Rimonabant
Rimonabant was the first CB1 receptor antagonist for weight loss — withdrawn due to psychiatric side effects but historically significant.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid blocker that, combined with bupropion, helps reduce food cravings and support medically supervised weight loss.
Lorcaserin
A selective serotonin receptor agonist that reduces appetite by activating satiety pathways in the brain, withdrawn in 2020 after long-term safety review.
Diethylpropion
A short-term prescription appetite suppressant that helps jump-start weight loss by reducing hunger signals in the brain.
Incretin-Based Therapies
Incretin-based therapies are a class of medications that mimic gut hormones to lower blood sugar, suppress appetite, and promote significant weight loss.
Exenatide (Byetta)
The first FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist, originally derived from Gila monster saliva — a twice-daily injection that improves blood sugar and supports weight loss.
Pramlintide
A synthetic amylin analogue injection that slows gastric emptying and promotes satiety — used as an adjunct therapy for diabetes and weight management.
Mazindol
Mazindol is an appetite suppressant that works on the brain hunger control centre, historically used for short-term weight management in resistant cases.
Cetilistat
Cetilistat is a weight-loss medication that blocks fat absorption in the digestive system, designed to support weight management with fewer side effects.
Phendimetrazine
A short-term prescription appetite suppressant used as part of a medically supervised weight loss programme.