Current FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications: GLP-1 and Dual Agonists (Most Effective): Tirzepatide (Zepbound) Approval: November 2023 Mechanism: Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist Average Weight Loss: 15-22% of body weight Administration: Weekly injection Semaglutide (Wegovy) Approval: June 2021 Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist Average Weight Loss: 10-15% of body weight Administration: Weekly injection Liraglutide (Saxenda) Approval: December 2014 Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist Average Weight Loss: 5-8% of body weight Administration: Daily injection Older Weight Loss Medications (Less Effective): Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia) Approval: July 2012 Mechanism: Appetite suppressant + anticonvulsant Average Weight Loss: 7-9% of body weight Administration: Daily pill Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave) Approval: September 2014 Mechanism: Opioid antagonist + antidepressant Average Weight Loss: 4-5% of body weight Administration: Daily pill Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) Approval: April 1999 (prescription), 2007 (OTC) Mechanism: Lipase inhibitor (blocks fat absorption) Average Weight Loss: 3-5% of body weight Administration: Three times daily with meals Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) Approval: 1959 Mechanism: Appetite suppressant Average Weight Loss: 5-7% of body weight Administration: Daily pill Restriction: Short-term use only (12 weeks) Effectiveness Ranking: Why GLP-1 Medications Dominate: The top three most effective medications are all GLP-1 receptor agonists
June 20, 2025
frozen GLP-1 medications must be discarded Keep away from the freezer element to prevent accidental freezing Check the expiry date printed on the carton and pen label before use If you receive your GLP-1 medication by post or collect it from a pharmacy, refrigerate it as soon as possible
In laboratory research settings, IGF-1 LR3 is examined for its involvement in IGF-1 receptormediated signaling pathways, intracellular communication networks, and peptide-regulated cellular processes
Non-GLP-1 Medications There are additional weight loss medications available for patients that are often more affordable if you do not have insurance coverage for obesity medications
Flashback Friday: How to Reduce Your TMAO Levels Should we be concerned about high-choline plant foods, such as broccoli, producing the same toxic TMAO that results from eating high-choline animal foods, such as eggs
