Flurry of New Studies Show Oral Weight Loss Drugs Work

A flurry of new studies have shown that oral weight loss drugs are effective in helping people lose weight and keep it off. The drugs, which include naltrexone, liraglutide, and bupropion, work by suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism, or both.

One study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that naltrexone, when combined with behavioral therapy, helped obese patients lose an average of 10% of their body weight over a year. Another study, published in The Lancet, found that liraglutide helped obese patients lose an average of 5% of their body weight over six months. And a third study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that bupropion, when combined with behavioral therapy, helped obese patients lose an average of 8% of their body weight over a year.

The results of these studies suggest that oral weight loss drugs can be an effective way to help people lose weight and keep it off. However, it is important to note that these drugs are not a magic bullet. They must be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.

Here is a more detailed look at each of the three drugs mentioned in the studies:

* Naltrexone: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids in the brain. It has been shown to be effective in reducing food cravings and increasing satiety.

* Liraglutide: Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that mimics the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which is produced in the gut after eating. GLP-1 helps to slow down gastric emptying, increase satiety, and reduce food cravings.

* Bupropion: Bupropion is an antidepressant that has been shown to be effective in reducing food cravings and increasing energy levels. It is also thought to work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Oral weight loss drugs can be a helpful tool for people who are struggling to lose weight. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether or not these drugs are right for you.