The right medication for your biology
There is no single best weight loss medication. The best medication is the one that works for your body, fits your insurance, and supports the goals you and your clinician agree on.
PEAK prescribes the full spectrum of FDA-approved weight loss medications — not just GLP-1 injectables. Some patients respond best to Wegovy or Zepbound. Others do better with phentermine, Contrave, or a combination approach. Many patients use one medication as a bridge to another as their treatment evolves.
Every medication on this page is prescribed as part of a structured clinical program that includes medical evaluation, dietitian-led nutrition counseling, ongoing monitoring, and follow-up visits. A prescription alone is not a treatment plan.
Injectable and oral GLP-1 medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists are the most effective class of weight loss medications currently available. They work by mimicking gut hormones that regulate appetite, satiety, and metabolism.
Important safety information: GLP-1 medications carry an FDA boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies and are contraindicated for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2.
The most widely prescribed GLP-1 for weight loss. Average 15% body weight loss in clinical trials. Also FDA-approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with obesity.
Learn about Wegovy
Dual-action GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist with the highest average weight loss of any approved anti-obesity medication — up to 22.5% in clinical trials. Available as prefilled pen or vial.
Learn about Zepbound
First-generation GLP-1 for weight management with the longest track record (FDA-approved 2014). Average 8% body weight loss. A valuable option when insurance formularies favor liraglutide or when patients prefer daily dosing over weekly injections.
Learn about SaxendaPEAK also prescribes Ozempic and Mounjaro — the same active ingredients as Wegovy and Zepbound, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes rather than weight loss.
Non-injectable options
Not every patient needs — or wants — an injectable. PEAK also prescribes FDA-approved oral medications that work through different mechanisms to support weight loss.
The most commonly prescribed weight loss medication in the US. A sympathomimetic amine that suppresses appetite and increases energy. Available as an affordable generic. Often used as a first-line treatment or in combination with GLP-1 medications.
Learn about phentermine
Combines naltrexone (reduces food cravings and reward response) with bupropion (suppresses appetite and improves mood). Particularly effective for patients with emotional or binge eating patterns. Available as brand-name or generic.
Learn about Contrave
Blocks approximately 30% of dietary fat absorption in the gut. Available as prescription-strength Xenical or over-the-counter Alli. Does not act on the central nervous system. Often used as a step therapy prerequisite for GLP-1 approval.
Learn about orlistatMedication comparison
A quick reference to help you understand how these medications differ. Your clinician will recommend the best fit based on your full medical picture.
| Medication | Drug Class | How It Works | Route & Frequency | FDA-Approved for | Avg. Weight Loss | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovysemaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Targets GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying | Weekly injection | Weight Loss CV Risk Reduction MASH | ~15% of body weight | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation |
| Zepboundtirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist | Targets two hormone pathways (GLP-1 + GIP) to regulate appetite, satiety, and metabolism | Weekly injection | Weight Loss Obstructive Sleep Apnea | ~20–22.5% of body weight | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation |
| Saxendaliraglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Targets GLP-1 receptors to reduce appetite; longest-established GLP-1 for weight loss | Daily injection | Weight Loss | ~8% of body weight | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation |
| Ozempicsemaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | Same active ingredient as Wegovy; FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss | Weekly injection | Type 2 Diabetes CV Risk Reduction Chronic Kidney Disease | Varies by dose | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation |
| Mounjarotirzepatide | Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist | Same active ingredient as Zepbound; FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss | Weekly injection | Type 2 Diabetes | Varies by dose | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation |
| Phenterminephentermine HCl | CNS appetite suppressant | Increases norepinephrine in the brain to suppress appetite; FDA-approved since 1959 | Daily oral tablet (short-term use, up to 12 weeks) | Weight Loss | ~5–10% of body weight | Dry mouth, insomnia, increased heart rate, restlessness |
| Contravenaltrexone / bupropion | Combination (opioid antagonist + antidepressant) | Targets the brain’s reward and appetite centers; especially helpful for emotional eating | Twice-daily oral tablet | Weight Loss | ~5–6% of body weight | Nausea, headache, constipation, insomnia, dry mouth. Carries an FDA boxed warning regarding increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. |
| Orlistatorlistat (Xenical / Alli) | Lipase inhibitor | Blocks ~30% of dietary fat absorption in the gut; does not act on the central nervous system | Oral, 3× daily with meals | Weight Loss | ~5% of body weight | Oily stools, gas, frequent bowel movements |
← Scroll to see full chart →
Weight loss percentages are averages from clinical trials. Individual results vary. See the full detailed comparison →
Does your insurer require step therapy? Many insurance plans require patients to try one or two medications (typically phentermine, Contrave, or orlistat) before approving a GLP-1 like Wegovy or Zepbound. PEAK guides you through this process efficiently — prescribing the required medication, documenting your response, and building the case for GLP-1 approval. Learn how step therapy works.
Medication FAQ
Your clinician considers several factors: your BMI and health history, any weight-related conditions (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea), your insurance coverage and cost preferences, previous medications you've tried, and whether oral or injectable medications are a better fit. Some patients prefer oral tablets; others do better with injectables. There's no one-size-fits-all answer — the goal is to find the medication that gives you the best chance of meaningful, sustained weight loss with the fewest barriers.
In some cases, yes. Combination therapy — such as phentermine alongside a GLP-1 medication — can be clinically appropriate when one medication alone isn't producing sufficient results. Your PEAK clinician monitors for drug interactions and adjusts dosing carefully. Not all combinations are safe or recommended, which is why medical supervision matters.
You still have options. Phentermine is available as an affordable generic medication. Contrave has manufacturer savings programs. Zepbound offers a cash-pay vial program at a lower price point. Your clinician may also initiate a step therapy pathway to build the documentation needed for eventual GLP-1 approval. PEAK helps you manage the most cost-effective path to effective treatment. PEAK accepts Anthem, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Sentara, and TRICARE commercial plans, and does not accept Medicare or Medicaid plans. Visit pricing is $199 for the initial appointment, $135 for follow-up visits, and $75 for dietitian visits. View insurance and pricing details.
It depends on the medication. GLP-1 medications (Wegovy, Zepbound) and Contrave are approved for long-term use. Phentermine is FDA-approved for short-term use up to 12 weeks. Your PEAK clinician will discuss the evidence, risks, and benefits for each option during your consultation. All medications are prescribed with ongoing clinical oversight including regular follow-up visits and lab monitoring.
No. PEAK only prescribes FDA-approved, brand-name medications from verified manufacturers. We do not offer compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide. Compounded versions have not undergone the same FDA review for safety, efficacy, and manufacturing consistency. This is a patient safety decision. Read why PEAK only uses FDA-approved medications.
No. You can schedule directly with PEAK without a referral from your primary care provider. During your first visit, your clinician completes a full medical evaluation, reviews your health history, and recommends a medication plan matched to your health profile and insurance. Get started.
Compare and learn more
Zepbound vs. Wegovy
Head-to-head comparison of the two leading GLP-1 weight loss medications.
Read comparison → ComparePhentermine vs. Wegovy
How an affordable oral appetite suppressant compares to a GLP-1 injectable.
Read comparison → CompareContrave vs. Wegovy
Oral dual-mechanism medication versus injectable GLP-1 — different approaches to the same goal.
Read comparison → InsuranceStep Therapy Requirements
What your insurer requires before approving GLP-1 medications and how PEAK helps you through it.
Read guide → GuideBest Weight-Loss Medications 2026
A clinician-reviewed ranking of the most effective FDA-approved weight loss medications available in 2026.
Read guide → CompareMedical Weight Loss vs. Diet Programs
How clinician-managed medical weight loss compares to commercial diet programs — and when each approach makes sense.
Read comparison →Find the right medication for you.
Schedule a consultation with a PEAK clinician. We'll review your health history, check insurance coverage, and recommend the medication that fits your goals.
Schedule Your ConsultationNo referral needed • Most insurance accepted • Chesapeake, VA