Weight Loss

What are the medications approved for weight loss in Singapore?

There are several FDA-approved medications available in Singapore that aid in weight loss. These medications are typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan including diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Here's a quick overview of the most commonly prescribed options:

Phentermine/Duromine/Panbesy

Phentermine helps weight loss by decreasing your hunger or making you feel full longer. The expected average weight loss with phentermine use is 5-10% of your initial body weight over 12 weeks.

Liraglutide Daily Injectable/Saxenda

Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone to increase feelings of fullness, slow digestion, and reduce appetite. It’s administered as a daily subcutaneous injection. The expected average weight loss with liraglutide use is 5-10% of your initial body weight over 6-12 months.

Semaglutide Weekly Injectable/Ozempic/Wegovy

Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide as the active ingredient. The main difference lies in their intended use and dosing:

• Ozempic is approved for managing type 2 diabetes and contains lower doses, but may be prescribed off-label for weight management based on your doctor’s clinical judgment. Ozempic comes in a prefilled pen of 0.25, 0.5mg and 1mg dose.
• Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss and contains higher doses of semaglutide. Wegovy comes in a prefilled pen of 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg and 2.4mg dose.

Oral Semaglutide/Rybelsus

Rybelsus is the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the effects of Ozempic/Wegovy but is taken as a daily tablet.

Tirzepatide Weekly Injectable/Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it activates two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) to regulate metabolism and enhance feelings of fullness. In contrast, Ozempic® and Wegovy® contain semaglutide, which only activates the GLP-1 receptor. This dual action makes tirzepatide unique and may contribute to greater weight loss and improved metabolic benefits.

Orlistat/Xenical

Orlistat promotes weight loss by decreasing the amount of dietary fat absorbed in your intestines. Lipase, an enzyme found in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fat into smaller components, so it can be used or stored for energy. Orlistat inhibits the work of lipase. When you take the drug with a meal, about 25% of the fat you consume isn’t broken down and is eliminated through bowel movements.

Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion)

Contrave is a combination of two medications that affect the brain’s hunger and reward system. Bupropion is often used in depression and smoking cessation, while Naltrexone is used in addiction treatment. Together, they help reduce cravings and control appetite.

Do I still need to go on diet and exercise if I am on a weight loss medication?

Weight loss medications are not magic bullets. They need to be used alongside calorie restriction, behavioural modification and exercise programs.