Medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD
Prescription weight loss medications fall into several categories, from weekly GLP-1 and GIP injections to daily pills, and each has its own approvals, benefits, and risks. Here is an overview of the FDA-approved options Philadelphia-area adults may discuss with a physician.
The right medication depends on your BMI, your health conditions, other medicines you take, how you tolerate side effects, and what you can access, so it is a decision to make with a physician rather than from a list. For adults in Philadelphia, Bensalem, and the surrounding Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester County communities, this guide explains the main categories.
Key Takeaways
Prescription weight loss medications are generally intended for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition, alongside diet and activity changes.
GLP-1 and GIP medications such as Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are injections, and oral options are also available.
Older medications such as phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, and orlistat work differently and suit different patients.
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and TeleSlim Clinic does not prescribe them.
GLP-1 and GIP Injections
These medications mimic gut hormones that help regulate appetite and blood sugar. Semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) are given once a week, and liraglutide (Saxenda) is given once a day. They have the strongest clinical trial results of the available options, and they carry a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. Oral options now exist as well; read our guide to oral Wegovy in Philadelphia. You can review approved labeling for Wegovy and Zepbound on the FDA's Drugs@FDA database.
Combination and Older Oral Medications
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant approved for short-term use alongside diet and exercise. Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) combines phentermine with topiramate and is not used during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) targets appetite and reward pathways, and it carries a boxed warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors that applies to antidepressant-class medications. Orlistat reduces the amount of fat the body absorbs and commonly causes digestive side effects. Each has contraindications, so a physician review is important.
Other Considerations
Metformin is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes rather than weight loss, but physicians sometimes discuss it for specific patients. Setmelanotide (Imcivree) is intended for rare genetic causes of obesity after genetic confirmation. Your physician can explain whether either applies to you.
How Physicians Choose Between Them
Physicians look at your history of heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure, sleep apnea, mental health, pregnancy plans, and current medications, along with cost, coverage, and preferences about injections versus pills. Weight-loss medication works best alongside nutrition, activity, sleep, and follow-up support, which is why ongoing visits matter. Read more on the personalized weight loss planning page.
Getting Started in Philadelphia
TeleSlim Clinic Philadelphia provides secure video visits for adults located in Pennsylvania, and prescriptions, when medically appropriate, go to the pharmacy you choose. You can verify a prescriber's license through the Pennsylvania Department of State's license verification system. Compare medications on the weight loss medications page, book a free consult, or read the FAQ page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective weight loss medication?
In clinical trials, tirzepatide and semaglutide have produced the largest average weight loss, but effectiveness for an individual depends on many factors, and the best choice is the one that is safe and workable for you.
Are weight loss pills safer than injections?
Neither is automatically safer. Each medication has its own risks, and a physician should match the option to your health history.
Can I take more than one weight loss medication?
Only under a physician's direction. Combining medications on your own can be dangerous.
Do I need a prescription for orlistat?
A lower-dose version is sold over the counter, and a higher-dose version is available by prescription. Ask your physician which is appropriate for you.
Will insurance cover weight loss medication?
Coverage varies by plan and diagnosis. The TeleSlim Clinic visit fee is cash-pay, and you can check with your insurer about medication coverage before filling a prescription.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. It was medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD, double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Talk with a licensed provider about whether any weight-loss medication is right for you.
