The quest for effective and safe weight loss solutions has led many men to explore the use of weight loss supplements. With a growing number of products available on the market, it is crucial to understand their effectiveness, safety, and potential side effects. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of weight loss supplements for men, drawing on scientific evidence and expert opinions to help individuals make informed decisions.
The Evolving Landscape of Weight Loss Medications
The pharmacological treatment of obesity is a rapidly evolving field. Before 2012, the FDA had approved only a few weight loss medications. However, the 2020s witnessed a surge in the popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 receptor agonists). Subsequently, dual receptor agonists like Mounjaro (indicated for type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (indicated for obesity) emerged. An estimated 9 million adults used a GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss in 2024.
With an expanding array of weight loss medications, patients often inquire about the most potent or effective options and which one suits them best. The answer is complex, and newer does not always equate to better. Determining candidacy for weight loss medications begins with assessing Body Mass Index (BMI). Doctors and patients should discuss the patient's current health issues, other medications, and family medical history on a case-by-case basis. The average weight loss ranges from 5% to 21%, with individual results varying. It's important to note that most people regain weight if anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are discontinued.
While some weight loss medications are FDA-approved only for adults, some, including semaglutide and liraglutide, are approved for children 12 and older with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. Some weight loss medications have been available for many years, while new ones continue to emerge. It can be easy to overlook first-generation AOMs, but these may be appropriate for some patients, especially when cost is a factor.
FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications
Several weight loss medications have received FDA approval for long-term use. These include:
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- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
Each medication has its own mechanism of action, potential benefits, and side effects.
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It was FDA-approved in 2021. Administered as an injection, it is approved for use in adults and children aged 12 years or more with obesity (BMI ≥30 for adults, BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex for children) or some adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems. The dose must be increased gradually over 16 to 20 weeks to arrive at the 2.4 mg dosage. This progression can help alleviate side effects, which include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. It is intended to be used indefinitely, in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. Ozempic may be a more familiar name to some patients.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
Zepbound is approved to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater. It is both a GLP-1 and a GIP receptor agonist. Like semaglutide, it works by reducing appetite and is meant to be used in combination with diet and exercise to lose weight. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults with obesity or overweight (without diabetes) taking tirzepatide achieved up to 22.5% average body weight reduction at 72 weeks. In addition to impressive weight loss, studies show improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic markers.
Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
Liraglutide is a daily injectable medication that acts on hormones that send signals from the gut to the brain to make the patient feel full quicker and decrease hunger signals. Doses start at 0.6 mg to 3 mg a day. Some patients may lose 5-10% of body weight, especially with the higher dose of liraglutide. Liraglutide is also approved for Type 2 Diabetes, under the brand name Victoza. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase, and renal insufficiency.
Phentermine
Phentermine is the oldest and most widely used weight loss medication. It was originally used as a short-term medication to jump-start weight loss, but now newer medical guidelines have added it to long-term therapy. Side effects include headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, rapid or irregular heart rate, and tremor.
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Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)
Topiramate can be combined with phentermine to decrease appetite and cravings. Adults with migraines and obesity are good candidates for this weight-loss medication. Some patients may lose an average of 5-10% of body weight. Daily doses with four strengths start at 3.75 mg/23 mg to 15 mg/92 mg. Side effects include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth.
Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
Naltrexone-bupropion combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to affect the pleasure-reward areas of the brain and thereby decrease cravings and appetite. Start with a daily dose of one 8/90 mg tablet and gradually increase to four tablets a day. The most common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea.
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that comes in a capsule. Undigested fat is then passed through the body. Some patients may lose about 5% of their body weight. An over-the-counter formulation is available at 60 mg capsules with each fat-containing meal. The only over-the-counter medicine for weight loss currently approved by the FDA is Alli (orlistat).
Setmelanotide
Setmelanotide is a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist indicated for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients six years and older, with obesity due to certain rare genetic disorders.
Plenity
A medical device rather than a medication, Plenity was FDA-cleared in 2019 for people with a BMI of 25 to 40. It consists of a capsule that releases a biodegradable, super-absorbent hydrogel into the stomach. The gel helps to increase satiety, enabling the person to eat less.
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The Role of Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements for weight management include myriad ingredients with thermogenic, lipotropic, satiety, and other metabolic effects. Dietary supplements are defined as products taken orally that contain dietary ingredient(s) intended to supplement the diet, but not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. These products may make structure and/or function claims associated with a disclaimer stating the claims have not been reviewed by the FDA, although manufacturers are required to maintain supporting evidence. Dietary supplements are also required by the FDA to be manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices, with mandatory reporting of serious adverse events and FDA notification prior to marketing a new dietary ingredient (NDI), and manufacturers are prohibited from marketing supplements with unsafe ingredients.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant known to increase thermogenesis and fat oxidation. It is one of the most frequently consumed dietary bioactive substances across the globe. Various studies on caffeine intake have been conducted, generally addressing beverage sources. When used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, most weight management supplements provide caffeine within the recommended amount of ≤400 mg caffeine/day. Acute intake of caffeine > 500 mg/day potentially results in various untoward events such as headache, jitteriness, agitation, anxiety, dizziness, and tinnitus.
Green Tea Extract (GTE)
Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which have been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat burning. Early research suggests it may lead to modest weight loss, but more research is needed. Experts warn that large doses could cause liver damage.
Green Coffee Bean Extract (GCBE)
Early studies suggest it may lead to modest weight loss, but more research is needed. Few people have side effects, but because of the caffeine in green coffee it may cause headaches, stomach upset, nervousness, insomnia, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Choline
Choline is a nutrient that plays a role in metabolism and the transport of lipids in the body. It is also a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement and cognitive function.
Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a dietary fiber derived from the root of the konjac plant. It expands in your stomach to promote a feeling of fullness, thereby reducing food intake. Glucomannan also may make it harder for your body to absorb medications.
Capsaicinoids and Capsinoids
Capsaicinoids and capsinoids are compounds found in chili peppers that have thermogenic properties. They may help to increase energy expenditure and promote fat oxidation.
Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that enhances insulin, a hormone that's important for turning food into energy. But a review of 24 studies that checked the effects of 200 to 1,000 micrograms of chromium a day found that there aren't any significant benefits. At less than 35 micrograms a day, chromium supplements are typically safe for adults. Higher doses can cause insomnia, irritability, problems thinking, and headache.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
CLA is a type of fatty acid found in meat and dairy that claims to reduce body fat. Natural Medicines says that CLA is "possibly effective" for weight loss. Some researchers warn that long-term use, especially if you're obese, may raise insulin resistance, which makes it more likely you'll get type 2 diabetes. It might lower "good" cholesterol in your blood, as well, which raises the risk of heart problems.
Guar Gum
Guar gum may prevent fats from being absorbed into your body and helps you feel full. However, most researchers say it's not effective. Side effects may include gas and diarrhea.
Hoodia
Hoodia contains P57, an ingredient that's said to curb appetite by helping you feel full. But there's no credible evidence that it's safe or effective.
7-Keto-DHEA
7-keto-DHEA may help you lose pounds by boosting your metabolism so you burn more calories throughout the day. But Natural Medicines says there still isn't enough reliable evidence to rate how well it works.
Ephedra
The FDA banned supplements with ephedra after the herb was linked to serious side effects, including heart attack, arrhythmia, stroke, psychosis, seizures, and death.
Bitter Orange
Some studies show bitter orange supplements can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. There have been reports that they may have had dangerous side effects in people who took bitter orange alone or combined with other stimulants such as caffeine. The risks include stroke, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, and death.
Considerations for Weight Loss Supplements
When considering weight loss supplements, it is essential to approach these products with a critical eye. Some weight-loss supplements have been found to have ingredients that aren't listed on the label, such as prescription medicines. Learn all you can about any weight-loss supplement you think about trying. Keep in mind that the key to losing weight is a whole lifestyle approach that involves eating well and moving more.
Safety Concerns
A product isn't safe simply because it's natural. Supplements can have strong effects. Some weight-loss supplements have been found to have ingredients that aren't listed on the label, such as prescription medicines. It's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with weight loss supplements.
The Importance of Lifestyle Changes
Weight loss pills aren’t a standalone solution. While weight loss pills can provide a helpful boost, you still need healthy lifestyle changes for long-term success. Diet and exercise are paramount. Weight loss pills alone won't suffice. All weight loss medications work best in the context of a healthy eating plan and exercise.
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
It's crucial to talk to a health care professional before starting any weight loss pill regimen. Before considering weight loss pills, consult with a health care professional to determine the best course of action for your unique needs. They can assess your individual health status, medical history, and potential risks and benefits of different weight loss options.
Counterfeit Medications
Some online healthcare providers claim to sell Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound at reduced prices. However, the FDA warns against buying medications from any source other than a state-licensed pharmacy. In April 2025, they banned the sale of “counterfeit” semaglutide and tirzepatide. These medications are not made or packaged by the original manufacturers. Instead, they are compounded medications.
Future Directions
With fervent consumer demand for weight loss medications, combined with rising obesity rates, more medications are bound for the market in the coming years. Pharmaceutical platform Ozmosi predicts one to two GLP-1 launches annually starting in 2026 specifically for obesity. Researchers continue to study hormones that play a role in appetite for other ways to target obesity with medication. Those of interest include not only GLP-1, but also peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) and cholecystokinin (CCK). With more options available, doctors will be increasingly able to personalize treatments.
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