Strongest Prescription Weight Loss Pill 2023 - What Are The 10 Best, Highest Strength And Fastest Working Prescribed Diet Pills

If you have a BMI over 30 or are considered obese or morbidly overweight your doctor or healthcare provider may offer you a prescription weight loss pill.

There are about a dozen drugs for obesity that are prescribed in 2023 - here we have reviewed the strongest weight loss prescription pills and listed them in order of strength. The most potent prescription medications for weight loss are Phentermine, Qsymia, Rybelsus, and Contrave.

There are a few negatives with prescribed diet pill such as side effects and availability - for these reasons we have also listed the strongest OTC weight loss pills in 2023 that are strong but safe to use.

Strongest Natural OTC Weight Loss Pills - Quick Look

1. PhenQ - OTC Fat Burner and Appetite Suppressant

All 3 diet pill brands above can be purchased directly from the manufacturer and have a long money guarantee. They are all side effect free

#1 - PhenQ - OTC Phentermine Appetite Suppressant

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An over the counter prescription free Phentermine appetite suppressant that has set the bar for the last decade. PhenQ is not only a strong appetite suppressant, it can also burn body fat and stop the creation of new fat cells.

PhenQ includes clinically studied ingredients and the formula is fully certified as safe. It is also guaranteed and has a 60 day refund policy. It the best Adipex and Phentermine over the counter brand in circulation

#2 - Capsiplex - Strong Fat Burner

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Another long serving over the counter diet pill made to thermogenically burn fat cells. Capsiplex can be used by both men and women for reducing total body weight rapidly and safely.

Capsiplex is a powerhouse used by bodybuilders and athletes for fat loss to cut fat quickly.

#3 - Zotrim - Herbal Hunger Reducer

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A natural and safe herbal appetite suppressant used by men and women who value safety as paramount.

Who Can Use a Prescription Weight Loss Pills

Prescription weight loss medications are typically used to treat obesity in individuals who have related health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. These medications should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. They are usually combined with lifestyle changes involving diet, exercise, and behavior changes.

Here are some key factors in determining eligibility for prescription weight loss medications:

• BMI of 30 or higher (obesity) or BMI 27-29.9 (overweight) with an obesity-related health condition like diabetes or hypertension. A higher BMI generally indicates greater need.

• Failure to lose sufficient weight through diet and exercise alone. Prescription drugs are meant to supplement lifestyle changes.

• No underlying health conditions that could be made worse by medication side effects.

• No history of eating disorders, substance abuse, or addiction. Some weight loss drugs have potential for abuse.

• No medications that negatively interact with weight loss drugs like MAOIs for depression or migraines.

• No pregnancy, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Most weight loss drugs are contraindicated.

• No history of severe side effects or allergy to the prescribed medication.

• Willingness to adopt lifestyle modifications to maintain the weight lost long-term. Drugs provide short-term aid.

• Commitment to regular doctor visits for monitoring of side effects and safety.

The decision to prescribe a weight loss drug is made on an individualized basis by the treating physician based on careful screening and determination of potential risks vs benefits. Not all people are good candidates. Lifestyle changes remain essential.

Phentermine 37.5 mg (Adipex, Ionamin)

Phentermine is a prescription appetite suppressant that is typically used for short-term weight loss. It is part of a class of drugs called sympathomimetic amines, which work by stimulating the central nervous system to increase heart rate and blood pressure while also suppressing appetite.

Phentermine activates the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine that signal satiety in the brain. This reduces hunger and food cravings, allowing one to more easily follow a reduced-calorie diet. By suppressing appetite, phentermine enables patients to consume fewer calories without experiencing intense hunger or cravings.

Studies show phentermine can boost weight loss by about 3-5 pounds over placebo over a period of 3-6 months. However, it appears most effective when combined with lifestyle modifications like improved nutrition and exercise. Phentermine is only approved for short-term use of 12 weeks or less due to potential side effects with longer-term use.

Phentermine is considered one of the strongest prescription weight loss medications. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and addiction. Possible side effects may include increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, restlessness, and dry mouth. It may also interact with other medications. Patients should be monitored closely by a doctor while taking phentermine.

Orlistat (Xenical)

Orlistat is a prescription weight loss medication that reduces the absorption of dietary fat to help obese patients lose weight. It is sold under the brand name Xenical as a prescription and under the name Alli as an over-the-counter version with a lower dosage.

Orlistat works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme needed to break down and absorb fat from food. Instead of being absorbed, up to 30% of fat that is consumed passes through the body undigested. This caloric deficit helps users lose weight, provided they also make diet and exercise changes.

Clinical trials have shown Orlistat may boost weight loss by about 2-3 pounds over placebo over 3-12 months. The over-the-counter version Alli is half the prescription strength and its effects may be more modest. The undigested fat is excreted naturally through bowel movements, which can lead to oily spotting, gas, and loose stools.

Orlistat is not considered as potent for losing weight as some other prescription medications like phentermine, but it is one of the few weight loss pills approved for longer-term use. It may be prescribed for months to years. Also, it does not act on the central nervous system, so does not lead to systemic side effects like increased heart rate.

However, the gastrointestinal side effects of Orlistat weight loss drugs can be unpleasant. It can also interfere with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Use requires following a low-fat diet to minimize side effects. Orlistat is not advised for those with malabsorption issues or cholestasis.

Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)

Qsymia is a prescription medication used for chronic weight management. It contains a combination of phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that increases heart rate and blood pressure while also signaling satiety. Topiramate is an anticonvulsant that is thought to increase weight loss by reducing appetite and making food taste less appealing.

By combining phentermine and topiramate, Qsymia aims to leverage the weight loss effects of both components. Scientific study have shown the combination can boost weight loss by 6-10% over placebo over a year of treatment when combined with lifestyle modifications.

However, Qsymia also combines the potential side effects of phentermine and topiramate. These may include increased heart rate, tingling in hands and feet, constipation, dizziness, and trouble concentrating. It may also increase the risk of birth defects and cannot be taken by pregnant women.

Like other prescription weight loss drugs, Qsymia is meant for short-term use only, generally 12 weeks or less. It also has a risk of abuse and dependence due to the phentermine component. Patients prescribed Qsymia need close monitoring by a doctor to watch for serious side effects.

Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)

Contrave is another prescription weight loss pill that is a combination drug approved for chronic weight management. It contains two medications: naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that is thought to help regulate signals in the brain that control food cravings and appetite. Bupropion is an antidepressant and quit-smoking aid that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine to potentially boost metabolism.

By combining naltrexone and bupropion, Contrave aims to modulate signaling in the brain related to food cravings and appetite control. Clinical studies have shown Contrave can result in 4-5% greater weight loss compared to placebo over 12-56 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.

Potential side effects of Contrave include nausea, constipation, headache, risk of suicidal thoughts, and increased blood pressure and heart rate. It also carries a boxed warning about the risk of seizure. As such, use requires close monitoring by a physician to watch for serious side effects.

Like other prescription weight loss drugs, Contrave is intended only for short term use of 12 weeks or less. It may have a lower risk of abuse compared to drugs containing amphetamines or stimulants. Patients still require lifestyle modifications for sustained weight loss effects.

Semaglutide (Rybelsus)

Rybelsus is a relatively new prescription medication for weight management. It contains semaglutide, a compound that mimics the appetite reducing hormone GLP-1. By activating GLP-1 receptors, Rybelsus increases feelings of fullness and satiety, allowing people to reduce calorie intake.

Clinical trials show Rybelsus can lead to 5-15% weight loss compared to placebo over 40 weeks when combined with diet and exercise. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain.

As an GLP-1 agonist, Semaglutide is considered one of the more effective prescription medications for weight loss currently available. It has gastrointestinal side effects. It is not recommended for long-term use. As with other weight loss drugs, lifestyle modifications are still required for sustained effects.

Rybelsus is a potent weight loss medication, but requires careful administration and monitoring by a physician. It can support weight loss efforts when combined with diet and exercise changes.

Lorcaserin (Belviq)

Belviq is a prescription weight loss medication that works by activating serotonin receptors in the brain involved in regulating appetite. As a serotonin 2C receptor agonist, lorcaserin helps users feel fuller faster and reduces hunger signals.

In clinical trials, Belviq has been shown to help patients lose 3-3.7% more weight compared to placebo over 52 weeks when combined with lifestyle modifications. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, and constipation.

As a schedule IV controlled substance, Belviq has some risk of abuse and addiction. It should only be taken short-term under a doctor’s supervision. It may interact with some antidepressants and migraine drugs.

While not as potent for weight loss as some other prescription medications, Belviq is one of the few weight loss pills approved for longer-term use up to a year or more. It does not appear to lead to many cardiovascular or neurological side effects.

Benzphetamine (Regimex, Didrex)

Benzphetamine is a prescription stimulant drug that promotes temporary short-term weight loss.

Chemically related to amphetamine, benzphetamine acts as an appetite suppressant by increasing norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin levels in the brain. This leads to reduced hunger and increased resting energy expenditure.

In clinical trials, benzphetamine has been shown to modestly boost weight loss by an additional 1-2 pounds compared to placebo over a few weeks when combined with calorie reduction and exercise.

However, it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Benzphetamine should only be used under close medical supervision for a few weeks due to risks.

Diethylpropion

Diethylpropion is a short-term prescription appetite suppressant similar to amphetamine. As a sympathomimetic amine, it stimulates the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, leading to reduced hunger and increased satiety.

Diethylpropion is typically prescribed for a few weeks at a time to promote modest additional weight loss of a couple pounds beyond dieting and exercise alone. However, it has a potential for abuse and dependence, so it can only be used under close medical supervision.

Patients wanting to lose weight are prescribed diethylpropion and require regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate to ensure safety. Due to risks, diethylpropion is not intended for long-term weight management or body weight reduction.

Phendimetrazine (Bontril, Melfiat)

Phendimetrazine is another sympathomimetic amine similar to amphetamine that is prescribed for short-term weight loss and Body Mass Index reduction.

As an appetite suppressant, it stimulates the central nervous system and decreases hunger. In clinical studies, phendimetrazine has been shown to enhance weight loss by approximately 3-5 pounds over placebo when used for a few weeks along with diet and exercise.

However, it has a potential for abuse and can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Due to its similarities to amphetamines, phendimetrazine is only intended for supervised use for 12 weeks or less to aid in jumpstarting weight loss.

Metformin (Glucophage)

Metformin is primarily used to treat high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, but can also promote mild weight loss. As an insulin sensitizer, metformin reduces hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity.

This may help improve satiety signals and reduce caloric intake. In non-diabetics, metformin typically leads to 2-3 pounds greater weight loss compared to placebo over 6-12 months when combined with lifestyle interventions.

However, gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea and nausea are common. Metformin offers a modest benefit for losing weight, but primarily in those with insulin resistance. Use requires physician monitoring for lactic acidosis risk.

Please note that these medications are not magic pills for weight loss. They can have strong side effects, and their effectiveness varies greatly from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication regimen.

Strong Weight Loss Prescription Pill FAQ

Here are 3 potential FAQs on prescription weight loss pills:

1. What weight loss medications are approved by the FDA?

The FDA has approved several prescription drugs for short-term weight loss including phentermine, orlistat, liraglutide, naltrexone-bupropion, lorcaserin, and a combination of phentermine-topiramate. All work by suppressing appetite, increasing satiety, or reducing fat absorption. They are intended for patients with obesity or overweight with obesity-related conditions.

2. How much weight can I expect to lose using prescription pills?

Most patients lose between 5-10% of their total body weight over 3-6 months when combining prescription weight loss pills with reduced calorie intake, increased physical activity, and behavioral counseling. These medications enhance weight loss over lifestyle changes alone. The amount of weight loss varies based on the medication.

3. Are there risks or side effects to using prescription weight loss medications?

Yes, all medications have potential risks and side effects. Common side effects include headache, dizziness, dry mouth, gastrointestinal issues, and increased heart rate. Contrave and Qsymia have more serious risks like increased suicidal thoughts, seizures, and birth defects. All prescription weight loss drugs require oversight by an obesity medicine specialist to monitor for safety and mitigate risks.

Strongest Weight Loss Prescription Pill Summary

The most potent prescription medications for weight loss are phentermine, Qsymia, Rybelsus, and Contrave. Phentermine and Qsymia are appetite suppressants and work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain.

Rybelsus mimics the hormone GLP-1 to reduce hunger signals. Contrave combines drugs that may modulate food cravings and metabolism.

These can lead to 6-15% greater weight loss compared to placebo when combined with lifestyle changes. Orlistat, Belviq, and metformin have more modest effects. Older drugs like diethylpropion, benzphetamine, and phendimetrazine have high abuse potential.

All weight loss medications and prescription drugs require close physician monitoring for serious side effects, and are only intended for short-term use alongside diet and exercise.

Disclaimer:

The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.