Weight management is a journey unique to each individual, with options ranging from FDA-approved weight loss medications to holistic lifestyle changes. Prescription medications, such as GLP-1 agonists or appetite suppressants, can be extremely effective in supporting your weight loss while under the guidance of a healthcare provider. However, for those looking for a natural approach, focusing on nutrition, exercise, emotional well-being, and natural supplements—can achieve sustainable weight loss while improving overall health and quality of life.
The Rundown on Weight Loss Medications
Before taking any weight loss medication, Obesity Medicine specialist Aalia Al-Barwani, MD, says, “It’s important to review your options with a healthcare provider to make sure the medication is safe and a good fit for your health needs. Not all medications work for everyone, and factors like other medical conditions or medications you’re taking play a big role.” Once you discuss options with your healthcare provider, you can better determine the weight loss you’re likely to see based on these factors:
- How the medication works in your body (Medications can work differently in everyone’s body based on their health and what medications they are taking)
- Your weight or BMI: You’re eligible for weight loss medication if you have a BMI of: 30 or higher. 27 or higher, and you have a weight-related condition
- The type of weight loss medication you’re taking (e.g., fat blocker, appetite suppressant, GLP-1 agonists)
- Your overall health or lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise, stress, sleep)
Different types of weight loss medications:
Appetite suppressants: Reduces Hunger Signals
Fat Blockers: Prevents Fat Absorption in the digestive system
GLP-1 Agonists: Regulates blood sugar, slows stomach emptying, and promotes the feeling of fullness.
Current Weight Loss Medications (Approved by the FDA)
Xenical (orlistat, Alli)
Dosage: 120mg capsule taken 3 times per day with meals
How the medication works: Xenical works as a fat blocker, preventing some of the fat in foods consumed from being absorbed in the intestines. Whatever fat doesn’t get absorbed is then removed from the body through the bowel movement. The medication comes in the form of a capsule and should be taken three times per day, with each meal (or up to one hour after a meal) and each meal needs to contain fat. If a meal is missed or doesn’t contain fat, you should skip your dose.
*Orlistat and Xenical both require prescriptions, whereas Alli is an over-the-counter medication (and currently the only FDA-approved OTC medication on the market).
Side effects: This medication’s most common side effect is changes in bowel movement. This can include:
- Loose stools
- Oily or fatty stools
- Increased number of stools
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements
Other potential side effects:
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or weakness
Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate/topamax)
Dosage: (Phentermine(mg)/Topiramate(mg)) 3.75mg/23mg, 7.5mg/46mg, 11.25mg/69mg, 15mg/92mg
How the medication works: Phentermine-topiramate is an extended-release capsule you take once daily, typically in the morning (with or without food). Phentermine works as an appetite suppressant, decreasing appetite and keeping you feeling full longer. Topiramate treats seizures and migraines but can also regulate appetite and change how your body uses energy. Together, the two medications create a combination for a more efficient weight loss.
Side effects:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Insomnia
Topamax (topiramate), while intended as an anti-seizure and migraine medication, is only FDA-approved as a weight loss medication when combined with phentermine, creating Qsymia. Even so, healthcare professionals use it off-label to help individuals lose weight. The drug has been shown to decrease appetite and reduce cravings. Studies show that those who take Topamax by itself lose between 5% and 7% of their body weight after six to twelve months. However, taking Qsymia (phentermine and topamax combo) is still more effective for weight loss.
Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion)
Dosage: Each tablet contains 8 mg of naltrexone and 90 mg of bupropion. The lowest dose starts with one tablet in the morning and none in the evening. As your body adjusts to the medication, you will continue to increase the number of tablets you take, adding an additional tablet per week until you take two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening.
How the medication works: These medications target two key areas of the brain: the hunger center and the reward system. Both help curb appetite and manage cravings effectively. Naltrexone also regulates metabolism and improves insulin resistance. The medication comes in an extended-release tablet that is taken once or twice per day, and the dose gradually increases over time as directed by the physician.
Side effects:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Altered taste
- Diarrhea
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Dosage (pre-filled injection pens): 0.6mg, 1.2mg, 1.8mg, 2.4mg, 3mg
How the medication works: Liraglutide is a pre-filled injection pen that helps the pancreas release the correct amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are elevated. Insulin then helps transport sugar from the bloodstream into body tissues, where it’s used for energy. It also slows stomach emptying, which can reduce appetite, leading to weight loss. This injection is taken daily, typically around the same time (with or without food).
Side effects:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Nutrient deficiency
- Heartburn
- Fatigue
- Injection site rash or redness
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Dosage(pre-filled injection pens): 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg
How the medication works: Zepbound works in the body by increasing insulin in the body and decreasing glucagon, which controls how much glucose is made by the liver. The medication also slows the movement of food through the body, decreasing appetite and keeping you full longer. The injection is taken once weekly, typically around the same time (with or without food).
Side effects:
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Muscle loss
- Nutrient deficiency
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Dosage(pre-filled injection pens): 2.5mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg
How the medication works: Wegovy mimics the effects of Saxenda, releasing the correct amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are too high. It also slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite, leading to weight loss. The injection method, however, is the same as Zepbound and is taken by injection under the skin once per week (with or without food).
Side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle loss
- Nutrient deficiency
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Burping
While weight loss drugs can be effective for managing weight under medical supervision, they’re not the only path to achieving a healthier lifestyle. For those who prefer a more natural approach, embracing a holistic route can be just as impactful. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods, staying active through regular exercise, and incorporating natural supplements to support your body’s needs. Let’s explore how these alternatives can help you achieve sustainable weight loss and overall well-being.
Taking the Holistic Route
A Balanced, Nutritious Diet
A balanced, nutritious diet is the foundation of any healthy lifestyle, particularly when it comes to weight management. Eating various nutrient-dense foods ensures your body receives the vitamins, minerals, and energy needed to function at its best. Incorporating lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps stabilize blood sugar levels, curb cravings, and sustain energy throughout the day. This balanced approach can also support your metabolism, essential for burning calories and maintaining a healthy weight.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Exercise and physical activity are another crucial components of taking the holistic route. Regular exercise is a daily aspect of our lives that many Americans severely lack. Per the CDC’s recommendations, adults should be getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening activity each week.
Movement not only helps burn calories but also improves cardiovascular health, boosts metabolism, and builds muscle mass, all of which contribute to a more efficient fat-burning process. It’s important to find a physical activity that you enjoy—whether it’s cardio, strength training, yoga, or simply walking—because consistency is key. Exercise also improves mood and energy levels, making it easier to stay motivated on your weight loss journey. When paired with a nutritious diet, regular physical activity can significantly enhance your ability to manage your weight and improve overall health.
Self-care and Emotional Well-being (Sleep, Stress, and Mental Health)
Emotional well-being is often overlooked in our health but plays a significant role in weight management. Sleep, stress levels, and mental health all influence how the body responds to weight loss efforts. Poor sleep can disrupt hunger hormones, leading to increased cravings and overeating. Chronic stress can trigger the release of cortisol, which promotes fat storage (especially around the abdomen). Whether we’re aware of it or not, mental health affects motivation and emotional eating habits. Prioritizing quality sleep and managing stress through techniques like meditation or mindfulness alongside a healthy diet and exercise can positively impact your weight loss journey.
Incorporating Natural Supplements
Incorporating natural supplements into your wellness journey can be highly beneficial when taking the holistic route for weight management. HUM’s products, like Berberine, Ripped Rooster, and Flatter Me GLP-1 Fiber, all provide additional support to the body’s natural processes.
- Flatter Me Fiber Powder GLP-1 Booster is HUM’s newest addition to the Flatter Me line, designed to support healthy digestion, regularity, and reduce cravings. By naturally boosting GLP-1 levels, the supplement helps regulate appetite, aiding in weight loss. It also contains enzymes that break down fiber, protein, carbs, gluten, and more, reducing bloating and promoting regular bowel movements. When used alongside a balanced diet, it can support optimal gut health and digestive function.
- Berberine is a natural supplement that helps regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and support healthy metabolism. It can help balance blood sugar spikes and crashes, which may reduce cravings and prevent overeating. By supporting metabolic health, Berberine plays a vital role in weight management, especially for individuals dealing with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.
- Ripped Rooster is designed to support fat-burning and metabolism through a combination of 7-Keto DHEA, green tea extract, and chromium. These ingredients work together to enhance thermogenesis, boost energy, and maintain healthy blood sugar levels, supporting exercise and dietary efforts. This supplement can aid in fat loss and improve overall weight management, making it a perfect complement to a balanced diet and regular exercise routine.
“A holistic approach to weight wellness that includes nutrition, physical activity, emotional well-being, and stress management is key to achieving sustainable weight loss and improving overall health, energy, and quality of life,” Al-Barwani explains. “By addressing emotional eating and incorporating mindfulness practices, individuals can break the cycle of using food for comfort, reduce stress, and make healthier, more intentional choices.”
FAQs
1. How long should I take my weight loss medication?
“The length of time someone needs to stay on weight loss medication varies,” Al-Barwani explains. “For many, obesity is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, much like high blood pressure or diabetes. Weight loss medications often play a role in long-term treatment, but this depends on the individual’s health and goals. Some people use weight loss medications short-term to help jumpstart their journey, while others may need them long-term to maintain their progress.”
2. What happens if I stop taking it?
“Without the medication, the underlying factors that contributed to weight gain—like changes in hunger hormones, metabolic function, or emotional triggers—can return,” Al-Barwani says. “For example, medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Wegovy, Zepbound) reduce appetite and improve how your body uses energy. When the medication is stopped, hunger often increases, and the body may regain weight.”
3. Can I add holistic support even if I’m taking a weight loss drug?
Regardless of whether you take the holistic route or opt for a prescription weight loss drug, you should include healthy habits into your routine. A balanced, nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and taking the time for self-care and your overall emotional well-being are crucial to any health and wellness routine.
4. Can I successfully lose weight if I decide to go the holistic route?
Absolutely! While everyone’s body is unique, achieving successful weight loss often comes down to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes a nutritious diet, regular physical activity, and balanced mental well-being—your ultimate formula for success. However, if your body could use an extra boost—whether it’s to fire up your metabolism for maximum fat burning, curb appetite cravings, or support a healthy digestive system—natural supplements can be a helpful addition. HUM’s Berberine, Ripped Rooster, and Flatter Me GLP-1 Fiber are all crafted with natural, high-quality ingredients to complement your holistic weight loss journey and enhance your results.
The Takeaway on The new Weight Loss Drug Lineup
Whether you choose prescription medications or take the holistic route, achieving sustainable weight loss requires a comprehensive approach tailored to your needs. Medications can provide essential support for certain individuals, while a lifestyle focused on balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, emotional well-being, and natural supplements can offer lasting results. Remember, consulting healthcare professionals and adopting healthy habits are key to reaching your goals. By finding the right combination for your body, you can create a pathway to long-term wellness and vitality.
