Prescription Weight-Loss Medicine Saxenda® liraglutide injection 3mg

GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone the body produces after eating, which can decrease appetite. While no specific vitamin or supplement is considered a “treatment” for obesity or overweight, certain ones help support metabolic health. With prescription medications, a healthcare professional can weigh all factors affecting the patient’s lifestyle and BMI and monitor progress and side effects.

What is the strongest weight loss prescription medication?

How Prescription Weight Loss Medications Work I got assigned a wonderful health coach and I'm still in touch with her today. Wegovy® should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products, other GLP-1 medicines or in children under 12 years of age. We went over the potential benefits and risks of treatment. My body just wasn't responding and I was just stuck at 400 pounds and I was like, I'm gonna be this big forever. She did a thorough workup and told me most of my challenges were due to my weight. Many prescriptions are covered by insurance, and our care team can help with prior authorizations if needed. Some OTC appetite suppressants or weight-loss supplements contain ephedra, ephedrine or caffeine (stimulants). Short-term prescription appetite suppressants require more caution when you use them due to possible severe side effects and addiction potential. Long-term prescription appetite suppressants are generally safe if you take them as prescribed. You won’t lose weight on Ozempic forever. The data reflects health insurance coverage as of August 2025. We obtained national prescription coverage data for each medication from Managed Markets Insight & Technology (MMIT). This means the 28-day medication — which requires 13 fills for a full year of injections — could cost more than $14,000 annually without insurance. Overall, the number of GLP-1 prescriptions increased sevenfold, from about 1 million in 2019 to over 8 million in 2024. The number of Medicaid prescriptions and gross spending on GLP-1s have increased substantially since 2019 (Figure 2). North Carolina eliminated GLP-1 coverage beginning October 2025 due to a budget stalemate in the legislature, but coverage was reinstated in December 2025, bringing the total number of states covering GLP-1s for obesity to 13 as of January 2026. Coverage is also required if deemed medically necessary for children under Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.
  • This is likely because tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonist medication.
  • Wegovy® contains semaglutide and should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines.
  • When this prescription weight loss treatment is paired with our fully supported and personalised weight loss plan, we see our clients lose up to a stone each month they’re on it.
  • CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help adults with obesity, or some adults who are overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off.
  • A healthy diet and regular exercise can help to maximize the effectiveness of the medication and promote overall health.
  • Among patients who used diet and exercise alone, 23 percent reached that level of weight loss.
  • This higher efficacy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have struggled to achieve significant weight loss through traditional methods.
  • PlushCare stands out as a GLP-1 provider because it’s one of the few companies that accepts insurance and is in-network with most major insurance providers.
According to the FDA, 62 percent of people who took Saxenda in clinical trials lost 5 percent or more of their body weight, compared with 34 percent who took a placebo. Unlike the other FDA-approved drugs on this list, which are taken orally, Saxenda is taken as a once-a-day shot. In one trial, 42 percent of patients without Type 2 diabetes who took Contrave along with a diet and exercise routine lost at least 5 percent of their body weight, according to the FDA. Doctors aren't entirely sure how the drug combination works to promote weight loss.
  • Some Medicaid plans cover Zepbound to treat sleep apnea but not weight management.
  • These medications aren’t a replacement for healthy habits.
  • But it’s possible that these medications aren’t covered, or that your cost is still high.
  • Everyone responds differently to medications, especially weight-loss pills.
  • It was first approved in 1999 by the FDA for use with a prescription, and then in 2007, it was approved for over-the-counter use.
  • They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine if you are a suitable candidate for these medications based on your health history and weight loss goals.
  • Expanded obesity drug coverage can increase Medicaid spending and put pressure on overall state budgets, and states are now facing tighter budget conditions and longer-term fiscal uncertainty, due in part to the federal Medicaid cuts in the 2025 reconciliation law, causing state Medicaid programs to re-evaluate their obesity drug coverage.
Additionally, drugs targeting hunger or satiety signaling have been actively studied and have shown increased adoption by physicians. Keep in mind that obesity is a disease, and no drug can permanently “cure” it. Even when a patient is engaging in exercise and other lifestyle adjustments, medications can help with hunger, cravings, and metabolic preservation. Some medications are administered orally, and others are given as subcutaneous injections. It was FDA-approved for obesity in November 2023 under the brand name Zepbound. We specialize in compounded medications, offering you high-quality alternatives at more accessible price points without compromising effectiveness. Our team of US-based doctors will thoroughly review your provided information and prescribe medications as necessary. When you begin your weight loss journey, a licensed doctor will prescribe your initial 3-month protocol titrating up each month for the best results. Find more top doctors on They aren’t a magic fix, but they can make it easier to reach weight goals when paired with healthy eating and exercise. Some work by reducing appetite, while others change how the body processes fat or controls metabolism. Losing weight isn’t always as simple as eating healthy and being more active. If you don’t, your provider may suggest a different medication or add another medication. That’s why developing healthy eating and exercise habits should be part of your treatment plan, too. The weight can come back if you stop the medication. The main benefit is that it helps you lose weight. Weight loss medications are relatively new. Losing weight can feel like an uphill battle. You should also make sure you check in with your provider regularly so they can monitor your progress. If you’re doing well on the medicine, your provider may suggest you stay on it for years. Patients communicate with their providers online to review their health goals and receive guidance instead of an in-person office visit. LifeRx.md is a leading U.S. telehealth provider, trusted by over 100,000 patients. LifeRx.md connects you with licensed providers for personalized healthcare solutions that treat the whole you. Your healthcare provider will consider your health history and other factors to determine if Wegovy is a good fit for you. Wegovy (semaglutide) is considered safe and effective for many people. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule to ensure the medication’s effectiveness and minimize potential side effects. They should be used under the guidance of healthcare professionals, who consider each patient’s unique circumstances. Randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of a newly developed formulation of phentermine diffuse-controlled release for obesity. A study of abrupt phentermine cessation in patients in a weight management program. Phentermine is only FDA approved for short-term use (12 weeks or less). It’s essential to discuss these costs with your healthcare provider and your insurance company. Certain health conditions can make you eligible for these medications even with a lower BMI. Some medications prevent your body from absorbing fat from the food you eat. These medications regulate hormones that control appetite, satiety, and metabolism. Schedule a Medical Evaluation

Does TRICARE Cover Wegovy, Zepbound, and Other Medications Taken for Weight Loss?

Orlistat blocks your body from absorbing about a third of the fat you eat. Contrave appears to signal your brain to lower your appetite. Naltrexone is approved to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. The guidelines for tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide (Wegovy) state that a patient should have a BMI of 30 or a BMI of 27 with weight-related health problems. The only over-the-counter medicine for weight loss currently approved by the FDA is Alli (orlistat). Some weight management medications are designed for short-term use and others for long-term use.

What are the differences between OTC and prescription weight loss medications?

Join thousands of members who have lost weight and improving their health. This is a label given to drugs that can be misused. Like other weight-loss medicines ordered by providers, phentermine is meant to be only part of a weight-loss plan. The combined drug is approved for long-term use. The latest study of tirzepatide studied the drug in more than 900 patients with diabetes who were overweight or had obesity over nearly 17 months. The obesity drugs lower blood sugar and slow down digestion, so people feel full longer. The drugs that have drawn the most attention have been a class of medications that activate a hormone known as GLP-1. Tirzepatide and other medications spur weight loss by targeting the metabolic conditions that lead to extra pounds. The new study found that patients with diabetes — who find it notoriously difficult to lose weight — could shed about 16% of their body weight, or more than 34 pounds using tirzepatide. Bupropion+naltrexone – Sold under the brand name Contrave, this drug combination first came into the spotlight in 2011. The drug combination can cause a birth defect called cleft palate in developing fetuses, so women of childbearing age taking it must use birth control and take a pregnancy test monthly. Lorcaserin – This drug acts on serotonin receptors in the brain to promote feelings of fullness, thus encouraging users to eat less. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety, efficacy, or quality. Tell your health care provider if you take diabetes medicines, especially insulin and sulfonylurea medicines. Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
GLP -1 Weight Loss Injections - Complete Guide
Liraglutide (Saxenda) was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight loss. One study showed that people taking Contrave in combination with diet and exercise lost an average of about 9% of their baseline body weight after 56 weeks. But unlike other weight-loss medications, you have to enroll in Qsymia’s mandatory risk management program if you’re able to get pregnant. Oral weight-loss medications tend to be less expensive than the injectable options. Semaglutide can interact with diabetes medications, especially insulin and those that increase insulin release (such as sulfonylureas). These side effects usually improve over time, but if they don’t or if they get worse, your doctor might need to adjust your medication. Understanding the risks can help you and your doctor make the best decision for your health. Some help control appetite, while others support metabolism.
Health
For this reason, never take a weight management medication only to improve the way you look. Weight management medications aren’t for everyone with a high BMI. For example, some medications may help you feel less hungry or full sooner. Your health care professional can assess your individual risk caused by your weight. Health care professionals use the Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure of your weight in relation to your height, to define overweight and obesity.
  • Not all GLP-1s are approved for obesity treatment, and this analysis includes all FDA-approved GLP-1s, including those approved for obesity (Saxenda, Weogvy, Zepbound) as well as those approved for type 2 diabetes (see Table 1).
  • She started her career in 2018 as a clinical dietitian and has experience in several clinical areas, including weight management, diabetes, kidney disease, oncology, gut health, and intuitive eating.
  • Under the brand name Victoza, it's approved to treat type 2 diabetes, while under the brand name Saxenda, it's approved for weight loss.
  • Your provider will guide you through the process, but typically, there’s no need to taper off of compounded GLP-1s before switching to Ozempic, Wegovy, or any of the other brands.
  • It contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but the doses are different.
  • When comparing Saxenda and Wegovy, weight loss outcomes are a major consideration.
It was originally used as a short-term medication to jump-start weight loss, but now newer medical guidelines have added it to long-term therapy. Like semaglutide, it works by reducing appetite and is meant to be used in combination with diet and exercise to lose weight. Some weight loss medications have been on the market for many years, and new ones emerge frequently. For each individual case, the doctor and patient should discuss the patient’s current health issues, other medications, and family medical history. Most medications are prescribed for someone with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater if the person has weight-related health conditions. These medications’ full benefits can take even longer to set in. It can support weight loss in adults alongside a low-fat, low-calorie diet. Up to 25% lost at least 10% of their body weight. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Prescription weight-loss pills like CONTRAVE can help people get closer to their weight-loss goals when used with diet and exercise. The percentage of patients who achieved a clinically meaningful treatment response (defined as achieving at least 5% weight loss after 1 year of treatment) ranged from 36% to 57% with CONTRAVE, compared to 17% to 43% with placebo. Prepare to ask your healthcare provider about CONTRAVE with this personalized weight-loss assessment Begin by booking an appointment with a healthcare professional who can assess your eligibility. This ensures the medication is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. This triple-action mechanism helps reduce appetite, increase energy expenditure, and improve insulin sensitivity. Clinical trials have shown retatrutide can lead to significant weight reduction and better blood sugar control. It acts on several hormone receptors involved in appetite regulation, glucose metabolism, and fat storage. Appetite suppressants can help with weight loss for people who have obesity. Wegovy is a prescription medication developed by Novo Nordisk for weight management, approved by the FDA. Oral obesity treatments offer patients greater flexibility and a needle-free alternative, although injectable medications are still expected to dominate for years to come. Investors are closely watching prescriptions data to see if the Danish drugmaker can press its first-mover advantage against rival Eli Lilly in a competitive weight-loss market.
  • Older AOMs also have indications based on BMI and may be contraindicated for use with certain other medications.
  • Some OTC appetite suppressants or weight-loss supplements contain ephedra, ephedrine or caffeine (stimulants).
  • It slows how quickly food leaves the stomach and signals the brain to reduce appetite.
  • Mounjaro is the brand name for a medication whose active ingredient is tirzepatide, approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
  • Yes, medical providers require that you have had a physical exam and blood test within the past three years before ordering.
A systematic review published in 2022 that combined the results of 23 studies found that people taking 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost an average of 27.4 pounds. Finally, Pessah-Pollack notes that Wegovy has a separate indication for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks) in people who are overweight or obese and have an established heart disease. As such, it is no longer legal for pharmacies to make the compounded drugs as of May 22, 2025. Additionally, the FDA removed tirzepatide from its drug shortage list in early October 2024, and it removed semaglutide from the list in February 2025. Some people find success losing weight through diet and exercise alone. That may be why, according to a 2022 Gallup poll from 2017 to 2021, more than half of U.S. adults expressed a desire to lose weight. I combine a deep understanding of medical wellness with a passion for science-backed health solutions and future-focused care. Our team of weight management experts is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals in a safe and sustainable manner. However, it is crucial to seek treatment from reputable providers to ensure safety and effectiveness. Simply visit the Doctronic website, complete a brief medical questionnaire, and schedule a video visit. Telehealth services have made it easier to consult with qualified doctors from home. Regular follow-up appointments, which can be conveniently scheduled through telehealth platforms like Doctronic.ai, help monitor side effects and ensure safe use. When you get your GLP-1 prescription through WeightWatchers Clinic, you will have ongoing follow-ups with board-certified doctors, dietitians, and fitness trainers. The process for getting GLP-1s is clearly explained and guided by a physician, who will only prescribe GLP-1s if they feel the medication is suitable for your situation. Users can receive their prescriptions from one of Nurx’s licensed partner pharmacies or choose to have their prescriptions sent to a local pharmacy. It offers brand-name GLP-1s, along with personalized guidance, check-ins, and side-effect support, which may include additional medication. Nurx specializes in care for women, and weight-management programs are just one of the company’s many offerings.
  • Unlike the medications above, phentermine is only FDA approved to take for up to 12 weeks (3 months) at a time.
  • Each type of appetite suppressant works differently, so they all have different side effects.
  • Many people lose a significant amount of weight with the medications.
  • Another type of weight-loss medicine makes it harder for your body to absorb fat.
  • At Bodyline Clinic, we have been in the obesity treatment space for over 17 years, prescribing medications to clients who have tried everything to lose weight and didn’t see the results they needed.
  • Qsymia has much lower amounts of phentermine and topiramate than when these drugs are given alone.
  • Zepbound is a once-weekly, injectable medication that has the same active ingredient as the Type 2 diabetes treatment Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
  • In initial studies, more than 40% of adults who took Contrave for 1 year lost at least 5% of their initial body weight.
  • The exact neurochemical effects of CONTRAVEleading to weight loss are not fully understood.
  • Find an obesity medicine specialist near you who can assist in finding the best weight loss medications for you.
There's only one you, and there's only one Ozempic®
GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating appetite, glucose metabolism, and energy balance. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, the need for effective weight management solutions becomes increasingly urgent. Various factors such as genetics, metabolism, and hormone levels can prevent sustainable lifestyle changes from taking hold and leading to impactful weight loss. In studies, at least 80% of participants lost at least 5% of their body weight while taking phentermine. Phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) is an effective oral weight-loss medication. Your healthcare team will help you decide how long to take phentermine based on your medical history and how well it’s working for you. In the OASIS 1 Phase 3 trial, the oral formulation achieved an average weight loss of 15.1%over 68 weeks compared to 2.4% with placebo. Novo Nordisk is developing an oral version of semaglutide (50 mg)specifically for obesity. In May 2025, they reported 39 new GLP-1 medications in development. The average weight loss in real-world studies is 9%. Setmelanotide is a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist indicated for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients six years and older, with obesity due to certain rare genetic disorders.
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Since then, semaglutide has been approved for weight loss in adolescents ages 12 and older and heart protection in certain people with heart disease. As a result, Medicaid coverage of GLP-1 drugs for obesity treatment is optional for states, while coverage for other indications (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea) is required. Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medication used for weight loss and long-term weight management. Yes, both medications require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Getting started with prescription weight loss drugs no longer requires in-person visits only.
  • This ensures the medication is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
  • It takes about 4 days for your body to fully clear phentermine after your last dose.
  • Prescription weight loss and wellness solutions that deliver results.
  • It’s hard to say which is the best weight-loss pill.
  • Your health care provider may suggest a weight-loss drug for you in some cases.
  • Prescriptions require online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate.
  • These medications regulate hormones that control appetite, satiety, and metabolism.
  • Novo, under a new CEO who took over last year, is banking on the pill version of its blockbuster Wegovy treatment to draw new consumers as it works to regain momentum against Lilly, after profit warnings and slowing growth weighed on its shares last year.
  • Our mission centers on delivering accessible, affordable, and top-notch healthcare solutions to individuals and communities spanning multiple states.
Before taking any medication to treat obesity, talk with your health care professional about the possible risks and benefits. You can keep taking these medications as long as you are benefiting from treatment and not experiencing serious side effects. Another approved drug, setmelanotide (IMCIVREE), is limited to people who have been diagnosed with one of four specific rare genetic disorders, which must be confirmed by genetic testing. Four of these drugs are approved for adults and children ages 12 and older. If you have lost enough weight to improve your health and are not experiencing serious side effects, your health care professional may advise you to stay on the medication indefinitely. In those with diabetes, taking Wegovy® with insulin or sulfonylurea can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Talk to your health care professional and ask them if Wegovy® may be right for you. I want other people out there, especially people my age, to know that there's help. “I don’t recommend people who have a history of an eating disorder take GLP-1 drugs unless they absolutely need treatment,” says Decotiis. Pessah-Pollack recommends finding a prescription provider who is board certified and has expertise in weight management, endocrinology, and metabolism, since GLP-1s are prescribed for both weight management and type 2 diabetes. To create our list of the best sites to buy GLP-1 weight loss medications online, we reviewed 22 companies selling GLP-1 medications. Access to GLP-1s is only available to people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 and higher with a weight-related health condition like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Membership plans include up to four consultations with a board-certified medical provider who specializes in weight loss during the first month, and up to two consultations per month in the following months. A healthcare professional may be more inclined to prescribe Contrave if you experience emotional eating. The active ingredients in Contrave work together to reduce your appetite and cravings for food. Wegovy pills are currently only available as a brand-name medication. These side effects are common when starting or increasing the dose, but they should improve as your body adjusts. Semaglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite. The appearance, contents, and dosage of the vial may vary based on your personalized prescription, and individual results may vary. Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. No need to wait weeks or months for an appointment with your medical specialist. BmiMD is a 100% online platform that connects patients to licensed healthcare professionals in all 50 states. Everything you need to know about our treatment plans and options. You also can’t put a price on your health! Get Wegovy (semaglutide) prescribed online, if eligible and approved. The other drugs in this group aren't often prescribed. Phentermine by itself (Adipex-P, Lomaira) also is used for weight loss. Phentermine-topiramate is a combination of a weight-loss drug called phentermine and an anticonvulsant called topiramate. So your provider will need to check your blood pressure regularly at the start of treatment. We will explore the science behind these injections and pills, clarifying how they work within the human body to aid weight loss. Phentermine works for weight loss by reducing your appetite. Phentermine is one of the most commonly prescribed oral weight-loss medications. But newer studies show that long-term phentermine use (more than 3 months) is not only safe, but also helps people lose more weight. First Ever Personalized Prescription Weight Loss Wegovy's formulation allows for a more sustained release of semaglutide, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness and reduced hunger. Wegovy contains a higher dose of the active ingredient semaglutide compared to Saxenda’s liraglutide. By mimicking the effects of both GLP-1 and GIP, Zepbound has a powerful combined effect in your body. National health and nutrition examination survey 2017–March 2020 prepandemic data files—development of files and prevalence estimates for selected health outcomes. Telehealth services like Doctronic.ai make obtaining a prescription easier and faster. Retatrutide is generally safe for adults who meet the eligibility criteria, but it is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as thyroid cancer history or pancreatitis. Use telehealth platforms like Doctronic.ai to stay informed, consult with doctors, and secure your prescription efficiently. Their AI-powered system offers personalized care by remembering your health history and providing expert medical advice in seconds. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider, especially through telehealth, help track progress and address any concerns. These estimates, derived from national MMIT coverage data, provide insight into health insurance coverage for each medication. If this medication isn’t covered by your insurance, you can ask your prescription plan administrator for an exception by filing an appeal. Tirzepatide is approved as Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes and as Zepbound for weight management and sleep apnea.
  • Expert guide to the common and rare side effects of weight-loss injections, how long they last and how to manage them safely.
  • There are also no FDA-approved drug products containing berberine, the agency adds.
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the body’s GLP-1 hormone.
  • Doctronic.ai stands out as a trusted telehealth platform to help you access retatrutide conveniently and affordably.
  • ABOM, is a board-certified family medicine and obesity medicine physician currently at Norman Regionals Primary Care South OKC clinic.
  • Choosing the right weight loss medication depends on several factors, including your health status, lifestyle preferences, and treatment goals.
Liraglutide also is used to manage diabetes. Bupropion-naltrexone is a combination drug. It affects the way your body absorbs fat. Ask your prescriber about the safest and most effective medication for your body-weight goals. Everyone responds differently to medications, especially weight-loss pills. Of course, injectable weight-loss medications are an option too. It tends to lead to the largest amount of weight loss in the highest percentage of people. Because of this, different medications or combinations of medications will suit different people best.
  • After receiving your prescription, the next step is to obtain the medication.
  • It’s crucial to consult with a weight loss clinic before starting any weight loss medication to determine which one is suitable for your specific needs and to closely monitor potential side effects.
  • Prior authorization is required for about 1 in 3 people covered by a Medicaid plan.
  • People often notice reduced appetite quickly after starting GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Zepbound—within days to weeks.
  • Obesity drug coverage in Medicaid remains limited, with 13 state Medicaid programs covering GLP-1s for obesity treatment under FFS as of January 2026 (Figure 1).
  • First, complete an online intake form to give your healthcare provider information about your symptoms and medical history.
  • The FDA approved Rybelsus, a once-daily pill version of semaglutide, a few years later.
  • There are several hormones that respond to reduced calorie intake by ramping up hunger to maintain body mass.
  • Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health.
Together, they affect brain chemicals that control appetite and cravings. Some reduce hunger, while others change how your body processes fat. They can help you decide based on your health and goals. They’re usually not recommended if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain health conditions that could make them unsafe. Genetics, hormones, and certain health conditions can make it harder to shed pounds, even with a healthy lifestyle. Unlock your health with Sermorelin Our products adhere to the highest standards of medical compliance and regulation. Please browse our products to learn more about the treatments available to you. You have already taken the first step to improving your health, and we appreciate you visiting our site. The FDA has also approved Wegovy to help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, like heart attack or stroke, in adults with cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight. If you continue, you will be evaluated for the membership-included medications to see if your Clinician thinks you're a good fit, or choose to pay without insurance for GLP-1 medications. Your Clinic Care Team will work directly with your insurance provider to help you navigate your coverage of this GLP-1 medication. Wegovy (semaglutide) belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s). In a Phase 2 study, the medication showed up to 20% average weight loss at 52 weeks for people with obesity or overweight. With fervent consumer demand for weight loss medications, combined with rising obesity rates, more medications are bound for the market in the coming years. With a growing selection of weight loss medications available, patients may ask what the strongest or most effective weight loss prescription medication is, and which one is best for them. Before 2012, there were few weight loss medications approved by the FDA. Www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-treatment-chronic-weight-management-pediatric-patients-aged-12-years-and-older Phentermine isn’t approved for people under age 17 or those with a BMI below 27. Most phentermine side effects will go away as your body adjusts to the medication. For others, it took more than 3 months to start noticing a change in body weight. Phentermine is also an ingredient in the prescription medication Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate). Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but they’re approved for different uses and come in different doses. But it’s also the first of its kind approved to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) in adults with heart disease who are considered overweight or obese. Reaching and staying on the 2.4 mg recommended maintenance dose (or 1.7 mg dose if you can’t tolerate it) is important for sustained results, even if the amount of weight you lose each week begins to slow down. Consulting a licensed provider through Doctronic.ai makes it easy to compare options and start treatment safely. Both Saxenda and Wegovy can support weight loss, but Wegovy typically delivers greater results with less frequent dosing. Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies to provide healthcare services remotely. Connecting you with expert guidance and affordable treatments, delivered directly to your door. Wegovy (semaglutide) is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical company founded in 1923. Finding ways to make your prescription more affordable can help you start and stay consistent with your medication. If your cost is still high, or if you don’t have insurance, there are ways to make your prescription more affordable. The best way to save on GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists is by using your health insurance. Complete your medical questionnaire (link emailed and accessed via the patient portal) and connect with your licensed medical provider. If your provider determines treatment is right for you, it’s then sent to a pharmacy which will then be filled and delivered to you. As with many medications, some weight loss drugs have been on the market longer, have generic alternatives, and tend to be more affordable. Even as the range of weight loss medications has expanded, some drugs have been withdrawn based on their lack of efficacy as well as safety concerns. Currently, these medications are administered by injection, but oral weight loss drugs in the same category may soon follow. Www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-approves-first-treatment-weight-management-people-certain-rare-genetic-conditions Weight management medications are meant to help people who have health problems related to overweight or obesity.