The Best Weight Loss Medications

When trying to lose a large amount of weight for health reasons, or when other weight loss methods have been unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend medication. Although some medications may be used off-label for weight loss, the Food and Drug Administration has approved certain medications for this purpose.

Phentermine

Phentermine is an FDA-approved appetite suppressant designed for short-term weight loss. Phentermine works by stimulating an area of the brain known as the hypothalamus, which is partially responsible for regulating your appetite. By manipulating your appetite, phentermine reduces food cravings, helping you stick to a diet.

Phendimetrazine

Phendimetrazine is an FDA-approved anorectic that mimics some of the same actions as an amphetamine. Phendimetrazine stimulates the nervous system to increase the rate of your cardiovascular system, boosting your heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn helps to decrease your appetite.

Diethylpropion

Diethylpropion works similarly to phentermine in that it targets the hypothalamus to decrease your appetite. Diethylpropion is approved by the FDA for use on a short-term basis, typically only a few weeks, according to the National Institutes of Health's Medline Plus.

Sibutramine

Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that works as a neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitor. As the medication enters your bloodstream, it blocks the reuptake of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters in your synaptic cleft, according to the Mayo Clinic. The higher the levels of these neurotransmitters, the more satiated your body feels.

Orlistat

Orlistat is sold as a prescription under the brand-name Xenical, and over the counter under the brand name Alli. Orlistat blocks the absorption of fat through the walls of the digestive system. Before taking orlistat it's important to understand the dietary requirements that must be followed to avoid uncontrollable bowel-related accidents.