Vikram Malhotra Vikram Malhotra Asked 5 months ago

What drugs cause weight loss?

My cousin started losing a lot of weight very quickly and everyone is concerned. He also takes a few prescribed medicines. Do some drugs actually cause weight loss as a side effect?

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6 answers

Vinod Menon Vinod Menon Joined Feb 2026 4 months ago
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Haha, if there was a magic drug that caused weight loss without effort, we'd all be taking it, wouldn't we? But seriously, some drugs can have weight loss as a side effect. I've heard some diabetes meds or ADHD meds can do it. Not that I'm complaining about that side effect, mind you!

Shweta Joshi Shweta Joshi Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

My doctor explained that certain medications can indeed lead to weight loss, either by affecting appetite, metabolism, or nutrient absorption. For example, some drugs for ADHD (like amphetamines), certain GLP-1 agonists for diabetes (like Ozempic or Wegovy), and some thyroid hormones can cause weight reduction. Also, chemotherapy often results in significant weight loss. It's usually a side effect, not the primary goal unless specifically prescribed for obesity.

Aditi Desai Aditi Desai Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

From what I understand, some drugs prescribed for specific conditions might have weight loss as a side effect. Like certain diabetes medications or some ADHD meds. But these aren't 'weight loss drugs' for general use. For healthy weight management, focusing on diet and exercise is the only sustainable way, not chasing medication side effects.

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Anil Mehta Anil Mehta Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

Beta, in my long life, I've seen many fads. While some medicines for serious conditions might make you lose weight, don't think of them as a shortcut. For example, some diabetes medicines can help. But usually, natural changes in diet and regular walking are what keep the weight off for good. Don't rely on medicines for something that needs discipline.

Rohit Kumar Rohit Kumar Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

I was on some medication for a while, and honestly, my appetite just vanished. I ended up losing quite a bit of weight without even trying. Later found out it was a known side effect. I think some ADHD meds or even certain anti-depressants can do that. It was tough to maintain energy though.

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Shruti Das Shruti Das Joined May 2026 4 months ago

Hi everyone. So, is it like, some medicines make you lose your appetite? Or do they make your body burn more calories? I'm just curious, not looking for a quick fix or anything. Thanks.

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