Weight Loss Drug Contrave: What You Need to Know
Overweight and obesity are significant health concerns worldwide, with nearly 40% of adults in the United States classified as obese. Losing weight can be a difficult and daunting task, but new medications like Contrave are providing hope for those struggling with weight management.
What is Contrave?
Contrave is a prescription-only medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014 for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Contrave is a combination of two previously approved medications: bupropion (an antidepressant) and naltrexone (an opioid antagonist). It works by reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness, reducing cravings for food, and suppressing appetite.
How Does Contrave Work?
Contrave affects the brain’s reward system, making food less appealing and helping to curb cravings. It also increases levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which regulate hunger and fullness.
In clinical trials, Contrave was shown to help patients lose an average of 5-10% of their body weight over a period of one year, compared to a 1-2% weight loss with placebo.
Benefits of Contrave
Contrave has several benefits for individuals struggling with weight loss:
- Improved weight loss: Contrave has been shown to be effective in helping patients achieve significant weight loss, with an average weight loss of 10-15% of their initial body weight.
- Reduced hunger: Contrave reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness, making it easier to stick to a weight loss diet.
- Increased motivation: Contrave can help individuals overcome emotional eating and stay motivated to make healthy lifestyle changes.
- Less side effects: Contrave has a relatively mild side effect profile compared to other weight loss medications.
Common Side Effects of Contrave
While Contrave is generally well-tolerated, common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Who Should Use Contrave?
Contrave is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have at least one weight-related condition. It is not recommended for:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Children and adolescents
- Individuals with a history of seizure disorders or those at risk of seizures
- Those who have taken MAOIs (monamine oxidase inhibitors) in the past 14 days
Conclusion
Contrave is a promising weight loss medication that can help individuals struggling with weight management achieve significant weight loss. While it is not a magic solution, Contrave can be a valuable tool for those who are willing to make lifestyle changes and work with a healthcare provider to achieve their weight loss goals. As with any medication, it is important to discuss potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
