Oral Medication
Oral Medication Options Comparison
Feature | Oral GLP-1 | Metformin | Bupropion + Naltrexone | Topiramate |
---|---|---|---|---|
How it Works | Mimics natural GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar | Improves insulin sensitivity and stabilizes blood sugar, which can support weight control | Targets the brain’s reward and appetite centers to reduce food cravings | Alters brain signaling to decrease appetite and curb binge tendencies |
Weight Loss Potential | Moderate to high (10–15% body weight) | Mild (2–5%) | Moderate (5–10%) | Mild to moderate (5–8%) |
FDA Status | Not yet FDA-approved for weight loss; compounded formulations available | FDA-approved for diabetes (off-label for weight loss) | FDA-approved combo under brand name Contrave® | FDA-approved for seizure/migraines (off-label for weight loss) |
Best For | Patients wanting GLP-1 benefits without injections | Insulin-resistant, PCOS, or pre-diabetic patients | Emotional or stress eaters with food-craving patterns | Appetite-driven or nighttime snacking patterns |
Common Side Effects | Nausea, mild stomach upset, constipation | GI upset, bloating, mild fatigue | Dry mouth, insomnia, headache | Tingling in hands/feet, fatigue, altered taste |
Cost (Self-Pay) | Program $49 + pharmacy meds ≈ $20 | Program $49 + meds ≈ $10–15 | Program $49 + meds ≈ $25–30 | Program $49 + meds ≈ $15–20 |
When You’ll See Results | 3–5 weeks | 4–8 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
Prescription Needed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Oral GLP-1
- How it Works
- Mimics natural GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar
- Weight Loss Potential
- Moderate to high (10–15% body weight)
- FDA Status
- Not yet FDA-approved for weight loss; compounded formulations available
- Best For
- Patients wanting GLP-1 benefits without injections
- Common Side Effects
- Nausea, mild stomach upset, constipation
- Cost (Self-Pay)
- Program $49 + pharmacy meds ≈ $20
- When You’ll See Results
- 3–5 weeks
- Prescription Needed
- ✅ Yes
Metformin
- How it Works
- Improves insulin sensitivity and stabilizes blood sugar, which can support weight control
- Weight Loss Potential
- Mild (2–5%)
- FDA Status
- FDA-approved for diabetes (off-label for weight loss)
- Best For
- Insulin-resistant, PCOS, or pre-diabetic patients
- Common Side Effects
- GI upset, bloating, mild fatigue
- Cost (Self-Pay)
- Program $49 + meds ≈ $10–15
- When You’ll See Results
- 4–8 weeks
- Prescription Needed
- ✅ Yes
Bupropion + Naltrexone
- How it Works
- Targets the brain’s reward and appetite centers to reduce food cravings
- Weight Loss Potential
- Moderate (5–10%)
- FDA Status
- FDA-approved combo under brand name Contrave®
- Best For
- Emotional or stress eaters with food-craving patterns
- Common Side Effects
- Dry mouth, insomnia, headache
- Cost (Self-Pay)
- Program $49 + meds ≈ $25–30
- When You’ll See Results
- 2–4 weeks
- Prescription Needed
- ✅ Yes
Topiramate
- How it Works
- Alters brain signaling to decrease appetite and curb binge tendencies
- Weight Loss Potential
- Mild to moderate (5–8%)
- FDA Status
- FDA-approved for seizure/migraines (off-label for weight loss)
- Best For
- Appetite-driven or nighttime snacking patterns
- Common Side Effects
- Tingling in hands/feet, fatigue, altered taste
- Cost (Self-Pay)
- Program $49 + meds ≈ $15–20
- When You’ll See Results
- 3–6 weeks
- Prescription Needed
- ✅ Yes