According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the four best weight loss pills have been approved for long-term use:
- Taking bupropion with naltrexone (Contrave)
- Saxenda (Liraglutide)
- Xenical (Orlistat)
- Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate)
Orlistat, however, interferes with fat absorption and works by decreasing appetite or increasing feelings of fullness. It’s the only prescription best weight loss pills that work differently. Depending on how effectively a weight-loss drug works and whether you’ve had any serious side effects, your doctor may recommend that you continue taking it.
Bupropion-naltrexone
As with all antidepressants, bupropion is associated with a suicide risk, which is why it is a combination drug with bupropion and naltrexone. Naltrexone treats alcohol and opioid dependence. Naltrexone is used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. It is important to monitor blood pressure when taking bupropion-naltrexone. Side effects include nausea, headaches, and constipation.
Liraglutide
There are several side effects associated with liraglutide, including nausea and vomiting. The medication is administered via injection, unlike most weight-loss drugs.
Orlistat
Additionally, orlistat can be purchased without a prescription (Alli) in a reduced-strength form. It is important to follow a low-fat diet when taking this medicine. It has been reported that orlistat can cause bothersome gastrointestinal side effects, including flatulence and loose stools. The relationship between orlistat and liver injury has not been established.
Phentermine-topiramate
In phentermine-topiramate, an anticonvulsant (topiramate) is combined with a weight-loss drug (phentermine). Because phentermine acts like an amphetamine, it has the potential to be abused. Topiramate increases the risk of congenital disabilities and may cause insomnia, constipation, nervousness, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. The weight loss drug phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) is also a short-term weight loss drug approved only for use within 12 weeks. Other drugs are less commonly used.
Conclusion
The best way to lose weight and improve your health is not by taking weight-loss drugs but by making the necessary lifestyle changes that affect your weight.
