New Prescription Weight Loss Drugs Under Review: Patient Testimonials and Ratings
With obesity on the rise, many pharmaceutical companies are developing new prescription weight loss medication reviews aimed at helping people shed pounds. But do these new drugs live up to their promises?
We reviewed some of the latest prescription strength weight loss aids, along with patient ratings and testimonials, to provide the inside scoop on how well they work for real-world weight loss.
What’s Fueling the Growth of Prescription Weight Loss Drugs?
The prescription weight loss drug market is booming right now for a few key reasons:
● Obesity rates continue rising — The latest CDC data shows that over 40% of American adults live with obesity. This epidemic drives the need for medical solutions.
● New drug trials show promise — Recently completed phase 3 clinical trials for promising new weight loss drugs like tirzepatide show superior efficacy over old standards like phentermine.
● Patient demand is increasing — Surveys show the majority of patients with obesity are interested in prescription medications to supplement diet and exercise. Social media groups devoted to prescription weight loss meds have amassed over 100,000 members.
With such massive demand, prescription weight loss meds are projected to reach over $27 billion in annual sales globally by 2028.
But how well do these shiny new drugs work based on real patient experiences? Let’s find out…
Wegovy (Semaglutide): Best-in-Class But Limited Availability
Wegovy has quickly become the #1 prescribed weight loss injection, thanks to superior efficacy in clinical trials.
This once-weekly GLP-1 drug helps patients feel full faster while lowering blood sugar and food cravings.
In a recent study, roughly 68% of patients on Wegovy lost over 15% of their body weight compared to just 6% for placebo.
But despite being the current gold standard, Wegovy faces criticism over limited availability and high costs.
Due to incredible demand, many doctors report difficulty securing Wegovy supplies for their patients.
And without insurance, the injections can cost over $1,500 per month out of pocket. Yet most patients agree the dramatic weight loss is well worth these obstacles if you can get your hands on it!
Tirzepatide: A Rival Drug Showing Market-Leading Results
With shortages of other new obesity drugs like Wegovy making headlines, all eyes have turned to Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide as the next potential blockbuster. This unique dual glucose incretin mimetic just posted similar results to Wegovy for obesity in late-stage trials.
Over 52 weeks, study volunteers given the highest doses of tirzepatide lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight — market-leading results!
10mg and 15mg doses helped roughly 75% and 79% of study participants lose over 15% of their body weight.
Side effect profiles appear comparable to other GLP-1 agonists with mild nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Pending FDA approval, Eli Lilly plans to launch tripeptide for obesity treatment in early 2023 under the brand name Mounjaro.
If supplies keep up with demand, this next-generation drug has the potential to become a new leader in medical-grade weight loss treatments based on exceptional clinical outcomes.
Imcivree (Setmelanotide): Targeting Rare Genetic Causes of Obesity
Imcivree sets itself apart as the first-ever FDA-approved therapy targeting obesity caused by specific genetic defects.
This pioneering drug is tailored for patients with impairments that drive severe, often rapid weight gain from a very young age.
Unlike traditional diet pills, Imcivree activates natural appetite control pathways disrupted by rare POMC, PCSK1 or LEPR gene mutations.
Results from clinical studies showed Imcivree helped patients lose over 25% of their body weight on average after 1 year — a massive improvement for this niche group.
However, with expectations of only 2000–5000 qualified patients nationwide, Imcivree targets a very small niche.
An eye-watering $400,000 first year cost means access hinges on obtaining prior authorization for this specialized drug.
Still, it offers a blueprint for developing targeted obesity treatments based on genetics down the road.
Comparing Top Medications By Efficacy, Side Effects, and Cost
Drug- Avg Weight Loss- Key Side Effects- Est. Monthly Cost
Wegovy- Up to 15–22%- Nausea, diarrhea- $1,500
Tirzepatide- Up to 22.5%- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea- $900–1,200
Imcivree- Up to 25%+- Increased heart rate- $33,000 first year
The Takeaway: Cautious Optimism for Prescription Weight Loss Meds
In reviewing some of the most promising new prescription medications for treating obesity, there are reasons for cautious optimism.
Drugs like Wegovy and Tirzepatide show breakthrough potential based on exceptional weight loss in clinical trials and mostly manageable side effects.
However, high costs, low insurance coverage rates, and shortages of these niche drugs mean accessibility issues continue blocking patients in need.
And long-term safety data remains limited. Still, these pioneering drugs provide hope that science can one day deliver more effective medical options to battle the obesity epidemic.