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Weight Loss Treatments
Weight loss medications are becoming more common in recent years. While they are sometimes described as a “wonder drug,” they are not a quick fix.
For best results, these medications should be used together with:
- Healthy eating
- Regular physical activity
- Long-term lifestyle and behaviour changes
Using medication alone, without these changes, is usually not effective in the long run.
Who should use Weight Loss Medications?
Your doctor may recommend prescription weight loss medication if lifestyle changes alone have not worked and you:
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher, or
- Have a BMI between 27 and 29.9 with a weight-related condition, such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
How Effective are Weight Loss Medications?
Clinical studies show that people can lose 5% to 22% of their body weight when medications are combined with diet and lifestyle changes.
However, individual responses may vary, and not every drug works in the same way for every patient.
Doctors usually consider the medication effective if you lose at least 4–5% of your body weight after 3 months on a full (therapeutic) dose.
Once a maximal therapeutic dose is achieved, weight loss tends to plateau.
If the medication is stopped, weight regain is common.
What are the different kinds of weight loss medications?
1. GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Probably the most well known of weight loss medications
- Examples include Ozempic and Wegovy
- How they work:
- Increase insulin released by the body after eating
- Slow down digestion and make you feel full more quickly
- How to use:
- Injections (Once daily or once weekly)
- Suitable for long term use
- Advantages:
- Effective for weight loss
- Improves control of diabetes
- Reduces risk of heart disease and stroke
- May also lower blood pressure and cholesterol
- Disadvantages:
- Can be expensive
- Requires patients to self-administer injections
- Side effects:
- Bloatedness, nausea
- Diarrhea or constipation
2. Phentermine
- Used as an alternative for those who cannot tolerate or access GLP-1 RAs
- How it works:
- Suppresses appetite
- Increases energy expenditure
- How to use:
- Oral tablet taken once a day
- For short term use – can be used for up to 12 weeks
- Advantages:
- More affordable
- No injections required
- Disadvantages:
- Can increase heart rate and blood pressure
- Not suitable for those with heart disease, thyroid disorders, or poorly controlled high blood pressure
- Side effects:
- Insomnia
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation
- Feelings of nervousness
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
3. Orlistat
- Used as an alternative for those who cannot tolerate or access GLP-1 RAs
- How it works:
- Reduces fat absorption from food
- Increases fat excretion in the stools
- How to use:
- Oral medication taken with each meal
- Advantages:
- May reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- May reduce the risk of diabetes
- Disadvantages:
- Can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (Vit A, D, E, K)
- Side effects can be difficult to tolerate
- Side effects:
- Increased passing of gas
- Passing gas with discharge
- Oily stains in underwear
- Abdominal cramps
Do weight loss supplements work?
Most herbal weight-loss products have limited evidence of effectiveness. In addition, some weight-loss medications sold online may contain unsafe or undeclared ingredients. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any weight-loss supplements.
Long-term Sustainable Weight Loss
Long-term weight management depends not only on medication but also on sustained changes in diet and lifestyle. While pharmacological treatments such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, phentermine or orlistat, can support initial weight loss, their benefits are best maintained when combined with healthy behavioural habits.
Adopting a balanced, calorie-appropriate diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and building consistent routines around sleep and stress management are essential for preventing weight regain.
Ultimately, medications can act as tools to facilitate weight loss, but lasting success relies on continued commitment to lifestyle modifications that support energy balance and metabolic health.
Take the next step in your weight loss journey. Visit your nearest Frontier Medical clinic for personalised advice and support!
Author
Dr Amaris Lim
MBBS, MMed (Fam Med), GDip (Sports Med)
Dr Amaris is a Family Physician at Frontier Healthcare with a special interest in Sports Medicine. She also contributes as one of the Core Faculty for the Family Medicine Residency Program with the National University Health System (NUHS). She currently practices at Canberra and Bukit Batok.
