The use of weight loss drugs is in addition to, and not in place of, diet and exercise. Lifestyle modification is the key to success and always wins. Regular monitoring of your weight, setting realistic goals, and getting help and support from friends and family will help to reach your weight-loss goals.

When combined with lifestyle changes, prescription weight-loss drugs can produce significant weight loss.

  • Obesity medications can help change habits and preserve long-term results.
  • If you have lost enough weight to improve your health and are not having serious side effects, your doctor may suggest that you stay on the medication long-term.
  • If you do not lose at least 5 percent of your body weight after 12 weeks on the full dose of your medication, your doctor may change your treatment plan or consider using a different weight-loss medication.
  • After stopping weight-loss medication, many people gain back some of the weight they lost. However, adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help limit weight gain.
  • Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant or women who are breast-feeding should not use weight-loss medication.
  • Mild side effects, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, are common, but may lessen over time.
  • Weight-loss drugs can be expensive and are not always paid for by insurance.

Approved drugs for the treatment of obesity:

Most prescription weight-loss drugs (exception Orlistat) work by decreasing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, and some do both.

  • Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)* is a combination drug that decreases appetite and increases feelings of fullness.
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda) is a combination drug that decreases appetite and increases feelings of fullness.
  • Orlistat (Xenical) blocks the absorption of dietary fat.
  • Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) is a combination of an anticonvulsant (topiramate) and a weight-loss drug. Approved for short-term use only (less than 12 weeks)
  • Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and helps reduce appetite and signal a feeling of fullness.

* Not approved for use in the UK.

Things to be aware of

The decision to start drug therapy should carefully weigh the risk of therapy (potential adverse effects) versus the benefits of potential weight loss.

It’s important to start your weight-loss journey with a plan, and if possible, a support network. Having friends and family who are supportive of your healthy eating and exercise goals is important for your long-term success. Your Dario coach is also here to support you via phone or chat to help you get started and cheer you along the way!

Prescription weight-loss medications are used for the treatment of overweight and obese individuals and should not be taken without supervision of a physician.

 

DAR-0204-02 RevC