EPH Med Weight Management Service

All of the weight loss medications listed must be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.  Typical weight loss medications include:

1. Orlistat (Alli, Xenical): Reduces fat absorption in the intestines.
2. Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): Suppresses appetite and promotes feelings of fullness.
3. Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave): Combines an antidepressant with an opioid receptor antagonist to control cravings.
4. Liraglutide (Saxenda): Mimics a hormone that regulates appetite.
5. Semaglutide (Wegovy): Similar to liraglutide, it also helps regulate appetite and is administered as a weekly injection.
6. Tirzepatide (Zepbound)- Activates  GLP-1 and GIP hormones that promote weight loss by reducing appetite and enhancing feelings of fullness. 

Semaglutide (Wegovy) is a medication approved for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with co-existing conditions. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it mimics a hormone that helps regulate appetite and glucose metabolism.

Key points about Semaglutide (Wegovy):

• Usage: It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Administration: Administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection.
• Effectiveness: Clinical trials have shown significant weight loss in participants.
• Side Effects: Common side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
• Medical Evaluation: A healthcare provider assesses overall health, including potential contraindications and any coexisting medical conditions.

Tirzepatide (Zepbound)  is an injectable medication designed to assist with weight loss, particularly for individuals with obesity or overweight conditions. It mimics the action of two hormones, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide), which help regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.

Key features of Tirzepatide (Zepbound):

• Usage: Approved for use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Administration: Given as a weekly subcutaneous injection.
• Effectiveness: Clinical studies have shown significant weight loss in patients.
• Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential gastrointestinal issues, during the initial phase of treatment.

Liraglutide (Saxenda) is a medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with co-existing conditions. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone that regulates appetite and food intake.

Key features of Liraglutide (Saxenda):

• Usage: Approved for use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Administration: Given as a weekly subcutaneous injection.
• Effectiveness: Clinical studies have shown significant weight loss in patients.
• Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. 

Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave) is a prescription medication designed for weight management in adults. It combines two drugs: bupropion, an antidepressant that can help reduce appetite, and naltrexone, which is used to manage addiction and also affects appetite regulation.

Key features of Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave):

• Usage: It is prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Mechanism: The combination works on the brain’s reward system and appetite control pathways.
• Administration: Taken orally, typically in a controlled-release form.
• Effectiveness: Clinical studies have shown moderate weight loss in participants.
• Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, and insomnia.

Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) is a prescription medication used for weight management in adults. It combines two components: phentermine, an appetite suppressant, and topiramate, a medication originally used to treat epilepsy and migraines that can also promote weight loss.

Key features of Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia):

• Usage: Prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• Mechanism: Phentermine reduces appetite, while topiramate increases feelings of fullness and decreases cravings.
• Administration: Taken orally, usually in a controlled-release capsule.
• Effectiveness: Clinical studies have shown significant weight loss among users.
• Side Effects: Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, and changes in mood.