What FDA-Approved Medications Are Available for Medical Weight Management?
Several prescription medications have FDA-approved indications for chronic weight management, including products containing semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, phentermine/topiramate, and orlistat. Which option, if any, is appropriate depends on each patient's medical history, eligibility, contraindications, and physician evaluation.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The FDA-approved product Wegovy® is indicated for chronic weight management in eligible patients, while Ozempic® is approved for type 2 diabetes. Each brand carries its own approved indications.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The FDA-approved product Zepbound® is indicated for chronic weight management in eligible patients, while Mounjaro® is approved for type 2 diabetes.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The FDA-approved product Saxenda® is indicated for chronic weight management in eligible patients, while Victoza® is approved for type 2 diabetes.
Naltrexone/bupropion
Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave®) is an oral combination medication with an FDA-approved chronic weight-management indication. It carries important safety warnings that require physician review.
Phentermine/topiramate
Phentermine/topiramate extended-release (Qsymia®) is an oral combination medication with an FDA-approved chronic weight-management indication and specific safety requirements, including pregnancy-related precautions.
Orlistat
Orlistat reduces the absorption of dietary fat. It is available as a prescription product (Xenical®) and a lower-strength over-the-counter product (alli®) approved for weight loss in adults.
How treatment is selected
Eligibility for prescription weight-management medication usually depends on body mass index, weight-related health conditions, current medications, prior treatment history, and contraindications. Medication is generally used alongside nutrition, physical activity, and ongoing medical monitoring. Compounded medications are not FDA approved.
Treatment recommendations depend on individual medical evaluation, eligibility, contraindications, FDA-approved indications, and physician judgment.
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Educational information only, not medical advice. FDA approval status varies by medication and indication. Compounded medications are not FDA approved. Treatment recommendations depend on individual medical evaluation, eligibility, contraindications, and physician judgment. No dosing information is provided. PeptideDoc · Dr. Saul Maslavi, MD · 4232 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11361 · (718) 717-0003 Ext 7.