When it comes to weight loss medications, GLP-1s are often praised for their double-digit weight-loss claims. However, Qsymia has shown even higher weight loss, up to 13% at its strongest dose, surpassing the 11% from a medium dose. Contrave and Xenical, while effective, lead to less weight loss—around 9% and 5-6%, respectively.
Cost is a big factor: Qsymia and Contrave can cost as little as $100 per month with coupons, whereas GLP-1s like Ozempic can range from $500 to thousands per month, making them expensive for many people.
Qsymia is highlighted as particularly cost-effective compared to newer GLP-1 medications in an assessment by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review.
Its dual mechanism helps suppress appetite in the morning and sustain satiety throughout the day due to its extended-release formulation, potentially reducing snacking and calorie intake.
This contrasts with the oral administration of older drugs like phentermine, Contrave, and Qsymia, which generally mitigate gastrointestinal side effects compared to GLP-1s known for issues like nausea and vomiting.
Long-term use of obesity medications underscores the importance of cost-effectiveness and individual response variability. The suitability of a medication should be determined based on a patient’s specific medical profile, lifestyle, and financial considerations rather than following transient trends or marketing claims.
Phentermine/topiramate emerges as a notably cost-effective option when evaluating the balance between cost and therapeutic outcome, especially for individuals facing barriers to GLP-1 access due to insurance coverage or affordability challenges.
Ultimately, the choice of obesity medication should be guided by thorough consultation with a healthcare provider to align with individual needs and maximize the likelihood of sustained weight loss success.
