Which Weight Loss Medications are Most Effective?

As hard as some people work, the reality is that biology and genetics are the main determinants of weight. That’s why ‘move more, eat less’ simply doesn’t work for some people, and the reason that weight loss medications have become so popular in recent years.

There are a number of different medications out there. Some are more recognizable than others, but they all have benefits for different types of people. There are also a number of lifestyle, nutrition, and psychological elements that can be a major benefit to your weight management plan.

To help you understand some of the different types of prescription weight loss medications available in Canada, as well as some non-medication treatments that may help, we’ve put together this page of useful information about these drugs and their differences.

Do Weight Loss Medications Actually Work?

Yes, for many people, weight loss medications do help them lose weight; alongside other healthy lifestyle choices.

However, as with all medications, there are always some non-responders (people who don’t respond to the medication) and super-responders (people that are especially susceptible to the effects of these medications).

It can help to understand how weight loss medications work, so that you can help determine whether you think they will work within your lifestyle and budget.

Non-Medication Treatment Options

Before requesting weight loss medications (or in tandem with them), it’s important to note that there are some non-medication weight loss treatments that can benefit your weight management plan, as well as your overall health.

Healthy Diet

Ensuring that you’re eating a well-balanced diet that includes all the relevant vitamins and minerals your body needs, as well as adequate amounts of both protein and fiber, is important for your general health; weight loss goals aside.

When your body has enough of the right kind of fuel, it can process things effectively. And by avoiding excess sugars, alcohol, fatty or processed foods, you can reduce the opportunity for your body to store fats.

Regular Exercise

While ‘move more, eat less’ doesn’t factor in challenges that some people face in weight management due to genetic and biological factors, exercise is still an important part of life for everyone.

It’s recommended to take part in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week, in order to achieve some level of weight loss.

With these healthy lifestyle adjustments, it’s believed that 3-5% of body weight can be lost in most people, which can lead to major improvements in weight-related comorbidities.

Psychological or Behavioural Interventions

Sometimes, getting guidance from a mental health practitioner can be a great way to ensure that not only are you making changes in your lifestyle now, but that you’re doing it in a way that’s sustainable for the long-term.

This may involve addressing outside factors that are contributing to unhealthy behaviours, planning ahead to make healthier choices, or investigating mental health issues that may be acting as barriers in your weight management journey.

How Effective are Prescription Weight Loss Drugs?

Each medication has a different effect on the body, and thus, has a different impact on each individual person. This is especially true, because biology and genetics play such a large role in weight management.

However, on average, losing 5-10% of the body weight for people whose weight/body size is beginning to negatively affect their health has shown improvements to their health, well-being, and daily comfort.

If you’re considering weight loss medications, talk to a healthcare practitioner from Felix. They’ll be able to assess your medical history to determine whether weight loss medications could be the right treatment option for you.

Which Weight Loss Medication is Most Effective?

This is an impossible question to answer generally for everyone, since each person’s physiology and genetics are going to be unique to them. Some people are more predisposed to weight gain and larger body sizes than others.

When Should I Talk to My Practitioner About Weight Loss Medications?

Do you feel like you’re losing control of your weight management? Do you think that you’re starting to experience weight-related health conditions? 

If you said yes to any of these questions, you should talk with a healthcare practitioner at Felix. Our team is prepared to help you with weight management, in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.

We understand that ‘eat less, move more’ doesn’t work for many people, and we’re committed to helping with weight management treatment.

Just complete a short online assessment, and your practitioner will be able to tell you what they think your best course of action is along your weight management journey. And with Felix in your corner, you can take back control and get back to living life on your terms.