5 New Weight Loss Drugs Approved By FDA: Pros And Cons

Losing weight can be hard, especially if you’re struggling with obesity. Sometimes, even if you try eating healthier and exercising, it’s tough to shed those extra pounds. That’s when your doctor might suggest trying weight loss medication or new weight loss drugs approved by FDA.

Firstly, if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or you have a BMI of 27 or higher, and you also have health issues like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. 

This article will discuss 5 current Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved weight loss drugs on the market.

Top 5 New Weight Loss Drugs Approved By FDA

U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved several weight loss drugs for use in the United States. Here are the top 5 new weight loss drugs approved by the FDA:

1. Xenical (Orlistat)

Xenical, also known as orlistat, helps with weight loss and maintaining weight loss. It is a type of medication called a lipase inhibitor. Orlistat works by reducing the amount of fat absorbed from your food. 

If you take this medication, no more than 30% of your daily calories should come from fat. Doctors often recommend it for people who consume a lot of fatty foods as a fast weight loss medicine.

The usual dosage for Xenical is 120 milligrams (mg) taken three times daily. You should take the capsules with meals or within one hour after eating.

Orlistat can lower the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), so it’s advisable to take a daily multivitamin at bedtime.

Pros:

• Clinical studies show that orlistat can lead to modest weight loss for people with obesity. 

• In the XENDOS study, orlistat users lost an average of 13 pounds over four years compared to 7 pounds for those on a placebo. 

• Orlistat also reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Typically, if Orlistat works for you, you might lose at least 5% of your body weight in one year. 

• Studies have also shown that Orlistat decreases BMI, waist size, cholesterol, and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. 

However, new weight loss drugs approved by FDA might not be as effective as some other weight-loss medications like liraglutide.

Cons:

While taking Xenical, you may experience:

• Fatty stools
• Gas with oily spotting
• Increased and harder-to-control bowel movements

Precautions:

Avoid Xenical if you are pregnant, suffer from malabsorption syndrome, have cholestasis (a condition where bile flow is reduced or stopped), or are allergic to orlistat.

2. Contrave (Bupropion-Naltrexone)

Contrave is a medication that combines bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. Together, they help with weight loss when combined with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.

Patients take Contrave according to a specific schedule that changes each week for the first month. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Do not take Contrave with high-fat meals.

Pros:

• In clinical trials lasting up to 56 weeks, people who took Contrave lost more weight than those who took a placebo. 

• About 40% of participants lost at least 5% of their body weight, and 20% lost at least 10%. On average, weight loss ranged from 11 to 22 pounds. 

• Contrave also helped lower hemoglobin A1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Cons:

Possible side effects of Contrave include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Mental changes
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Low blood sugar

Precautions:

Do not take Contrave if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Have a seizure disorder
• Have anorexia or bulimia
• Have recently stopped using alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs suddenly
• Are using another medication containing bupropion
• Use opioids regularly
• Have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the past two weeks
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients in Contrave

Safety Warning: Bupropion, one of the components of Contrave, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults. Contrave has a boxed warning to highlight this risk. 

Monitor your mental health closely while taking Contrave and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice mood changes or have suicidal thoughts.

3. Saxenda (Liraglutide)  

Saxenda, also known as liraglutide, is a new weight loss drugs approved by FDA medicine that helps control appetite. It belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by activating a specific receptor in the brain.

Saxenda is given as an injection under the skin. You usually take it once a day, and it doesn’t matter if you take it with food or not. When you start, your doctor will give you a low dose and gradually increase it over a few weeks.

Saxenda can also be used to treat obesity in children aged 12 to 17. The dose might be different for children, so talk to your child’s doctor about it.

Pros:

• In a big study, people who were overweight or obese and took Saxenda lost more weight than those who took a placebo (a dummy treatment). 

• After 56 weeks, 63% of Saxenda users lost at least 5% of their body weight, and 33% lost at least 10%.

• Another study showed that people without diabetes also lost more weight with Saxenda compared to just changing their diet and exercise habits. The weight loss was maintained for two years.

Cons:

Common side effects of Saxenda new weight loss drugs approved by FDA can include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Low blood sugar
• Indigestion
• Stomach flu
• Important Warnings

Precautions:

Don’t use Saxenda if you:

• Have or had a type of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
• Are pregnant
• Are you allergic to any ingredients in Saxenda
• If you start having ongoing stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting while on Saxenda, talk to your doctor right away.

4. Imcivree (Setmelanotide)

Imcivree is a new weight loss drugs approved by FDA, a medication belonging to the melanocortin receptor agonist class. It influences fat formation in the body and helps regulate hunger and appetite. 

Doctors prescribe it for individuals with specific genetic conditions such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome or gene deficiencies like pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor deficiency (LEPR).

Imcivree is administered via subcutaneous injection. Doctors may adjust your dose based on your kidney health, and it’s essential to rotate injection sites to avoid skin reactions or scarring.

Pros:

• In clinical trials involving people with obesity due to gene deficiencies (POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR), Imcivree showed promising results. 

• Around 80% of individuals with POMC or PCSK1 deficiencies achieved at least a 10% weight loss after one year, while 40% of those with LEPR deficiency experienced similar weight loss.

Cons:

Common side effects of Imcivree include:

• Changes in skin color
• Injection site reactions
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Depression

Precautions:

• Imcivree should not be used in infants or newborns due to a potentially fatal ingredient. Pay attention to any changes in sexual function or mood while taking Imcivree. 

• Contact your healthcare provider if you experience an erection lasting longer than four hours or notice any mood changes.

Safety Warning:

Imcivree has been associated with new or worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. Monitor your mood, thoughts, and behaviors while taking this medication, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of depression or suicidal ideation.

5. Zepbound (Tirzepatide)

Zepbound is a new weight loss drugs approved by FDA medication that acts on two hormones, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which help regulate insulin and make you feel full. It’s designed for adults with obesity to aid weight loss.

Zepbound is injected under the skin and is typically given once a week. The recommended maintenance dosage ranges from 5 to 15 mg.

Pros:

• In two large trials involving overweight or obese individuals, Zepbound, when combined with diet and exercise, led to significant weight loss over 72 weeks compared to a placebo.

Cons:
Some potential side effects associated with Zepbound (Tirzepatide):

• Nausea or Vomiting
• Diarrhea or Constipation
• Abdominal Pain
• Allergic Reactions

Precautions:

• Common side effects of Zepbound may include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, and tiredness. 

• Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid Zepbound, as it may interact with Synthroid and increase the risk of MTC.

Safety Warning:

Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, is also found in Mounjaro, which is used to treat diabetes. If you have any concerns or medical history related to thyroid cancer or certain genetic conditions, discuss them with your healthcare provider before starting Zepbound.

Who Can Benefit From Weight Loss Drugs?

• Weight loss drugs are beneficial for individuals classified as obese, with a BMI of 30 or higher.
• They can also be helpful for those who are overweight, with a BMI of 27 or higher, and have health conditions aggravated by excess weight, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
• These medications offer a faster path to weight loss compared to relying solely on diet and exercise.
• By promoting quicker weight loss, they can help motivate individuals to adhere to their lifestyle changes.
• However, individuals should use new weight loss drugs approved by the FDA in conjunction with healthy eating habits and regular physical activity for optimal results.

How Long Do I Take A Weight-Loss Drug?

• The duration of taking a weight-loss drug depends on its effectiveness in aiding weight loss.
• If the drug helps you lose enough weight to improve your health and you haven’t experienced serious side effects, your healthcare provider may recommend long-term use.
• However, if you haven’t achieved at least a 5% reduction in body weight after taking the full dose of the drug for 3 to 6 months, your healthcare provider will likely alter your treatment.
• This may involve switching to a different weight-loss drug to explore alternative options for achieving weight-loss goals.

Summary 

Weight loss medications can be helpful when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to achieve your weight goals. Your healthcare provider can assist you in choosing the most suitable option based on your health objectives, medical background, and personal choices.

It’s essential to understand that these medications aren’t magic bullets. Lifestyle adjustments remain crucial in managing obesity. It’s crucial to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise regimen even after reaching your weight loss targets. Consistency and long-term commitment to these changes are key to sustaining weight loss and overall well-being.

A Quick Recap On Weight Loss Medication

So, as per the discussion, there are medicines that doctors prescribe and are safe as well. But also, on the other side, there can be side effects of them.

However, the most convenient way to lose weight is with a diet plan and some basic weight loss tips.

All you need is to take a step towards a healthy lifestyle on your own and see the difference yourself. 

Note: Watch this video by Dietitian Mac To know which is the best time to eat for weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take More Than One Weight Loss Medication At The Same Time?

Healthcare providers do not recommend taking more than one weight loss medication at the same time without consulting them first, as doing so may worsen possible side effects of the medication.

What Kind Of Medications Are Available For Weight Loss If I’m Pregnant?

Weight loss during pregnancy may cause complications for the fetus. Therefore, you should not take any weight loss medications while pregnant.

If I’m Not Overweight, But Want To Lose Weight, Can I Use These Medications?

No, these weight loss tablets are indicated only if you are overweight or obese and should not be used with a BMI less than 27. 

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Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The most important thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian before starting, if you have any concerns.

Eat healthy and live healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.