Medication FAQs
There are several prescription medications that can assist in weight loss. Of these medications, you may have heard of GLP-1 medications with brand names such as Ozempic or Wegovy in the news. And for good reason, these medications are clinically effective in weight management.
GLP-1 medications (Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are a special class of medications that have been FDA-approved for Type 2 Diabetes as well as weight management and can help individuals significantly lose weight.
For weight management, these medications act on the gut, slowing gastric emptying and making you feel full for longer. They also act on areas of the brain responsible for regulating appetite and calorie intake. GLP-1 medications are effective with 15% weight loss in clinical trials (~35 lbs lost) for semaglutide (Wegovy).
Some of the available GLP-1 medications approved for weight management include:
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Saxenda (Liraglutide)
- More recently, Tirzepatide has been approved under the brand name
Zepbound, this medication targets GLP-1 as well as GIP, showing clinically effective results on weight control.
Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone) is another FDA-approved medication for weight loss. Contrave is a combination of the antidepressant medication bupropion and opioid antagonist naltrexone. This combination targets areas of the brain that regulate hunger and cravings and showed 2-4 times more weight loss as compared to patients with diet and exercise alone.
In addition, other medications such as Metformin or Bupropion alone may be indicated for patients with co-occurring conditions that may benefit from modest weight loss.
Our dedicated partnering pharmacy team along with our prescribing clinicians, will work with your insurance provider and the medication manufacturer to ensure that you receive the lowest possible cost for your prescription. Often, these medications are covered completely or largely by your insurance. Some insurance providers may require what is known as a “prior authorization” to cover your prescription. Our team will help you navigate every step of this process.
Our team doesn’t prescribe controlled medications that have been approved for weight loss, such as Phentermine. Our stance is that there are safer available options currently approved by the FDA.
There are several available medications currently FDA-approved for treating Type 2 Diabetes. Treating pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes is based on patient-specific factors, glycemic management needs, other health conditions, and several other factors. Our clinical team identifies glycemic and other related health goals and customizes your treatment plan based on your specific goals.
For patients identified as pre-diabetic through testing (fasting blood glucose and A1C) and continuous glucose monitoring, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the medication Metformin to help lower blood sugar levels to a target range. Metformin has been recognized as a first-line “gold standard” medication in the treatment of pre-diabetes and diabetes for many years. It works by decreasing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity in your body’s tissues.
In addition, medications such as GLP-1 agonists like liraglutide or tirzepatide may be recommended if additional weight management is indicated. These medications are indicated for both weight loss and Type 2 Diabetes, and may be of benefit for helping patients lose weight and prevent progression into Type 2 Diabetes.
For patients with previously diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, your medication regimen will be determined based on your history, other health conditions, glycemic goals, and other specific factors personal to you. There are many medications available used to treat Type 2 Diabetes. This includes Metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, insulin, and many more.
Some of the medications that may be considered include GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide, and liraglutide. These medications work by activating GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, which leads to enhanced insulin release and reduced glucagon release (the hormone that stimulates glucose production when your blood sugar is too low). These medications can significantly improve glycemic efficacy, reduce weight and blood pressure, and have a cardioprotective effect, all without the risk of hypoglycemia.
Another class of medications commonly used are SGLT-2 inhibitors, including Canagliflozin, Dapagliflozin and Empagliflozin. These medications lower blood sugar by causing the kidneys to remove sugar from the body through the urine. These medications are particularly effective in reducing not only blood sugar but have also shown cardiovascular and renal benefits in type 2 diabetes.
Other traditional medications, such as sulfonylureas (glipizide, glimepiride, or glyburide) may be indicated. These medications stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.
Insulin therapy may also be indicated. There are a wide variety of insulins available with varying uses and duration.
Whether you are at the very beginning of your health journey or an experienced patient, our team is here to find the right medication or combination of medications that will help you reach your personal goals.