For patients who are struggling to lose excess weight on their own, even after diet and exercise, a prescription weight loss medication can help. Weight-loss medications are usually prescribed for people with a higher risk of medical problems due to their weight. One part of your risk is body mass index (BMI). Body mass index describes your weight in comparison to your height.

You may have a higher risk of health problems if you have a BMI of:

  • 30 or higher
  • 27 or higher AND have an obesity-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

Prescription weight loss medications include:

Phentermine (Adipex):Phentermine an appetite suppressant medication designed to make you feel full longer after eating and curb your cravings, so you do not feel hungry as often. If you are struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise, phentermine could be a beneficial treatment option. It is not recommended for those who only wish to lose a few inches or pounds. A good candidate is in general good health aside from excessive weight. Those with heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and glaucoma may not be good candidates for this medication.  

Orlistat (Xenical, Alli OTC):
Orlistat alters fat digestion by inhibiting pancreatic lipases and keeping you body from absorbing 25 to 30 percent of calories ingested as fat. The undigested fat is eliminated in the stool. Individuals taking this medication should consume a diet consisting of no more than 30 per cent fat.

Liraglutide (Saxenda):Liraglutide is a chemically modified version of human GLP-1 (glucagon-like inhibitor). GLP-1 drugs in higher dose are used to treat Type 2 Diabetes. As a drug used to treat obesity, it works on the brain to suppress appetite and improves blood sugar levels. Individuals taking this drug must be comfortable giving themselves daily injections.

Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia):
Phentermine-topiramate is a combination drug with the effects of phentermine discussed above and topiramate, a drug used to treat seizures and migraines that is found to assist with weight loss by altering the taste of food.

Bupropion-naltrexone (Belviq):
Bupropion-naltrexone works on the brain as an appetite suppressant. Bupropion is used to treat depression and to help with smoking cessation. Naltrexone is used to treat opioid and alcohol abuse by blocking or binding opioid receptors and reducing cravings. This drug is beneficial the obese smoker who desires pharmacologic therapy for smoking cessation and obesity.

Other prescription medication:
Diethylpropion, benzphetamine, and phendimetrazine are similar to phentermine and work on the brain to suppress appetite.

It is important to note that prescription medication alone is not a weight loss solution. Sustainable and healthy weight loss can be achieved through diet, exercise, nutritional guidance, and counseling to help change your attitudes towards eating and food. Our staff will work with you to design a tailored program based on an evaluation of your health, nutritional needs, and lifestyle to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

At Decatur Health and Wellness, we offer phentermine for prescription in the clinic. All other medications are available by prescription to an outside pharmacy.

  • Supplements
  • Lipotropic Injections