Weight Loss

What are the medications approved for weight loss in Singapore?

There are multiple FDA-approved prescription weight loss drugs in Singapore and some common ones include:

• Orlistat/Xenical

Orlistat promotes weight loss by decreasing the amount of dietary fat absorbed in your intestines. Lipase, an enzyme found in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fat into smaller components, so it can be used or stored for energy. Orlistat inhibits the work of lipase. When you take the drug with a meal, about 25% of the fat you consume isn’t broken down and is eliminated through bowel movements.

• Phentermine/Duromine/Panbesy

Phentermine helps weight loss by decreasing your hunger or making you feel full longer. The expected average weight loss with phentermine use is 5-10% of your initial body weight over 12 weeks.

Do I still need to go on diet and exercise if I am on a weight loss medication?

Weight loss medications are not magic bullets. They need to be used alongside calorie restriction, behavioural modification and exercise programs.