6 Prescription Weight Loss Pills That May Help You Lose Weight

You've probably heard that there are no magic pills for weight loss. Unfortunately, that's still true. But there are some prescription weight-loss pills that can be very helpful for certain people trying to lose weight.

If you have a medical problem like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, and you cannot control your weight with diet and exercise alone, it might make sense to ask your doctor if one of these weight-loss medications could help you reach your goals sooner and with fewer health risks. Here we list 6 prescription weight loss pills for you to check.

Orlistat

Orlistat, one of the very first weight-loss drugs ever to hit the market, is also one of the most interesting. Orlistat interferes with the way your body breaks down fat, and prevents you from absorbing as much fat from your food. Orlistat can be helpful as part of a healthy diet and exercise plan for people who need a little extra help losing weight. Orlistat can also be used for managing certain types of obesity-related diseases, like diabetes.

But there are two important things to keep in mind before taking orlistat: You will need to take it every day for the rest of your life, because stopping suddenly can lead to dangerous side effects. And while orlistat can help lessen the amount of fat you absorb, it doesn't actually reduce the amount of calories you eat.

Lorcaserin

Lorcaserin is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), meaning it helps stimulate serotonin production in your brain. Some studies have shown that serotonin may help suppress appetite, especially when people are stressed. Lorcaserin also has been shown to help prevent metabolic slowdown - a common side effect of long-term dieting. Lorcaserin is a prescription medication approved for use as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management. However, Lorcaserin is not approved for initial weight loss or for people with type 2 diabetes.

Phentermine

Phentermine is sometimes used as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management. Like Lorcaserin, it is not approved for initial weight loss or for people with type 2 diabetes. Most notably, phentermine is not recommended as a first-line treatment. It's not as well-studied as some of the other drugs on this list, and it may have more side effects. People using phentermine should be carefully monitored by their doctor. It may also be helpful to consult with a dietitian who can help you create a safe and effective diet plan.

Qsymmetry

Qsymmetry, which was developed by a company called Vivus Inc., is the only weight-loss drug approved for men. Qsymmetry blocks the absorption of fat, which means that you'll still be able to eat your favorite fatty foods. And it works for both men and women. Usually, it is approved for two kinds of people: People with a BMI of 30 or higher who have not been able to lose weight with diet and exercise alone. People with a BMI of 27 to 30 who also have a healthy problem like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

Belviq

Belviq is another weight-loss drug that targets appetite by controlling serotonin in your brain. Like lorcaserin, it's another serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Belviq is approved for use as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management. Belviq is most effective when used with a dietary program that stresses reduced calories and increased exercise. People taking belviq should be monitored for serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious reaction that can cause extremely high heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Contrave

Contrave, which is manufactured by Orexigen Therapeutics, is a combination of two different drugs. The first drug is naltrexone, a long-term treatment for opioid addiction. The second drug is an opiate antagonist called bupropion. People who take bupropion are less likely to experience hunger and cravings for carbohydrates. Contrave is approved for use as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management. It is not approved for initial weight loss or for people with type 2 diabetes.

Depending on your specific health needs and goals, there are several prescription weight-loss drugs that can help you reach your health and fitness goals.

No matter which drug you choose, remember that it's only part of an effective weight-loss strategy. You'll need to eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and make time for regular exercise. Also all these medicine should be taken under the care of a doctor who can monitor for potential side effects.