Skip to content

Treatments

Prescription treatments

Last reviewed: September 2026
FDA approved7 treatments

All currently FDA-approved weight loss medications. Weight loss figures are from clinical trials — individual results vary.

Weekly injection
2 options
Daily injection
1 option
Daily pill
4 options
Capsule with food
1 option

7 approved treatments. Available as weekly injections, a daily injection, or daily pills. Trial results and monthly cost differ by drug — see how they compare. All require a prescription — a doctor will assess whether you qualify.

Weight loss in clinical trials — at a glance

Figures come from different trials, doses and lengths, so they are not a ranking. Individual results vary.

Contrave(Naltrexone / Bupropion ER)9.3%(~20 lbs)
Foundayo(Orforglipron)12.4%(~27 lbs)
Qsymia(Phentermine / Topiramate ER)9.8%(~22 lbs)
Saxenda(Liraglutide)8%(~18 lbs)
Oral Wegovy(semaglutide pill)16.6%(~37 lbs)
Wegovy(semaglutide injection)14.9%(~33 lbs)
Xenical & Alli(Orlistat)8.5%(~19 lbs)
Zepbound & Mounjaro(Tirzepatide)20.9%(~46 lbs)
TirzepatideGLP-1 / combination pillFat blocker

Averages from clinical trials at highest approved dose. Semaglutide pill figure (16.6%) is from OASIS 4 — with full adherence. Placebo groups typically lost 1–3%. Not everyone achieves these results.

Contrave (Naltrexone / Bupropion ER): 9.3% (about 20 lbs); Foundayo (Orforglipron): 12.4% (about 27 lbs); Qsymia (Phentermine / Topiramate ER): 9.8% (about 22 lbs); Saxenda (Liraglutide): 8% (about 18 lbs); Oral Wegovy (semaglutide pill): 16.6% (about 37 lbs); Wegovy (semaglutide injection): 14.9% (about 33 lbs); Xenical & Alli (Orlistat): 8.5% (about 19 lbs); Zepbound & Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): 20.9% (about 46 lbs)

All approved treatments

Foundayo

Orforglipron

Pill — take anytime, no food rules

Up to 12.4%avg weight loss
Learn more →

Zepbound & Mounjaro

Tirzepatide

Highest average weight loss in trials

Up to 20.9%avg weight loss
Learn more →

Wegovy & Ozempic

Semaglutide

Proven heart benefits + pill or injection

Up to 14.9%avg weight loss
Learn more →

Saxenda

Liraglutide

10+ years of safety data

Up to 8%avg weight loss
Learn more →

Contrave

Naltrexone / Bupropion ER

Helps quiet food cravings

Up to 9.3%avg weight loss
Learn more →

Qsymia

Phentermine / Topiramate ER

Most affordable (~$30–80/mo)

Up to 9.8%avg weight loss
Learn more →

Xenical & Alli

Orlistat

No prescription needed (OTC)

Up to 8.5%avg weight loss
Learn more →

Other prescription options

Drugs and procedures outside the list above, each with its own page.

New in 2026What was recently approved, and what changed for existing drugsPhentermineOne of the older prescription appetite suppressants, covered on its own pageOlder appetite suppressantsDiethylpropion, phendimetrazine and benzphetamine, grouped on one pageSetmelanotideApproved for obesity caused by specific, genetically confirmed conditionsDevices and proceduresThe swallowed device, the gastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplastyAll treatments comparedEvery option on this site in one map, from lifestyle to surgeryGuidesLonger reads on cost, switching, pregnancy, shortages and more

Note on weight loss figures

All percentages represent average weight loss from baseline in clinical trials at the stated dose and duration. People given a dummy pill (placebo) typically lost 1–3% of body weight in the same trials — the drug effect is on top of this. Not all participants achieve the maximum result.

Was this page helpful?
Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment. Prices shown are United States self-pay or list prices and vary by insurance and country.

Next step most people take

Not sure which one? Compare all your optionsSee drugs, diet, supplements and exercise side by sideCheck if you're eligibleBMI thresholds and qualifying health conditions

Built with agentic AI tools and not a substitute for medical advice