Best Weight Loss Medication

Searching for the ‘best weight loss medication’ for your unique condition can feel overwhelming, given the multitude of choices available today. 

Each weight loss medication prescription works differently, from appetite suppressants to fat blockers, making it essential to consult your doctor to understand which might suit your needs and health conditions best. 

Keep in mind that the best weight loss treatments aren’t the same for everyone. Only a doctor can determine the right choice for you, taking into account your weight-related health challenges and specific medical history. Achieving proper weight management begins with informed decisions and trusted advice from a doctor. 

The medical review team at Chemist2U has prepared some general information about weight management medications to support informed discussions with your doctor. It is not intended as an advertisement. Only a licensed doctor can determine whether or not you are eligible for prescription medications.

How does weight loss medication work?

You may have come across a self-proclaimed ‘best weight loss medication’ online and wondered how it even works. There’s no single ‘best’ medication, but prescription weight loss medications can work in various ways. Some work as an appetite suppressant, others increase feelings of fullness, and some alter fat absorption.1 

For instance, GLP-1 receptor agonists control hunger by affecting the brain’s hunger signals. On the other hand, appetite suppressants act as a stimulant on the central nervous system to reduce feelings of hunger2, while lipase inhibitors block fat absorption in the intestines, leading the body to excrete rather than store fat.3

These are just some of the weight loss treatment options out there, so note that other weight loss pills may work differently. In addition, only a doctor can determine whether these medications may be suitable for you. Always consult your doctor before taking any weight loss medication. 

How do you take weight loss medication?

Administering weight loss medication varies depending on the type of medication. 

GLP-1 receptor agonists may come in the form of a subcutaneous weight loss injection, which is given either once weekly or once daily, based on a doctor’s directions.4 

Oral medications like appetite suppressants are typically taken once in the morning due to their stimulant nature5, while lipase inhibitors are generally consumed with meals that include fat, alongside a mildly hypocaloric diet.6

Note that this is general information only. For detailed information on how to take any medication, refer to the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) provided with your prescription. In addition, whether your doctor identified the best weight loss medication or weight loss injections for you, it’s important to take them correctly as prescribed. 

Who can take weight loss medication?

Only a doctor can determine who should take a specific weight loss treatment by considering certain weight loss medication eligibility factors, such as the body mass index or existing health conditions.7,8

Regardless of weight loss medication availability, it is important to consult a doctor for a thorough medical assessment before starting any new weight loss drug. A doctor can determine whether a particular weight loss medication is suitable for you based on your individual health needs and medical history, rather than blindly going for what people consider the best weight loss medication online. 

Weight loss medication and other medications.

Certain weight loss medications can potentially interact with other drugs, including those that your doctor identified to be the best weight loss medication for you. 

GLP-1 receptor agonists, for example, have the potential to increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.9 

Similarly, appetite suppressants are typically not prescribed alongside certain types of antidepressants due to serious health risks, like a hypertensive crisis.10 Lipase inhibitors, on the other hand, may decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamin D.11

Medicines you should not use with weight loss medication.

Some medications are not advisable to use with certain weight loss drugs. It’s important to know this as you work with your doctor to determine the best weight loss medication for you. 

For instance, when GLP-1 receptor agonists are combined with blood-glucose-lowering agents, there’s an increased risk of hypoglycemia that needs to be monitored closely.12 Appetite suppressants should generally not be taken with other weight reduction drugs, thyroid hormones or ergot-like medicines for migraines.13

Additionally, lipase inhibitors might need to be avoided if you’re using immunosuppressants, as there could be a reduction in their absorption.14

Chemist2U offers home delivery of eligible medications and other pharmacy products. 

Chemist2U provides home delivery services for eligible medications prescribed by your doctor. 

Just order home delivery through this website or via the Chemist2U app by first securely uploading your script into My Scripts, Chemist2U’s secure script wallet. Prescription medications can only be supplied after consultation with an authorised prescriber and in accordance with Australian medical guidelines.

A trusted partner pharmacist will then prepare your medications with care, before we take care of delivery directly to you. Same-day delivery, Express Post and Click & Collect options are available, subject to your location.

We also understand the importance of having access to over-the-counter medications and general pharmacy products, which is why we offer a wide selection to ensure you can find what you need, all in one place.

Chemist2U keeps you on top of your medication with reminders to reorder, helping to ensure you always have it when you need it. For any order-related concerns, our customer service team is ready to assist you. 

Chemist2U offers convenient home delivery services for eligible medications. Get started today. 

Important note: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not advertise or promote the use of any prescription medication, including weight loss drugs like GLP-1 receptor agonists, appetite suppressants and lipase inhibitors. Prescription medications can only be accessed after a clinical consultation with an authorised medical practitioner. All prescriptions are issued at the discretion of the consulting doctor in accordance with Australian medical guidelines.

References

1.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562269/ 

2.  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682187.html 

3.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9225172/ 

4.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7566932/ 

5.  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682187.html 

6.  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601244.html

7.  https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/july/pharmacotherapy-for-obesity 

8.  https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2020-CMI-01912-1 

9.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11147431/ 

10.  https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2020-CMI-01912-1 

11.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12126214/ 

12.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/ 

13.  https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2010-CMI-06264-3 

14.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10638396/