Let’s start with that sad fact we all kind of know, but hate to admit: there is no magic weight loss pill. Reaching and staying a healthy weight is down to our relationship with food and exercise. However, there are weight loss pills and injections that can help alongside these lifestyle adjustments. In most cases, prescription weight loss treatments are only for people classed as ‘overweight’ according to their BMI although there are some exceptions.
Broadly speaking, there are two ways in which prescription weight loss treatments work: either by altering your appetite; or by altering the way your body absorbs fat. We’ll go into a little more detail below, but remember your pharmacist can talk to you about the pros and cons of each treatment and whether there’s an option that’s right for you.
Treatments that alter appetite and/or food cravings
There are two types of treatments that work on your brain to control your hunger signals. They are designed only to work alongside healthy diet and exercise.
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Prescription injection – Liraglutide (
Weight Management Pen®) which works on the receptors in the brain to control your appetite, causing you to feel fuller and less hungry. This may help you eat less food and reduce your body weight.
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The combination of two substances together in one pill – Naltrexone hydrochloride/bupropion hydrochloride (
Mysimba®) which targets the parts of the brain involved in the control of food intake and energy expenditure. This can help reduce hunger and food cravings.
Pills that alter the body’s fat absorption
Another type of pill (Orlistat) that’s intended to help with weight loss works in your digestive system to block some of the fat in the food you eat from being digested. The undigested fat cannot be absorbed and is eliminated by your body.
As with any medicines, there are side effects and reasons that could mean a certain type of drug is not suitable for you. To find out which (if any) prescription weight loss treatment is best for you, pop in and chat to your pharmacist.
