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
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Programs Most Popular Fastest Semaglutide Subscription Adaptable
GLP Elite

Flexible weight loss to accelerate and maintain your GLP-1 results.

RM3

The quickest way to safely lose weight and sustain it for life.

DirectMed

GLP-1 Subscription; Our auto-ship program delivers GLP-1s to your door every month for convenient, hassle-free weight loss.

Lifestyle

A-la-carte program to match your lifestyle with moderate weight loss and maintenance.

Patented medication included
Weekly fat burner boosters included
Consultation with medical provider

Top 5 FAQs

1. How does the Oral Program work?

You’ll complete a short medical intake form and virtual consultation.

Your provider reviews your history, then prescribes the best oral option for your needs.

Prescriptions are filled at your local pharmacy, usually within 3–5 days.

2. Are these medications safe?

Yes — each option is clinically backed and prescribed only after a licensed provider review.

Some are FDA-approved for other conditions and used off-label for weight management, which is standard medical practice.

3. Are medications included in the $49 program fee?

No. The $49 covers your consultation and prescription, but medications are filled at your pharmacy.

Most cost between $10–30 per month, depending on the drug and your pharmacy.

4. What if I don’t respond to one medication?

You can switch or adjust your prescription at any time.

Many patients try one option for 4–6 weeks before transitioning to another under provider supervision.

5. Are oral medications as effective as GLP-1 injections?

They can help with moderate, steady weight loss, especially when combined with healthy habits.

Injectable GLP-1s tend to produce faster and larger reductions, but oral medications are a great needle-free alternative for those seeking flexibility or affordability.