Weight-loss Medication Roundup

Information, usage and side-effects of various weight-loss medications.

Wegovy

  • Generic Name: Semaglutide
  • Weight Loss Data: 12-17% weight loss over 68 weeks
  • FDA Approved For Weight Loss? Yes
  • How it’s taken? Injection once weekly‍
  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, acid reflux

Mounjaro

  • Generic Name: Tirzepatide
  • Weight Loss Data: 16-22% weight loss over 72 weeks
  • FDA Approved For Weight Loss? No
  • How it’s taken? Injection once weekly
  • Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, acid reflux

Ozempic

  • Generic Name: Semaglutide
  • Weight Loss Data: 5-7% weight loss over 40 weeks
  • FDA Approved For Weight Loss? No
  • How it’s taken? Injection once weekly
  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, acid reflux

Contrave

  • Generic Name: Naltrexone/bupropion
  • Weight Loss Data: 5-7% weight loss over 12 months
  • FDA Approved For Weight Loss? Yes
  • How it’s taken? Oral tablet
  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, fatigue

Metformin/ Fortamet

  • Generic Name: Metformin
  • Weight Loss Data: 6% mean weight loss at 2 years
  • FDA Approved For Weight Loss? No
  • How it’s taken? Oral tablet
  • Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, indigestion, B12 deficiency, abdominal discomfort, anorexia, headache, metallic taste, rash, ovulation induction, lactic acidosis, liver toxicity, anemia

Saxenda

  • Generic Name: Liraglutide
  • Weight Loss Data: 7-12% weight loss over 56 weeks
  • FDA Approved For Weight Loss? Yes
  • How it’s taken? Injection once daily
  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, acid reflux

Trulicity

  • Generic Name: Dulaglutide
  • Weight Loss Data: 4-7% weight loss over 56 weeks
  • FDA Approved For Weight Loss? No
  • How it’s taken? Injection once weekly
  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, fatigue, acid reflux