Oral Medication
Oral Medication Options Comparison
| Feature | Oral GLP-1 | Metformin | Bupropion + Naltrexone | Topiramate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it Works | Mimics natural GLP-1 hormone signals to help reduce appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar, which may support weight loss. | 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 (in studies, some participants lost around 10–15% of body weight)* | Mild (2–5%) *results vary by individual | 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
*Based on clinical studies of these medications when combined with diet and lifestyle changes. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
Information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your licensed healthcare provider about which, if any, medication is appropriate for you.



