Prescription Treatments
All currently FDA-approved weight loss medications. Weight loss figures are from clinical trials — individual results vary.
Quick read · 3 min
- •There are 7 FDA-approved prescription weight loss treatments
- •Injectable GLP-1 drugs generally produce the largest weight loss in trials
- •Daily pills are significantly more affordable than weekly injections
- •All require a prescription — a doctor will assess whether you qualify
Based on clinical trials · No rankings · Every claim linked to source
Last reviewed: April 2026
Weight loss in clinical trials — at a glance
Sorted by trial result — not a ranking. Individual results vary.
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.
All approved treatments
Orforglipron
Foundayo
Pill — take anytime, no food rules
Orforglipron
Foundayo
Pill — take anytime, no food rules
Tirzepatide
Zepbound
Highest average weight loss in trials
Tirzepatide
Zepbound / Mounjaro
Highest average weight loss in trials
Semaglutide
Wegovy injection
Proven heart benefits + pill or injection
Semaglutide
Wegovy injection / Wegovy pill / Ozempic
Proven heart benefits + pill or injection
Liraglutide
Saxenda
10+ years of safety data
Liraglutide
Saxenda
10+ years of safety data
Naltrexone / Bupropion ER
Contrave
Helps quiet food cravings
Naltrexone / Bupropion ER
Contrave
Helps quiet food cravings
Phentermine / Topiramate ER
Qsymia
Most affordable (~$30–80/mo)
Phentermine / Topiramate ER
Qsymia
Most affordable (~$30–80/mo)
Orlistat
Xenical
No prescription needed (OTC)
Orlistat
Xenical
No prescription needed (OTC)