ORAL MEDICATIONS

1.Phentermine

Phentermine is a stimulant. It works by increasing the chemicals in your brain to decrease hunger. It also increases your metabolism. Phentermine is not recommended for anyone who has a history of cardiac disease or anxiety. It can cause dry mouth, constipation, & headaches.

2.Metformin

Metformin is commonly prescribed for diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, and infertility in women. It works by decreasing the absorption of carbs and sugar.

3. Topamax

A common medication used for the prevention of migraines and treat seizure disorders. A side effect of topamax is weight loss. It also alters the taste of some foods and makes anything carbonated taste flat. Therefore, you don’t want to consume those types of “treats.” It is typically prescribed in combo with phentermine, but can be used on its own.

4. Contrave

Contrave is a combination drug consisting of buproprion (wellbutrin) and naltrexone. For some stress eaters, this med was designed to reduce hunger and control cravings. Contrave is approved for weight loss for adults with a body mass index (BMI) thirty or greater OR 27 with at least one weight related medical problem.

INJECTABLES

The main drugs, semaglutide and tirzepitide are all GLP-1 agonist. More often referred to as Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro and Zepbound. These medications work in the body by acting like the natural hormone that is already being released by the gastrointestional tract. Similar to metformin, they decrease the absorption of carbs and sugars. These medications also make you feel fuller faster and fuller longer by delaying stomach emptying.

Wegovy and Zepbound are both approved for OBESITY and WEIGHT LOSS, whereas Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for TYPE 2 DIABETES.

Not all insurances cover these types of medications for either diagnosis. When insurance will not allow coverage for these types of medications, many people opt in to the compound. Semaglutide is also now available in a liquid compound form that is taken orally at night.

If medical weight loss is something you find may help in your weight loss journey, discuss with your provider which options may be good for

you. It is important to remember that whatever is best for your neighbor, Sally, or your best friend Suzie, may not be best for you.

AND THAT”S OKAY. Every patient is different and your healthcare provider will assist you in making an informed

decision as to what medication will help you!

If medical weight loss is something you find may help in your weight loss journey, discuss with your provider which options may be good for you. It is important to remember that whatever is best for your neighbor, Sally, or your best friend Suzie, may not be best for you. AND THAT”S OKAY. Every patient is different and your healthcare provider will assist you in making an informed decision as to what medication will help you!