Key Takeaways
- The most effective prescription weight loss meds in trials include tirzepatide (Zepbound, up to 22.5% average weight loss at 72 weeks) and semaglutide (Wegovy, 14.9% average weight loss at 68 weeks).
- Several medications show typical 5 to 10% weight loss in studies, including liraglutide (Saxenda), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), and naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave).
- Phentermine brands (Adipex, Suprenza, Lomaira) average around 5% weight loss and are often used as a lower-cost option.
As we dig into names of weight loss meds, we see options from pills like phentermine to weekly injectables like semaglutide. We’ll walk through brand and generic names that deliver real results, discuss which meds have the strongest science behind them, and highlight the ones most prescribed in 2025.
We also break down success rates, shine a spotlight on top-rated GLP-1s, clarify common misspellings and drug confusions, and point you to reliable resources if you want to learn more about these medications.
List of brand and generic names that deliver results
| Brand (generic) | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist, weekly injection |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist, weekly injection |
| Rybelsus (semaglutide) | Oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, daily tablet |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, weekly injection |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, weekly injection |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist, daily injection |
| Victoza (liraglutide) | GLP-1 receptor agonist, daily injection |
| Adipex (phentermine) | Central appetite suppressant, daily pill |
| Suprenza (phentermine) | Central appetite suppressant, daily pill |
| Lomaira (phentermine) | Central appetite suppressant, daily pill |
| Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate) | Combination capsule, daily pill |
| Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion) | Combination tablet, daily pill |
| Xenical (orlistat) | Lipase inhibitor, daily pill |
| Alli (orlistat) | Low-dose lipase inhibitor, OTC capsule |
| Imcivree (setmelanotide) | Melanocortin receptor agonist, daily injection |
| Plenity | Ingestible hydrogel, take before meals |
Many of these brands appear in our rx weight loss meds resource, and orlistat shows up in our otc weight loss meds overview.
Source: data compiled from Cleveland Clinic, NIDDK, and Obesity Medicine Association.
Which meds have the most scientific support
Clinical trials and head-to-head studies help us see which options pack the biggest punch:
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound): up to 22.5% average body weight reduction at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1 trial) (Obesity Medicine Association)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): 14.9% average weight loss in the STEP 1 trial over 68 weeks (Obesity Medicine Association)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): typical 5–10% weight loss in adults and adolescents (Obesity Medicine Association)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): 5–10% weight loss with daily dosing (Obesity Medicine Association)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): 5–10% weight reduction, helps curb cravings (Mayo Clinic)
- Phentermine (Adipex, Suprenza, Lomaira): around 5% average weight loss, low-cost first-line option (Obesity Medicine Association)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): modest reductions, often under 5% when paired with a low-fat diet (Cleveland Clinic)
Weight loss drug names most prescribed in 2025
Based on prescription volume and FDA approval status as of mid-2025, these names top the charts:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus)
- Phentermine (Adipex, Suprenza, Lomaira)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Plenity (hydrogel medical device)
- Setmelanotide (Imcivree)
Source: Obesity Medicine Association.
Success rates of each named medication
| Medication | Average weight loss | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | up to 22.5% | Obesity Medicine Association |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | 14.9% | Obesity Medicine Association |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | 5–10% | Obesity Medicine Association |
| Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate) | 5–10% | Obesity Medicine Association |
| Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion) | 5–10% | Mayo Clinic |
| Adipex (phentermine) | ~5% | Obesity Medicine Association |
| Xenical (orlistat) | <5% | Cleveland Clinic |
Top-rated GLP-1 medications by efficacy
| Medication | Class | Efficacy | Dosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | up to 22.5% | Weekly injection |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | GLP-1 agonist | 14.9% | Weekly injection |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | GLP-1 agonist | 5–10% | Daily injection |
Based on trial data summarized by the Obesity Medicine Association.
Common misspellings and drug confusions to avoid
- Semaglutide vs setmelanotide – similar endings can lead to mix-ups
- Wegovy vs Ozempic – same generic but different indications
- Mounjaro vs Zepbound – diabetes versus weight-loss branding
- Saxenda vs Victoza – weight-loss versus diabetes
- Contrave vs Qsymia – two combo therapies with different active ingredients
- Alli vs Allie – watch that OTC orlistat spelling
- Xenical vs cyclical – ensure you pick the fat-blocker, not a routine
- Rybelsus vs Rebyesus – oral semaglutide often gets misspelled
Where to learn more about each named medication
- For a full rundown of fda approved weight loss meds
- To compare prescription options in depth, see our rx weight loss meds guide
- If you’re exploring over-the-counter support, check out otc weight loss meds
- To browse our top picks and expert recommendations, visit best weight loss meds
We hope this overview of names of weight loss meds helps you navigate your options with confidence. Always talk to your healthcare provider to find the best fit for your health goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Medication Names
Based on trial summaries cited in the article, tirzepatide (Zepbound) shows up to 22.5% average body weight reduction at 72 weeks (SURMOUNT-1). Semaglutide (Wegovy) shows 14.9% average weight loss at 68 weeks (STEP 1). Other options like liraglutide (Saxenda), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), and naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) often fall in the 5 to 10% range.
Wegovy and Ozempic share the same generic drug, semaglutide, but they are used for different indications. The article flags this as a common confusion, so it helps to state the brand and the intended use clearly when discussing either medication.
Zepbound and Mounjaro are both brands of tirzepatide, but the branding differs by indication. The article calls out this mix-up as common, so readers should confirm the label and the reason it was prescribed (weight loss vs diabetes) with their clinician and pharmacy.