At Beyondbmi, our experts focus on the treatment of your weight challenges using science — not shame. That is why we approve the use of safe, fully licensed, and monitored weight loss medications. It is only a portion of the science-led arsenal we bring to our practice. 

It is important to note, too, that our usage of medication in treatment varies widely based on your personal medical history. Medication prescription for any of our patients is always accompanied by medical consultation, a full medical history and regular follow up consultations and support services. 

For those reasons, we wanted to explore medically supported weight loss in Europe today. We will discuss the new treatments and medications showing true promise. On the other hand, there are many medications still on the market or available over the counter which we do not recommend. Below, we will explain why. 

Recommended Anti-obesity Medications On the Market Today

Science has made tremendous strides in the field of anti obesity medications. The FDA and EMA have licensed multiple options for a primary indication of weight loss. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, approves six weight-loss drugs. 

• Semaglutide

• Liraglutide 

• Bupropion-naltrexone 

• Orlistat 

• Phentermine-topiramate

• Setmelanotide (for people with obesity caused by a rare single-gene mutation)

Semaglutide is widely becoming accepted among medical professionals as one of the most efficacious pharmacological options. Semaglutide is also recommended by NICE and the HSE’s obesity guidelines.

The EMA also approves other, less well used medications for short-term use.

Semaglutide and Liraglutide (GLP-1 medication)

GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone which makes us feel full. Beyondbmi prescribes GLP-1 medications. Semaglutide (Wegovy) is a GLP-1 agonist licensed for the primary indication of weight loss management. “Agonist” means that the drug binds to a receptor, either inside your cells or on their surface. It then behaves like the substance that binds there normally. Therefore, when we take GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide or liraglutide, we feel more full and less hungry. 

The data shows effective weight loss with semaglutide use — when combined with counselling for diet and physical activity. Treatments which include liraglutide alongside dietary and lifestyle intervention have shown great promise too. 

Bupropion-Naltrexone 

Naltrexone and bupropion are used in combination to support weight loss in patients using an exercise and meal plan. As with semaglutide and liraglutide, they are only available with a prescription. The two medications work together on two different parts of your brain. They affect your appetite control and the brain’s craving reward system.

Weight Loss Medications, Diet and Lifestyle

As you can see from the science, weight loss medications are not a stand alone solution. They should only be used in combination with dietary, lifestyle and behavioural support to ensure long lasting, sustainable weight loss results.

Dangerous and Ineffective Weight Loss Medications

Although there are promising medications supported by scientific research and patient data available today, this has not always been the case. Many drugs have been pulled or withdrawn from the market because of patient safety concerns and intolerable side effects. There are also plenty on the shelves today which are not backed by science or medical research.

Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Supplements

Enter any health food store or corner shop and you will find weight loss pills and supplements. These often claim impossible promises for people with weight issues. Some of these are marketed for bodybuilders. Others, for rapid weight loss.

The research is clear: no over-the-counter weight loss pill is linked to a significant, lasting, or healthy weight loss process. Studies show that at best, these supplements do nothing. 

Medications Pulled Due to Side Effects

Then, there are the medications and supplements linked to devastating side effects.

• Fenfluramine, one of the two active ingredients in Fen-Phen, was famously banned in the 1990s. It was linked to damage to heart valves

• Chinese herbal stimulant Ephedra was pulled off shelves in 2004 and banned in 2006. Its use was linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

• Hydroxycut was recalled and banned in 2009. Reactions included hepatitis and liver failure.

Expert Care From Beyondbmi

It is easy to look for quick fixes when dealing with the medical condition of obesity. In reality, comprehensive medically-supported care and personalised plans show far better success.

It’s exciting to see safer and more effective weight-loss drugs become available for our clients. When combined with medical expert consultation and a customised health and medicine plan, Beyondbmi is seeing real results. Find out if you are eligible.

References

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