TREATMENTS
Every option, rated by the evidence.
Medicines, lifestyle therapies and procedures for obesity and metabolic disease. Each page explains how it works, what the pivotal trials showed, the side effects that matter and the source behind every number.
FDA-approved
Approved by the FDA for this use
Guideline-recommended
Endorsed by major clinical guidelines
Investigational
Still in trials; not approved
FDA-approved
Medication
Semaglutide
The GLP-1 medicine that showed obesity treatment can protect the heart.
≈15% mean weight loss at 68 weeks
FDA-approved
Medication
Tirzepatide
Two incretin signals in one weekly injection.
≈21% mean weight loss at 72 weeks (15 mg)
FDA-approved
Medication
Orforglipron
A once-daily GLP-1 pill with no food or water rules.
≈11% mean weight loss at 72 weeks (36 mg)
Investigational
Medication
Retatrutide
The triple agonist pushing medical weight loss toward surgical results.
28.3% mean weight loss at 80 weeks (topline)
FDA-approved
Medication
Liraglutide
The original daily GLP-1 for weight, now available as a generic.
About 8% average weight loss at one year.
FDA-approved
Medication
Phentermine-topiramate
A two-drug pill that reduces appetite and increases fullness.
Around 8% to 10% average weight loss at the top dose.
FDA-approved
Medication
Naltrexone-bupropion
Targets cravings and appetite circuits in the brain.
About 5% to 6% average weight loss.
FDA-approved
Medication
Metformin
The low-cost foundation for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Typically lowers A1c by about 1 percentage point in type 2 diabetes.
FDA-approved
Medication
SGLT2 inhibitors
Glucose-lowering pills that protect the heart and kidneys.
Modest weight loss, often 2 to 3 kg, plus heart and kidney protection.
Guideline-recommended
Procedure
Metabolic & bariatric surgery
The most durable option for severe obesity.
Durable weight loss measured over decades
OUR EVIDENCE LABELS
Honest labels, so you can weigh every claim.
HUMAN RCT
Randomized controlled trials in people
The strongest single study type. We report the dose, duration, comparison and the exact outcome measured.
TOPLINE / COMPANY-REPORTED
Results announced before peer review
Often the first look at big trials. Useful, but numbers can shift in the full paper, so we flag them clearly.
EXPERT CONSENSUS & GUIDELINES
What professional societies recommend
Synthesis of many studies by expert panels. We name the society and the year, because guidance evolves.
PHYSICIAN FIRST
These are prescription decisions. Make them with a clinician who knows you.
The right choice depends on your history, labs, other medicines, goals and budget. Youthful Medicine offers in-person care in Doylestown and Manhattan and telemedicine in 12 states and DC.