C., Gwinn, K., &Hurren, K. (2011). Naltrexone/Bupropion: An Investigational Combination for Weight Loss and Maintenance. Obesity Facts, 4(6), 489-494. DOI: 10.1159/000335352