Prescription weight loss treatment is more common now than ever before, which is a massive step in the right direction in handling the obesity epidemic. Weight loss pills and weight loss injections make up a lot of the treatments offered to patients today. But how do the two approaches differ in terms of efficacy, mechanisms, administration, side effects and costs?
This blog will compare weight loss injections and pills, so you can feel more confident, whatever route you choose to take in handling your own health – whether Orlistat or Mounjaro.
NOTE: This blog should not be considered a replacement for professional medical consultation.
Key weight loss injections
The main weight loss injections are either GLP-1 receptor agonists or dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists. All of them replicate human hormone responses, helping the body to regulate blood sugar and feel fuller for longer, aiding weight loss efforts. Examples include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepetide)
- Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Ozempic (semaglutide – the same as Wegovy)
These three injections are all taken weekly, and can also be used as part of a plan to manage type 2 diabetes. There’s also an older drug called Saxenda (liraglutide) which was injected daily, however it’s not that common anymore.
Key weight loss pills
When it comes to the best fat-reducing pills, the jury is out on which chemical format is the most consistently effective. It’s worth noting that most formats are designed for daily use.
One common form is the lipase inhibitor, such as Orlistat in the form of Xenical or Alli. This drug targets lipase enzymes, preventing the full digestion of fat, reducing the amount of calories absorbed.
You can also get Contrave, a combination of naltrexone and bupropion, formulated to affect appetite and reward centres in the brain. Then, finally, you can also get oral semaglutide, primarily for type 2 diabetes but often leading to weight loss.
Weight loss pills vs injections | Which is better?
If you’re thinking about the battle of Orlistat vs Mounjaro (or another equivalent), it’s hard to pin down a simple “better” option. You need to consider a variety of factors.
- Goals. If you’re looking to lose as much weight as possible, weight loss injectables have shown the most significant results across clinical trials.
- Preferred administering method. If you’re afraid of or strongly dislike injections, taking an oral pill will be much easier than injecting yourself weekly. On the other hand, daily memory can be harder to maintain than a weekly shot for some.
- Cost. Oral medications are generally more affordable, along with being more readily available in generic forms.
- Side effect tolerance. Every medication has its own set of potential side effects, so make sure to consider those and your personal tolerance to them carefully.
- Comorbidities. If you already live with something like type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular issues, semaglutide injections can be more suitable than alternative pills.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer about whether weight loss pills or weight loss injections are “better”. It all depends entirely on each individual, their goals and, most importantly, what their doctor advises them to use.
Book an appointment with your doctor today if it’s time to take the next steps in your fitness journey. And check out our blog page for a helping hand along the way, with a wealth of similar informational articles.
Ultimately, the decision should be made in close consultation with a doctor who can assess your medical history, current health status, weight loss goals, and preferences to determine the safest and most effective weight loss medication for you. All these medications work best when combined with comprehensive lifestyle changes, including a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
