Weight loss medications are prescription drugs designed to help individuals achieve significant weight reduction when combined with lifestyle modifications. The newest class of medications, GLP-1 receptor agonists, have revolutionized obesity treatment by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
However, there are important truths about these medications that many patients don’t fully understand before starting treatment.
Common weight loss medications include:
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
Orlistat (Alli, Xenical)
Side effects are very common with weight loss medications. Most people experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Additional side effects may include:
Headache and dizziness
Fatigue and weakness
Gallbladder problems
Muscle loss during rapid weight loss
Serious potential complications like pancreatitis
Weight regain is common after discontinuing these medications. Most people regain weight when they stop taking the medication, requiring long-term or potentially lifelong use for sustained results.
Individual response varies significantly. There aren’t clear predictors of response, and some people don’t respond to these medications at all. Factors that influence your response include genetics, underlying metabolic conditions, and adherence to lifestyle modifications.
Weight loss medications can be extremely expensive, often costing $800-$1,200 per month without insurance coverage. Many insurance plans don’t cover these medications for weight loss alone.
Things that increase your success with weight loss medications include:
Regular medical monitoring
Nutritional counseling and meal planning
Structured exercise programs
Realistic expectation setting
Financial planning for long-term treatment
Management of underlying health conditions
Primary care physicians provide comprehensive evaluations that include detailed discussions about medication options, realistic expectations, and personalized treatment plans. It is important that they review your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors to determine if weight loss medications are appropriate for your situation.
Your customized weight management plan may include:
Thorough medical evaluation and blood work
Medication selection based on your specific needs
Nutritional counseling and structured exercise prescriptions
Regular follow-up appointments
Support for managing side effects
Strategies for long-term maintenance
Schedule an evaluation by phone or online today!
Keywords: Weight Loss Medications, GLP-1 Agonists, Ozempic, Wegovy, Semaglutide, Weight Loss Drugs Side Effects, Prescription Weight Loss, Obesity Treatment
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians. (2024, October 15). Prescribing GLP-1 agonists for weight loss: Wrestling with our philosophical angst. American Family Physician. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2024/1000/editorial-glp-1-agonists-weight-loss.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2025, April 11). GLP-1 agonists: What they are, how they work & side effects. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
Harvard Health Publishing. (2024, February 5). GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drug side effects: “Ozempic face” and more. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/glp-1-diabetes-and-weight-loss-drug-side-effects-ozempic-face-and-more
JAMA Network. (2025, January 31). Discontinuation and reinitiation of dual-labeled GLP-1 receptor agonists among US adults with overweight or obesity. JAMA Network Open. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829779
Mayo Clinic. (2022, October 29). Prescription weight-loss drugs: Can they help you? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss-drugs/art-20044830
Obesity Medicine Association. (2024, January 26). Top weight loss medications. OMA Blog. https://obesitymedicine.org/blog/weight-loss-medications/
PBS NewsHour. (2025, January 2). As weight loss drug demand soars, physician outlines effectiveness and potential downsides. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/as-weight-loss-drug-demand-soars-physician-outlines-effectiveness-and-potential-downsides
UC Davis Health. (2024, August 28). Can weight loss medications really help you lose weight? Cultivating Health. https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/can-weight-loss-medications-help-you-lose-weight/2024/08
University of California San Francisco. (2024, June 10). Are the new weight loss drugs too good to be true? UCSF Magazine. https://magazine.ucsf.edu/weight-loss-drugs-too-good-to-be-true
WebMD. (2024, May 7). Prescription weight loss medicine: Exploring treatment options. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/obesity/weight-loss-prescription-weight-loss-medicine
