What are the 6 medications approved for weight loss?

Asked by: Zoe Watsica  |  Last update: November 1, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (6 votes)

Six weight-loss drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term use:
  • Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda)
  • Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
  • Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
  • Semaglutide (Wegovy)
  • Setmelanotide (Imcivree)

What is the most commonly prescribed drug for weight loss?

Phentermine is one of the most prescribed weight-loss medicines. But it isn't a good choice for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland or glaucoma.

What is the new drug replacing Ozempic?

Another diabetes drug, called Mounjaro, is now gaining attention, with many people using it off-label to lose weight. Some research has found that Mounjaro may be even more powerful than either Ozempic or Wegovy.

What medication did Kelly Clarkson take to lose weight?

Clarkson did not specify what weight-loss medication she is taking beyond that it is not Ozempic. She confirmed the rumors during a May episode of "The Kelly Clarkson Show" when chatting with Whoopi Goldberg, who's also been open about using Mounjaro, another weight-loss drug.

What medication did Sheryl Underwood take to lose weight?

Sheryl Underwood is continuing to be open and honest about her recent weight loss transformation. The Talk co-host, who lost 100 pounds over the last couple of years, hasn't been afraid to admit that she used Wegovy, a semaglutide injection approved by the FDA to aid in weight management.

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How did Melissa McCarthy lose weight?

Melissa told People magazine that after she landed her role on Gilmore Girls, she attempted a doctor-supervised all-liquid diet, which led her to lose 70 pounds in four months.

Can you really get Wegovy for $25?

Yes, you can really get Wegovy for $25 if you meet certain criteria. Offered by Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy Savings Card awards qualified individuals the opportunity to get the medication for $25 per month (i.e. 28-day supply).

What disqualifies you from semaglutide?

Avoid semaglutide if you have: History of medullary thyroid cancer. History of gallbladder disease. History of pancreatitis.

What is the Ozempic face?

“Ozempic face” is a nonmedical term that refers to the gaunt appearance in the face that can happen when someone loses weight quickly, specifically while taking a GLP-1 drug such as Ozempic. The rapid loss of fat from the face is the cause of the hollowed cheeks and looser skin.

What insurance covers Wegovy?

Most major insurance plans cover Wegovy, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Health Care, but coverage may vary with each plan. Benefits offered by employer plans also vary, and coverage is often based on what employers are willing to cover.

Which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy?

Wegovy and Ozempic, both forms of semaglutide, are used for different medical conditions but come at similar costs. Typically, these medications are priced at: Weekly: $50 to $87.50 per week. Monthly: $200 to $350 per month.

Which has worse side effects, Ozempic or Mounjaro?

They have similar side effects, like nausea, vomiting, and constipation, but Mounjaro tends to cause more serious stomach problems; Mounjaro targets two receptors linked to weight loss, while Ozempic focuses on just one; To get the best results from these meds, it's important to pair them with healthy eating.

How did Kelly Clarkson lose all her weight?

She combined diet changes, such as adopting a lectin-free diet, with regular exercise like walking. Clarkson's journey included using weight loss medication, although she emphasized a holistic approach. Wellness trends like infrared saunas and cold plunges played a role in her transformation.

What is the King Kong of weight loss drugs?

Mounjaro, known as the “King Kong of weight loss drugs”, will be available to patients on the NHS, but this week it was announced the medication will be prioritised to people with the highest needs – with the rollout expected to extend over 12 years.

How to lose 20 pounds in a month?

Losing 20 pounds in 1 month may be easier than 2 weeks, but it's still unrealistic for most people. Once again, it comes down to your TDEE and simple math. To lose 20 pounds in 1 month, you'd need to create an average deficit of 2,500 calories per day for 4 weeks. This might be possible for larger men.

How fast can I lose 20 lbs on semaglutide?

How fast you can lose 20 lbs on semaglutide (Wegovy) depends on your starting weight and other factors. If you weigh 232 lbs at the start of Wegovy treatment, you can expect to lose 20 lbs in around 16-20 weeks (4-5 months).

What is the strongest weight loss prescription pill?

Some of the strongest weight loss pills available today include: Naltrexone/bupropion (brand name Contrave) Phentermine/topiramate (brand name Qsymia) Orlistat (brand names Xenical, Alli)

Why can't you drink on semaglutide?

Mixing alcohol with semaglutide can be risky, especially if you're using it for weight loss or managing type 2 diabetes. Here's why: Low Blood Sugar: Semaglutide can lower blood sugar levels, and combining it with alcohol might increase this risk.

What is the cheapest way to get semaglutide?

How to Reduce the Cost of Semaglutide
  • Look for coupons and discount cards.
  • Get 90-day prescriptions (they can be cheaper than buying a 30-day supply)
  • Consider compounded semaglutide.
  • Apply for manufacturer savings programs.

How did Adele lose weight?

Adele's routine involved daily workouts, including weight training and cardio. She worked with a trainer to create a balanced plan that fit her lifestyle. This consistent exercise helped her build strength and boost her fitness level.

What celebs admit to using Ozempic?

Here are 19 celebrities who have either admitted to or denied using Ozempic and similar drugs:
  • Admitted it: Kelly Osbourne. ...
  • Denied it: Khloé Kardashian. ...
  • Admitted it: Amy Schumer. ...
  • Denied it: Lizzo. ...
  • Admitted it: Elon Musk. ...
  • Denied it: Kylie Jenner. ...
  • Admitted it: Oprah Winfrey. ...
  • Denied it: Jessica Simpson.

How did Jennifer Hudson lose weight?

Portion Control and a Balanced Diet

“I still eat everything I enjoy, like pizza and fries. But I make sure I balance it with something healthier, like vegetables or a lean protein,” Hudson says. For her, this balance is the key to maintaining her 80-pound weight loss over the years.