Weight Loss Oral Medication: lose weight without injections

Oral weight-loss medications can help certain people reach their weight goals, especially when combined with lifestyle changes like the Points® program. Clinical studies suggest that among oral medications, a combination of Naltrexone/Bupoprion may lead to the greatest weight loss. Ultimately, there isn't a single weight-loss pill that's considered the safest or most effective for all individuals. At WeightWatchers, your clinician will provide personalized guidance and medication options to help you determine your unique weight-loss journey.

The exact medication that your Clinician will prescribe depends on your medical history, biology, and insurance coverage. When appropriate, your Clinician may prescribe FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide (brand name Wegovy), liraglutide (brand name Saxenda), or tirzepatide (brand name Zepbound). When appropriate, your clinician may prescribe other medications with which other members have found success such as Metformin and combination Naltrexone and Bupropion. If your treatment plan isn’t working for you, talk to your WeightWatchers Clinic Care Team about adjustments or alternative plans.

Please note, some GLP-1 medications are experiencing intermittent nationwide shortages. See which medications are affected on the FDA shortage database.

Prescription weight-loss pills may be appropriate for adults who meet specific health criteria. Generally, medications are considered for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. A Clinician carefully reviews each patient’s health history, weight-loss goals, and unique medical needs to determine eligibility before prescribing any treatment.

As with all medications, prescription weight-loss pills may come with potential side effects, which vary based on the specific medication prescribed and your unique biology. Common side effects can include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or increased heart rate. Your Clinician will review possible side effects in detail when prescribing your medication, ensuring you understand what to expect and how to manage them. If you experience any side effects or have concerns about your medication, reach out to your WeightWatchers Clinic Care Team right away.

Prescription weight-loss pills and injectables both help support weight loss, but they work in different ways. Oral medications, or prescription weight-loss pills—like naltrexone, bupoprion, or metformin—are taken by mouth and typically help reduce appetite or affect how your body absorbs food. Injectable medications, such as GLP-1s like Wegovy or Zepbound, are administered through injections and work by regulating hormones that control hunger and fullness, often leading to greater weight loss. The best choice between prescription pills and injectables depends on your unique biology, health history, and weight-loss goals. Your Clinician will help determine the most suitable option for you and ensure your medication plan aligns seamlessly with your personalized weight-loss journey.

Oral weight-loss medications, including GLP-1s, are intended for long-term use—similar to medications prescribed for other chronic health conditions. Because their beneficial effects stop soon after you discontinue use, it's common for some weight regain to occur once the medication is stopped. As you approach your healthy goal weight, you should speak with your Clinician about potentially adjusting to a maintenance dose to help sustain your progress.