By Dee Griffin
Is semaglutide the best weight loss medication? It really depends.
Semaglutide has changed the treatment approach since this medication was approved by the FDA to treat obesity in 2021. This GLP-1 medication mimics a gut hormone that suppresses appetite and helps regulate blood sugar. This action results in a average body weight reduction of 12-15 percent in clinical trials. This medication is administered weekly by injection. It is very effective, but that effectiveness comes at a cost. This medication can cost as much as $1300 per month. The interest in this medication has only increased in demand and interest has shifted to other alternatives.
Phentermine (a stimulant) has been around since 1959 and remains as a short-term option. This medication curbs hunger and typically results in a 5-10 percent weight loss over 12 weeks. The cost is more affordable at $10-$50 monthly. There is typically a limit of 3 months due to the potential for dependency. Orlistat has been available since 1999. This medication blocks fat absorption and results in a 5-7 percent weight loss over a year. Priced ranges from $40-$80 monthly. Bupropion-naltrexone was approved in 2014 and combines an antidepressant and opioid antagonist to reduce cravings. This medication results in 5-9 percent weight loss. The cost of this medication ranges from $200-300 monthly and has been linked to increase in blood pressure.
The list of other medications that are commonly used for weight loss include liraglutide, metformin, topiramate, bupropion, zonisamide, tizepatide, and extenatide. There are also supplements that can assist with weight loss and are not covered in this article.
Choosing a medication or supplement to help with you weight loss effort is more involved than jumping on the latest trend. There is no magic one medication fits everyone. Medications do not always have the same effect on everyone.
While it is important to be at a healthy weight, it is more important for you to have an evaluation by your provider to find the best fit for you as an individual.
Dee Anne Griffin owns Dynamic Health Solutions, LLC and is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in the medical field for more than 20 years. She listens and recommends different options to create a unique plan that fits each individual. When not practicing medicine Griffin spends time on her family farm tending to her animals and is very active in her church. Contact her at 803-454-1661. Her offices are located at 169 A Medical Circle, West Columbia.
