Weight Loss Drugs for Seniors: A Guide to Healthy Results

Weight loss becomes more challenging during our older years since metabolism decreases and health conditions tend to accumulate. Many older adults find that diet and exercise alone are insufficient for weight management. At this point, weight loss drugs for seniors can offer the extra support they need, even if it is just for short-term use.

These medications can support healthy weight management, enhance mobility, and improve quality of life. But are they safe? Which ones actually work? This article highlights popular weight loss medications and explains how they work.

7 Weight Loss Drugs for Seniors

The following medications can support healthy aging and safe weight management:

1. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor, sometimes referred to as “fat blocker.” It stops 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed in the intestines, which helps with weight loss. The body removes this unabsorbed fat through excretion. You take this medication right before each meal.

People taking orlistat achieve an average weight reduction of 5.6 kg after 6 months (5% off excess body weight), while those on a placebo experience only 2.4 kg weight loss. No age-related restrictions have been identified for the safe use of orlistat among senior patients. 

Patients using the medication often experience gastrointestinal problems like oily stools and abdominal discomfort, including bloating. Following a low-fat diet can help reduce side effects when taking this medication. Orlistat can be purchased over-the-counter as Alli at 60 mg and prescribed as Xenical at 120 mg. If you have active digestive problems, please talk to your doctor before starting orlistat.

2. Semaglutide (Wegovy)

Wegovy contains semaglutide, which was first developed to treat type 2 diabetes. However, it has since been approved for chronic weight management. This medication works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, a gut hormone produced in the digestive track.

GLP-1 controls appetite and food intake, and as such, it helps to lower calorie intake. During a 68-week study, clinical trial participants lost about 15% of their starting body weight. 

Semaglutide is sold under the brand names Wegovy (for weight loss) and Ozempic (to treat type 2 diabetes). Users may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea from treatment. Rapid weight loss often results in reduced muscle mass, which is bad for seniors. To overcome this issue, try combining resistance training with a rich protein diet. If you have a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer, this medication may not be right for you.

3. Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia)

Qsymia contains phentermine, which suppresses appetite, and topiramate, which also suppresses appetite and controls seizures. The combination of ingredients in this treatment has proven effective for weight loss. 

Clinical trial results show that Qsymia users lost significant weight (up to 10%) compared to those on placebo. The results also proved that increased dosages produced more significant weight loss. 

Patients taking Qsymia often experience dry mouth, constipation, and tingling sensations as common side effects (particularly at higher doses). It’s possible to experience more adverse side effects, such as memory problems and mood shifts. 

It’s advisable you consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. The healthcare personnel will conduct some assessments to determine how effective Qsymia is and how well you can tolerate it. This is particularly important if you have a history of poorly controlled heart disease or hypertension.

4. Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)

Contrave is a combination of two medications: naltrexone which treats alcohol and opioid dependence, and bupropion, an antidepressant that helps patients quit smoking. 

The combination works within the central nervous system where they reduce hunger sensations and manage food cravings. Throughout 12 months, participants in clinical trials experienced an average weight reduction of 5 – 10% of their initial weight. 

Common side effects of using Contrave include:

• Nausea
• Constipation 
• Headaches
• Dizziness 

Also, it may not be suitable for seniors with severe heart conditions. This is because it raises blood pressure and heart rate. If you are on another antidepressant or have a history of seizures, you may also need to discuss whether adding bupropion is right for you. If you don’t notice significant weight loss within 12 weeks, then it’s best to stop using Contrave.

5. Tirzepatide (Zepbound)

Tirzepatide, also known as Zepbound, is a once-weekly injectable treatment approved by the FDA for managing chronic weight issues in adult patients. The drug works as a dual agonist to stimulate GLP-1 and GIP hormone receptors. This helps to control appetite and enhance insulin sensitivity, similar to semaglutide (Wegovy).

After 88 weeks of treatment, participants in clinical studies reported remarkable weight reduction reaching up to 21% of their total body weight. 

However, Zepbound may cause gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, bloating, or acid reflux. Similar to semaglutide, if you have a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer, this medication may not be right for you. Since the medication is new in the market, you may have a hard time finding it in retail stores. You also need a prescription to obtain it. Make sure you receive proper medical advice before using this medication.

6. Diethylpropion

Diethylpropion is an oral appetite suppressant meant for temporary weight management. The drug reduces appetite by stimulating the central nervous system. 

Research has shown that patients treated with diethylpropion experienced a significant weight loss of 9.8% at 6 months and 10.6% at 12 months compared to placebo. 

The side effects of diethylpropion include:

• Higher blood pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Difficulty sleeping 

As a Schedule IV controlled substance, this medication can be bought from retail and online pharmacies. You’ll need a doctor’s prescription to get it, and it’s usually recommended only for brief periods, as there are no long term safety studies beyond 6 months.

7. Setmelanotide (Imcivree) 

Setmelanotide is an injectable drug sold under the brand name Imcivree. It has been approved for long-term weight control only in patients with obesity resulting from rare genetic disorders. 

These disorders may include pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiencies. Research shows that 80% of patients with either POMC or PCSK1 deficiencies achieved at least a 10% weight reduction after one year of treatment. 

However, potential side effects of setmelanotide treatment include injection site reactions, skin hyperpigmentation, and mood changes. It’s advisable you undergo genetic testing to determine if this medication is suitable for your health needs.

Conclusion

Losing weight in your golden years can be tough, but with these medications, it doesn’t have to be that way. The weight loss drugs for seniors that we discussed above can help you shed the extra pounds effortlessly. 

However, not all drugs are created equal. It’s advisable you consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best medication for your health needs. Just as each drug works differently, every senior’s health profile is unique and hence requires personalized medical guidance.