Which is the best medication for achieving weight loss?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been taking Phentermine for three months, but the side effects are severe; my heart rate has increased significantly, and I struggle to sleep at night. Would compound Semaglutide be a better option? My friend mentioned that it is gentler on the body. Additionally, how much weight can I expect to lose in the first month? I am getting married in six months and need to fit into my dress. My current weight is 198 pounds, and my target weight is 160 pounds. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to iCliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Phentermine commonly causes side effects such as insomnia, increased heart rate, and restlessness. Semaglutide is a better alternative to Phentermine and is generally gentler on the body. However, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Semaglutide has significantly better results compared to the compounded version. Compounded Semaglutide can also cause adverse effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and an increased heart rate, which may be due to irregular dosing or unintended effects of the compounded formulation. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid compounded Semaglutide. You can expect to lose approximately 10 to 15 percent of your starting body weight over six months, which for you could be around 20-30 pounds. However, this alone may not be enough to reach your target weight of 160 pounds. To achieve your goal, a combination of medications, a balanced diet, and regular exercise will be necessary.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.