How to Choose a Weight Loss Medication: A Decision Guide
There is no single best weight loss medication. The right choice depends on your health history, your goals, how you tolerate side effects and what you can afford. Use this guide to prepare for a conversation with your clinician.
Important safety information. This page is general education, not medical advice. Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether a medication is right for you. Do not start, stop or change a prescription without talking to your clinician. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or thoughts of harming yourself, seek emergency care or call 988.
Questions to Think About
- Do you have type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea or fatty liver disease?
- Are you pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy?
- Do you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2?
- Do you have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, seizures, glaucoma or an eating disorder?
- Do you prefer a weekly injection, a daily injection or a pill?
- What are your coverage and budget?
The Main Options at a Glance
| Medication | Form | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide (Wegovy) | Weekly injection; daily pill form | Read more |
| Tirzepatide (Zepbound) | Weekly injection | Read more |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | Daily injection | Read more |
| Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) | Daily capsule | Read more |
| Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave) | Daily tablet | Read more |
| Orlistat (Xenical, alli) | Capsule with meals | Read more |
What to Ask Your Clinician
- Which medication fits my health history, and why?
- What side effects should I expect, and when should I call you?
- How long should I plan to take it?
- What will it cost, and does my plan cover it?
- What happens if I want to stop?
If Medication Is Not Enough
Some people may benefit from surgical evaluation. See our medication vs surgery comparison and DoctorKudsi.com (https://www.doctorkudsi.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to start working?
Many people notice reduced appetite within the first weeks, but dose increases are gradual and weight changes build over months.
Do I still need diet and exercise?
Yes. All the medications on this page are approved to be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How TeleSlim Clinic Can Help
A TeleSlim Clinic physician can review your health history and goals by secure video visit and discuss whether prescription weight loss treatment is appropriate for you. Prescribing is always at the clinician's discretion, and not every medication is right for every person. See our Cost & Insurance guides and Illinois locations.
Cost & Insurance guides
TeleSlim Clinic visits are self-pay, and we do not bill insurance for our own services. We do handle prior authorization for your medication, provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement, and send your medication and lab orders to the pharmacy or lab you choose, where your insurance can be used. We do not see patients with Medicare.
- Weight Loss Medication Cost in Illinois
- Insurance and Weight Loss Medication in Illinois
- Illinois Medicaid and Weight Loss Medication
- TeleSlim Clinic Pricing and Plans
- HSA and FSA for Weight Loss Treatment
- Cash-Pay vs. Insurance for Weight Loss Treatment
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and Weight Loss Medication
- Illinois State Employee Plan and Weight Loss Medication
- When Your Employer Plan Excludes Weight Loss Drugs
- Prior Authorization and Appeals for Weight Loss Medication
- Self-Pay Weight Loss Medication and Compounded Drugs
- What to Ask Your Insurance About Weight Loss Medication
Medications & Decision Guides
Learn about the prescription options and how to choose:
Weight Loss Guides by Health Condition
- PCOS and Weight Loss
- Prediabetes and Weight Loss
- Menopause Weight Gain
- Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery
- Sleep Apnea and Weight Loss Medication
- Blood Pressure and Heart Health
- Fatty Liver and Weight Loss
- Hypothyroidism and Weight Loss
- Antidepressants and Weight
- Binge and Emotional Eating
- Weight Loss After 50
More in This Library
- Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide
- Wegovy vs Zepbound
- Telehealth vs In-Person Care
- Medication vs Bariatric Surgery
Cost, Coverage and Illinois Care
- Weight Loss Medication Cost in Illinois
- Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Medication?
- Illinois Medicaid and Weight Loss Medication
- TeleSlim Clinic Pricing and Plans
- HSA/FSA and Weight Loss Medication
- Cash Pay vs Insurance
TeleSlim Clinic serves patients across Illinois, including Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Evanston, Peoria, Springfield, Champaign, Schaumburg, Oak Lawn. See all Illinois locations.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey
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If you are considering bariatric surgery, learn about surgical options with Dr. Jihad Kudsi at DoctorKudsi.com (https://www.doctorkudsi.com).
Sources: FDA prescribing information for the listed medications.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Prescribing information changes; confirm current details with your clinician or pharmacist. Last updated: October 7, 2026.