If you're exploring medical weight loss options, you've likely heard of appetite suppressants. These medications work by reducing hunger, controlling cravings, or improving satiety, helping you take charge of your weight loss journey. At Weight Medics, we offer a range of clinically proven solutions tailored to your body and goals.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of appetite suppressants, how they work, and what options might be right for you—including Mounjaro, Wegovy, Phentermine, Rybelsus, and Mysimba.
What Are Appetite Suppressants?
Appetite suppressants are medications that help reduce feelings of hunger or increase the feeling of fullness. They can be a powerful tool for individuals struggling with obesity or overweight conditions, particularly when combined with professional guidance, nutrition, and lifestyle support—like the approach we use at Weight Medics.
Phentermine: The Classic Prescription Appetite Suppressant
Phentermine is one of the oldest and most commonly prescribed appetite suppressants. It’s a stimulant that affects the central nervous system to decrease hunger.
How it works: Phentermine increases norepinephrine levels, which can help reduce appetite and boost energy levels.
Who it's for: Typically prescribed for short-term use in individuals with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health issues.
Considerations: Side effects may include insomnia, dry mouth, and increased heart rate. It's not suitable for everyone. Phentermine is a class 3 scheduled drug and requires additional monitoring. Its currently prescribed under a specials licence in the UK.
Type: Anorectic stimulant
How it works: Similar to Phentermine, Diethylpropion affects the central nervous system to decrease appetite.
Best for: Older demographic patients, patients who have had minor side effects and intolerance with Phentermine.
Common side effects: Dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness but less so than Phentermine.
Wegovy (Semaglutide): A Powerful GLP-1 Agonist
Wegovy is a newer, clinically-approved weight loss injection containing semaglutide, originally used to treat type 2 diabetes.
How it works: Wegovy mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite and food intake, making you feel fuller for longer.
Clinical effectiveness: In clinical trials, patients lost an average of 15% of their body weight.
Best for: Those with obesity or overweight individuals with related health conditions.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): Dual-Action Weight Loss Support
Mounjaro is another injectable medication, recently gaining attention for its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
How it works: It improves insulin sensitivity while also suppressing appetite.
Weight loss results: Clinical studies show even more significant weight loss than semaglutide in some patients, with up to 22% of weight loss after 12 weeks.
Ideal candidate: Patients with a BMI of 27 and above. Mounjaro has recently been found to be more effective that Wegovy in total weight loss. Read more here.
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide): Not currently licenced for weight loss
Rybelsus is the first oral version of semaglutide, offering an alternative to injectable treatments like Wegovy. Currently, only licensed for Type 2 diabetes (not weight loss)
How it works: Just like its injectable counterparts, Rybelsus helps reduce hunger and delays gastric emptying.
Advantages: Oral administration is more convenient for patients hesitant about injections.
Disadvantages: Fasting and water restrictions. Numerous side effects. Less than 10% of weight loss achieved in a 68 weeks study (inferior to other GLP1 agonists, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro)
Orlistat (Xenical): Blocking Fat Absorption
Unlike other appetite suppressants, Orlistat doesn’t directly act on the brain to reduce hunger.
How it works: It inhibits enzymes that break down dietary fat, so about 25% of fat consumed is excreted undigested.
Side effects: Gastrointestinal issues like oily stools and flatulence may occur.
Mysimba (Naltrexone/Bupropion): Appetite and Craving Control
Mysimba combines two medications—naltrexone and bupropion—that work on brain pathways involved in appetite and addiction.
How it works: Affects dopamine and norepinephrine to reduce cravings and emotional eating.
Suitable for: Patients who struggle with food addiction or emotional eating patterns.
Side effects: May include nausea, insomnia, and anxiety.
The Future of Weight Loss?
Retatrutide (Eli Lilly and company®)
Retatrutide is an investigational weight loss drug currently in clinical trials and showing unprecedented results, with some patients losing over 24% of their body weight. Retatrutide is being hailed as a next-gen weight loss treatment due to its triple action.
How it works: Triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors.
Potential: May surpass both Mounjaro and Wegovy in long-term weight loss results.
Availability: Not yet approved but highly anticipated.
Orforglipron (Eli Lilly and company®)
Orforglipron is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist currently in trials and showing promise for those who prefer pills over injections. It offers the convenience of oral administration without the need for fasting or water restrictions.
Action: Mimics GLP-1 to suppress appetite, promote insulin secretion and delay stomach emptying.
Benefits: Strong weight loss potential, no injections required.
Outlook: May become a go-to option once approved.
Choosing the Right Appetite Suppressant at Weight Medics
At Weight Medics, our clinicians will work with you to choose the right appetite suppressant based on:
- Your health history
- Weight loss goals
- Lifestyle preferences
- Medical eligibility
- Whether it’s the latest GLP-1 medication like Wegovy or a classic like Phentermine, our medically led programmes ensure safe, tailored, and effective results.
Why Choose Weight Medics?
- Medically supervised treatments
- Personalised weight loss plans
- Access to proven appetite suppressants like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Phentermine
- Supportive team to guide your transformation
Ready to start your weight loss journey. Contact Weight Medics today.
References
Wilding, J.P.H., Batterham, R.L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L.F., Horowitz, E., ... & Kushner, R.F. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine.
European Medicines Agency. Mysimba – Naltrexone/Bupropion Summary of Product Characteristics.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). Phentermine Information. MedlinePlus.
Rubino, D., Abrahamsson, N., Davies, M., Hesse, D., Greenway, F.L., Jensen, C.B., ... & Wilding, J.P.H. (2022). Rybelsus for Glycemic and Weight Management.
ClinicalTrials.gov. Retatrutide Studies. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=Retatrutide
Jastreboff, A.M., Aronne, L.J., Ahmad, N.N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., ... & Kushner, R.F. (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE Guidelines.
Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly's Oral GLP-1 Orforglipron Demonstrated Statistically Significant Efficacy.
