Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. 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. Plans can include:.

Fasting can result in weight loss primarily due to a reduction in calorie intake, but some beneficial effects on hormones may also come into play.

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The amount of time it takes to recover from weight loss surgery depends on the type of surgery and surgical technique you receive. New research suggests that running may not aid much with weight loss, but it can help you keep from gaining weight as you age.

Here's why. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based How Intermittent Fasting Can Help You Lose Weight.

Medically reviewed by Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN, CDCES — By Kris Gunnars, BSc — Updated on October 9, Fasting plans Hormonal effects Weight loss Tips Bottom line. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

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Was this helpful? Share on Pinterest A male timing his fast. Aya Brackett. Choosing your intermittent fasting plan. How intermittent fasting affects your hormones.

Intermittent fasting helps you reduce calories and lose weight. How to succeed with an intermittent fasting protocol. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: History. Foods high in fiber will help you feel fuller longer and help reduce sugar cravings, plus fiber has been proven to balance blood sugar, lower cholesterol and more.

The average person only gets 15—20 grams of fiber each day when they should be getting 30—40 grams daily from a variety of high-fiber foods. Seeds that have been sprouted, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds, are loaded with healthy fiber that can support your fat loss efforts. Also, they are high in protein and contain omega-3 fatty acids , which can help your metabolism.

In order to lose those unwanted pounds, you not only need to be aware of your calories but also focus on getting more nutrients. Vegetables are your highest source of vitamins and minerals, which regulate metabolic function and support organs like your thyroid. Green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables are some of the most nutrient-dense foods.

Other favorites are kale, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, asparagus and carrots. Steamed, sautéed and cooked in coconut oil are all great choices. Research reveals that consuming grapefruit may be beneficial due to an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase AMPK that helps your body utilize sugar.

Additionally, nootkatone, a component found in grapefruit, has been shown to significantly increase fat-burning AMPK activity. Studies have shown that herbs like cayenne pepper, turmeric , cinnamon and dandelion can all make meals tastier and may all help promote weight loss.

Cayenne pepper, for instance, is a metabolic booster and anti-inflammatory. One study noted that consuming cayenne pepper for breakfast creates less appetite , so people eat less calories during the day. Rather that worrying about stomach bloat and water weight, realize that water will actually reduce bloating and overall weight.

Drinking water not only keeps fat toxins moving out of the body, it also keeps your metabolism running optimally. In fact, in a study showed 14 healthy men and women increased their metabolic rate by 30 percent after drinking about 16 ounces of water.

Drinking 1—3 cups of herbal teas such as green tea , white tea, black tea and rooibos tea daily may help amp up your metabolism.

According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , green tea is more effective than other teas like oolong at promoting weight loss because of its high levels of catechins.

Drinking yerba mate tea has also been shown to increase fat oxidation and energy expenditure during exercise. The study concluded that its ingestion can increase the exercise effectiveness for weight loss and sports performance.

Whether it be a few days or weeks, learning how to detox the body can be a great idea to kick off weight loss, including getting rido of a toxin buildup in the body.

A simple way to cleanse is by starting to drink this Secret Detox Drink. Speaking of detoxing, adding fermented, raw apple cider vinegar to your water might help decrease occurrence of gastrointestinal complications like constipation, diarrhea and acid reflux, as well as help control your appetite and potentially reducing weight gain and high cholesterol.

Work your way up to consuming one to two tablespoons per day, diluted with water, before your biggest meals. To improve the taste and nutrient content, try combining it with a bit of raw honey and lemon juice. Consider avoiding certain foods that can contribute to over-eating and trigger inflammation by causing gut-related issues such as ultra-processed foods that take up over 60 percent of the American diet.

You will want to remove and replace these with healthy alternatives. Unfortunately, foods for which studies show we have a high biological preference those high in sugar and calories , and which contribute to overeating, are currently the cheapest and most accessible.

It takes effort, but you will want to cut out any fast food, which relies on additives and excessive sodium to taste appealing, and foods with long ingredient lists that are hard to pronounce.

Eat minimally processed, whole foods that have ideally been cooked from scratch. Sugar can be hidden under names like corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, juice concentrate, maltodextrin, raw sugar and brown sugar.

These sugars can often be hidden in things that sound like health foods, including fruit juice, granola bars, dressings and protein bars. Eliminate and replace all of these types of sugar with natural sugar substitutes like green stevia and raw honey, but have even both of these in moderation.

Three of the main compounds in grains are gluten, starch and phytic acid, all of which can cause issues. Gluten can cause inflammation, starch turns into sugar quickly, and phytic acid binds to minerals, blocking some of their absorption.

Replace your daily intake of grains with fruits and vegetables, or consume up to one piece daily of a sprouted grain bread like Ezekiel bread or sourdough.

When it comes to using flour, switch to a Paleo flour , almond or coconut flour — all suitable for fat loss. Canola oil or other vegetable oils are found in many processed foods that can slow down your fat loss and cause too much inflammation.

Replace all vegetable oils with coconut oil, avocado oil and grass-fed butter. One study even stated that our aging would slow by 2 percent to 3 percent if we lowered the number of calories we eat by 25 percent.

The Harris-Benedict equation is a popular tool used by many nutrition and health professionals to calculate the caloric requirements of individuals based on sex, age, height, weight and level of physical activity.

Here are the equations by gender:. An online calorie calculator can help you determine your daily caloric needs. Meanwhile, also count your macros. Carbohydrates, fats and protein are the three macronutrients. Evidence shows that tracking your food, such as with an calorie counting app, can be an amazing tool to help manage your goals.

It works by bringing awareness to your eating routine. Over time, you can learn about your food to the point where you may not have to journal. A study showed that women who tracked their food intake, practiced self-monitoring, cooked home-prepared meals and consumed meals at regular time frames had improved weight loss goals over a month period among postmenopausal women.

Intermittent fasting , also known as cyclic fasting, helps to stop you from eating mindlessly, can crank up your metabolism and is beneficial for hormone production, digestion and more.

Research shows that fasting can stabilize blood sugar levels, help reduce inflammation and help keep your heart healthy. Conversely, some do better with three square meals a day. Start your day on the right foot and fuel your body with a breakfast balanced between the three macronutrients — rather than one mostly carb-laden.

Make your own healthier versions instead. Try washing fresh fruits and veggies and storing them in glass or nice bowls on the counter or refrigerator shelf where they will be most visible. Want to know a secret regarding how to lose weight fast without exercise?

Make the majority of your own snacks and meals from whole foods at home. Start by committing to making one meal a day at home. As you get more comfortable in the kitchen, increase that number. Use them to create new meals for instance, make a stir-fry with leftover cooked meats and veggies or have a weekly night where all the leftovers get put out and everyone in the family can eat their favorites again.

You can also bring your own healthy foods to gatherings. Practice mindful eating , chewing slowly and enjoying the flavor of your food. This process will ensure that you not only consume fewer calories, it also eases digestion and helps your brain to catch up with your body.

Try down-sizing your plate, since the same serving of food looks like less food on larger plates, tricking your brain into eating less. Or, is your office having a pizza party and the smell of cheesy goodness is too hard to resist? Pick the slice loaded with veggies, enjoy and then turn away.