Table 1.
A comparison of approved weight loss therapies in obesity
| Drug | Mechanism of action | Dosing | Approving bodies | Weight loss | Side effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlistat | Pancreatic lipase inhibitor | 60–120 mg three times daily |
FDA (1999) EMA (1998) |
2.9–3.4 kg/year | Steatorrhea, faecal urgency |
| Phentermine/topiramate | Sympathomimetic, appetite suppressant | 3.75/23 mg; 7.5/46 mg; 11.25/69 mg; 15/92 mg once daily | FDA (2012) | 6.6–8.6 kg/year | Insomnia, dizziness, parasthesia |
| Lorcaserin | 5-HT2C receptor activation | 10 mg twice daily | FDA (2012) | 3.2–3.6 kg/year | Headache, nausea, dizziness |
| Naltrexone/bupropion | Dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (bupropion); Opioid-receptor antagonist (naltrexone) | 32 mg/360 mg 2 tablets Four times daily |
FDA (2014) EMA (2015) |
4.8% body weight per year | Nausea/vomiting, headache, dizziness |
| Liraglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | 3.0 mg injection once daily | FDA (2014) EMA (2015) | 5.9 kg/year | Nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis |
Compares the mechanism or action, dosing, efficacy and more common side effects of already approved drug therapies used to support weight loss in obesity