A guide to medications for weight loss in women
If you’ve been exploring medical weight loss options, you’ve likely heard about the growing popularity of injectable medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. These GLP-1 agonists are changing the landscape of weight loss for women—especially those who’ve struggled with hormonal changes, insulin resistance, or stubborn weight gain despite doing all the “right” things.
At Elle MD, we specialize in personalized weight loss care—and that includes guiding our patients through the safe, effective use of weight loss medications. While most of the women we support are candidates for injectable options, we also offer oral medications when they align with a patient’s goals, lifestyle, and medical history.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most commonly prescribed medications for weight loss, the differences between oral vs. injectable options, and what to expect if you’re considering this path. Because medication isn’t a magic fix—but with the right support and a holistic plan, it can be a powerful tool to help you move forward with confidence.
In case we haven’t met…
We’re Dr. Erin Hendriks and Dr. Maricela Castillo MacKenzie, founders of Elle MD, a functional medicine and weight loss clinic based in Royal Oak, Michigan.
We specialize in helping women—especially those navigating
perimenopause and menopause—reclaim their energy, balance their hormones, and feel confident in their bodies again. Our approach combines the science of Obesity Medicine with the depth of Functional Medicine, so you’re not just getting a plan—you’re getting partnership.
Types of weight loss medications
Weight loss medications fall into two broad categories: injectables and oral pills. Each works in different ways and is used for different needs. Knowing which approach is right for you depends on your body’s chemistry, your health history, and your personal goals. At Elle MD, we help you navigate these options with clarity and care.
GLP-1 agonists: Injections that support appetite and metabolism
These include medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, they’ve shown powerful results for weight loss by mimicking a hormone that affects hunger, insulin, and digestion.
They slow down gastric emptying, reduce appetite, and improve blood sugar control—all of which help regulate metabolism and support steady weight loss.
Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA approved for weight loss. These medications can be powerful tools for women experiencing hormonal shifts, insulin resistance, or intense cravings that feel impossible to manage. They’re not “just for diabetics,” and they’re certainly not a form of cheating—when used appropriately, they can be life-changing.
At Elle MD, we use GLP-1s thoughtfully and always as part of a holistic and personalized plan. We never view them as shortcuts. Instead, we combine them with comprehensive lab testing, nutrition guidance, emotional support, and ongoing check-ins to make sure they’re truly supporting your body—physically, mentally, and metabolically.
Oral medications for weight loss: Pills that support your journey
These medications are most effective when integrated into a full-body approach. That’s why we only prescribe them when they align with your unique needs and goals—not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as part of a strategy designed just for you.
Phentermine + Topiramate (Qsymia): A combination medication that reduces hunger and boosts metabolism. It may help people eat less and feel satisfied sooner. Qsymia is typically used for individuals with a higher BMI and needs to be carefully monitored.
Naltrexone + Bupropion (Contrave): This duo targets the brain’s hunger and reward centers, making it helpful for women dealing with emotional eating or intense cravings. It’s particularly useful when food is tied to mood regulation.
Each option has unique pros and cons, and none of them are universally “best.” That’s why we never recommend anything without first understanding your full health picture. At Elle MD, we match the medication to the person—not the other way around.
What is the most effective oral weight loss medication?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—because there’s no one-size-fits-all body.
The most effective medication is the one that works for you, in the context of your unique health story. That includes your hormone levels, metabolic health, history with weight loss, emotional patterns around eating, sleep quality, and even your stress response.
Some women respond well to medications like Qsymia or Contrave, which have shown significant results in clinical trials. Others may need a gentler start or a different approach entirely. But here’s what matters most: medications are not magic pills. They work best when combined with lifestyle shifts, expert support, and medical insight that looks at the whole picture—not just the scale.
That’s why a thoughtful approach matters. Before recommending anything, we consider your gut health, insulin sensitivity, inflammation markers, and even your relationship with food—because
how your body holds weight is just as important as
why.
Are these medications safe and sustainable?
Yes—when prescribed and monitored by professionals who understand the full landscape of women’s health.
We know what you’re probably wondering:
Will I gain the weight back if I stop?
Maybe—but only if the medication is the only thing supporting your body. That’s why we emphasize building sustainable, nourishing habits alongside medication, so if you decide to taper off in the future, you’re not left without tools.
Are these medications addictive?
No, these medications are not addictive. Phentermine is a stimulant and must be prescribed under close supervision. Medications like Contrave and GLP-1 agonists are not habit-forming, but they still require regular check-ins and individualized dosing to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Will I lose weight quickly?
We understand the desire for fast results—but what you really want is lasting change. Rapid weight loss, especially without medical oversight, can disrupt your metabolism and lead to rebound weight gain. That’s why our focus is always on steady, supported progress that feels good and sticks.
When done with care, clarity, and clinical expertise, medication isn’t a crutch—it’s a tool. And when combined with root-cause healing, it can be the beginning of a truly transformative journey.
We don’t guess—we listen, test, and tailor everything to you
At Elle MD, we know how it feels to walk into a doctor’s office and be handed a generic solution—before anyone even asks about your story.
That’s not how we work.
We don’t throw prescriptions at symptoms. We slow down. We listen. We ask the questions no one has asked before. We run tests that go deeper than surface-level labs. We look at your gut, your hormones, your stress, your sleep, your inflammation—because your weight is never just about one thing.
Maybe your cortisol is sky-high from years of overgiving. Maybe your estrogen has plummeted and no one warned you what that would do to your metabolism. Maybe your gut is inflamed, your blood sugar’s on a rollercoaster, or your nervous system has been stuck in survival mode for too long.
Whatever it is—we’ll find it. And we’ll build a plan that supports you.
Real weight loss change requires support—we’re here every step of the way
We’re here for the long haul. That means:
- Personalized lab testing that reveals what’s actually going on inside your body—not just what shows up on the scale.
- Thoughtful medication management that evolves as you do, always supporting your body’s natural rhythm—not forcing it.
- Emotional and mindset support so you’re not white-knuckling your way through change, but actually feeling empowered and steady.
- Long-term planning that focuses on sustainability, so you’re not terrified of “what happens after.”
- Ongoing adjustments—because we expect your needs to change, and we’re ready to pivot with you.
This is not about fixing you. It’s about supporting you—with clarity, care, and a deep understanding of what your body’s been through.
Because when medicine sees the full you, it can finally start to
serve you. And that’s exactly what we’re here to do.
Medication isn’t a shortcut, it’s a strategy rooted in care
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you’re not looking for a quick fix—you’re looking for something that finally makes sense. You’ve put in the effort, followed the plans, and pushed through frustration. Choosing medication isn’t giving up. It’s recognizing that your body may need more than willpower—it may need real, medical support.
At Elle MD, we specialize in personalized, physician-led weight loss programs that take your whole health into account. Whether you’re curious about injectables like GLP-1s or want to explore all your options, we’ll help you choose a path that aligns with your body, your goals, and your lifestyle.
👉 Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our weight loss doctors in Michigan and how we can support you with clarity, compassion, and real results.
Explore our trusted supplements and medications or book your consultation to start your journey today.
*AI Disclosure:
This content may contain sections generated with AI with the purpose of providing you with condensed helpful and relevant content, however all personal opinions are 100% human made as well as the blog post structure, outline and key takeaways.
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Meet the Drs.
Dr. Hendriks and Dr. Castillo MacKenzie are board-certified physicians, female, specialized, with over 10 years of experience.
Elle MD started after practicing in a traditional primary care setting together for over a decade. We grew frustrated with the current healthcare model, which places no emphasis on addressing the root cause of chronic disease. A lot of times, conventional care doesn’t even promote overall wellness!
We founded Elle MD in Royal Oak, MI, with a vision of providing this care in a compassionate and personalized way.
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