Semaglutide vs. Phentermine: The Difference Between Long-Term and Short-Term Weight Loss Medications
Do you find yourself in a constant battle of gaining and losing weight? Are fad diets such as Keto or Whole30 or weight loss programs like Noom and Weight Watchers just not helping you reach your goal weight? For many individuals, excess weight and chronic obesity are common problems due to factors like genetics, aging, or lifestyle choices. Luckily, safe, and effective weight loss prescription drugs are available to help you shed extra pounds and support your weight management journey.
Semaglutide and Phentermine are popular weight loss drugs in the headlines today. Semaglutide is the latest weight loss injection. It was first approved as a diabetes medication and mimics hormones that regulate blood sugar, reset and boost your metabolism, and suppress appetite. As a result, it is an ideal weight loss solution to help individuals slim down and lose stubborn pounds. Currently,
Phentermine is a stimulant drug that has been around for over fifty years. The drug is taken orally via capsule or tablet form, stimulating the central nervous system to curb appetite. It is a safe and effective short-term option for individuals who struggle with chronic obesity. Currently, a form of this medication, Phentermine-topiramate, is FDA-approved for long-term obesity management.
While both prescription drugs help individuals lose weight, they differ in dosage, side effects, prescription lengths, and form. Read a complete rundown on Semaglutide and Phentermine to help you decide whether a short-term or long-term weight loss drug is best for you.
Injection vs Oral Medication for Weight Loss
When comparing weight loss injections with oral medications, you should consider how long these drugs work and how long you will be on a treatment plan. Semaglutide injections are prescribed long-term use for weight loss.
Regarding Phentermine, this oral medication is intended for short-term use for up to 12 weeks. However, some providers prescribe it off-label for a longer period of use. Currently, a form of this medication, Phentermine-topiramate, is FDA-approved for long-term obesity management in some individuals.
Side Effects of Semaglutide vs. Phentermine
Common Semaglutide side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. In rare cases, abdominal pain, pancreatitis, or kidney problems are additional side effects.
On the other hand, Phentermine side effects include dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. However, these side effects are less severe and less frequent than those of Semaglutide. It is important to note that the severity and frequency of side effects vary from person to person.
Dosage for Semaglutide vs. Phentermine
Both medications have their own unique dosage requirements. Semaglutide is a newer medication and is more potent than Phentermine. You take Semaglutide once a week, while you take Phentermine daily. You inject Semaglutide in the stomach, arm, or thigh once a week. At the start, you take a monthly dose of 0.25mg. After that, the amount increases to 2.4mg, depending on how much weight you want to lose.
On the other hand, Phentermine is an oral drug you take in capsule form. You take the pill in doses of 15 to 37.5mg daily, either mid-morning or in two doses.
Results of Injection vs. Oral Medication for Weight Loss
The amount of weight loss possible from Semaglutide and Phentermine varies. When you take Semaglutide, studies show an average weight loss of 15-20 pounds over a period of 26-30 weeks. On the other hand, when you take Phentermine, studies show that you lose an average of 5-10% of your starting weight over 12-14 weeks.*
Where Do You Inject Semaglutide?
To use Semaglutide properly, you inject it into your stomach, arm, or upper thigh once a week. Once you begin taking the drug, you start with a monthly dose of 0.25mg. Then, you increase the dose to 2.4mg depending on how much weight you desire to lose.
How Long Does Phentermine Stay in Your System?
Phentermine remains in your system for about 3-6 days. However, this varies depending on factors such as age, weight, metabolism, and dosage.
Will I Experience Phentermine Withdrawal?
No. According to a recent study on Phentermine’s addictive potential, abuse and addiction do not occur in patients treated with the drug for obesity. In addition, Phentermine treatment does not create drug cravings, a typical sign of addiction. Therefore, withdrawal does not happen if you stop taking the medicine. This is true even if you take higher doses than recommended or if you have been taking Phentermine for years.
Can Phentermine Cause Constipation?
Yes, one of the potential side effects of Phentermine is constipation. Once you take Phentermine, you may have trouble with bowel movements and may feel uncomfortable or bloated. In addition, since Phentermine reduces your appetite, this causes dehydration, commonly leading to constipation.
Discover Semaglutide in Staten Island, New York
Semaglutide and Phentermine are effective options to help you shed excess weight and look and feel great. However, Semaglutide is the only long-term option that helps you lose weight, keep it off, and continue living a healthy life and maintaining a healthy weight.
Learn more about Semaglutide on Staten Island with a premier provider, Emerson Medical. Staten Island, New York, residents battling weight management look to our amazing staff to help them lose stubborn pounds and achieve long-term results.
To see if you are a candidate for Semaglutide weight loss medication, call us at (718) 448-3800 to schedule a consultation, or reach out to us online to learn more. We can’t wait to let you discover how this safe and effective weight-loss injection will enhance your appearance and exceed your weight-loss expectations.
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SOURCES:
1. Addiction potential of Phentermine prescribed during long-term treatment of obesity. International Journal of Obesity. 2014
2. A study of abrupt Phentermine cessation in patients in a weight management program. American Journal of Therapeutics. 2011.
3. https://conciergemdla.com/blog/wegovy-dosing-schedule-weight-loss/