Health experts will agree that to achieve quick weight loss, one must combine rigorous exercise and strict dieting. But there are times when the best programs never deliver satisfactory result. No need to lose hope. If you consult your health care provider, he or she will most likely recommend taking one of the most prescribed drugs for weight loss. Perhaps, you’re familiar with some of the available brands offering fast and quick way of losing weight. But before you choose one, it’s always best to do your own homework.

Let’s take a look at these popular prescription drugs and how fast is their weight loss promise.

• Orlistat. Also known as Xenical and Alli, Orlistat works by blocking fat absorption of the body. You must be on a low-fat diet to get the best results from this drug. It is commonly used for long-term weigh loss program. Users are advised to take fat-soluble multivitamins because it blocks absorption of most fat-based vitamins. A study of users who took the drug for 6 months lost an average of 8 pounds.

• Phentermine. This weight loss drug has been around since 1950s. Phentermine has been proven safe and effective, and still around despite the development of newer options in the market. It primarily works by curbing the appetite of the user. It sends signal to the brain that you feel full, thus lowering the chance of overeating. It also blocks absorption of fat while keeping you energized and alert. The good thing about Phentermine is that it is a short-term drug, making it a perfect choice if you intend to achieve quick weight loss. And it has proven effective in several studies. A recently published study in Korea showed that users shed an average of 16.5 pounds in just 3 1/2 months, which is far way better than its main competitor.

• Qsymia. Qsymia is a low-dose Phentermine combined with low-dose Topiramate. The latter is a medicine for seizure and migraine. Qsymia does not only curb the appetite, it also makes the food a lot less appealing. Clinical trials show that a year of using Qsymia will result to an average of 22 pounds weight loss. That’s about 1.8 pounds of lost weight per month.

• Belviq. This is one of the new drugs approved by the FDA for quick weight loss. How Belviq works is actually a mystery. Experts say it curbs the appetite. But in reality, it does more than that. Belviq targets the serotonin receptors, which are in charge of the mood. The drug curbs appetite and releases happy hormones, making you feel more relaxed and less stressed. It is perfect for people who overeat as a result of mood swings. Overweight or obese people who are taking this drug can expect to lose about 10 pounds in the first 3 months of medication.

Your Best Choice for Quick Weight Loss

The popular weight loss drugs mentioned above have their pros and cons. But when it comes to providing fast weight loss, no other prescription medication can beat the benefits provided by Phentermine. With an average of 16 lbs. lost weight in just three months of taking the drug, it’s not surprising why a lot of obese and overweight people choose Phentermine for weight management. But to ensure that you also get these results, you have to consult your health care practitioner.

Every person has unique needs and genetic makeup, making each user respond to these drugs differently compared to their peers. Your safest bet is to have your quick weight loss journey under experts’ supervision.