How long has it been since you last saw a TV or online commercial for a prescription drug (or “treatment”) that touts weight loss among its attributes? Not that long, we reckon.
We’re being hammered daily, even hourly, with these types of almost-too-good-to-be-true ads and commercials. Chances are you’ve even seen the ad with a certain superstar tennis icon sticking some area of her upper body with an RX injectable, accompanied by a claim that you can lose up to 20 percent of your body weight in a year with this treatment.
There is no question that health science keeps progressing, now cranking out wonder drugs that just 15 or 20 years ago were inconceivable; weight-loss treatments included. This is a cautionary tale, too. In a December 2025 article (behind a paywall), the New York Times reported that many older patients aren’t sticking with these treatments, citing factors such as cost, iffy insurance coverage, and side effects such as vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea, which in some cases can be debilitating.
The Times also mentioned the existence of studies showing that half of patients taking the same branded Rx treatment promoted by the aforementioned tennis star stopped using it within a year despite the benefits, “citing the expense and side effects.” Some patients also found that their weight loss induced by medication was accompanied by muscle loss, weakening their overall fitness instead of bolstering it. Citing a study published in 2023 by JAMA, a medical journal, AARP added to all that, saying that such medications might put a patient at increased risk of pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) and/or gastroparesis (stomach paralysis—i.e., it can’t empty properly).
We aren’t here to badmouth or scare you away from Rx treatments that can help promote weight loss. We are here to keep you informed and let you know there are always Plan B’s for losing weight and improving your fitness level. Be sure to discuss the use of those Rx treatments and associated pros/cons with your personal physician or other health-care professional before trying them out. In fact, the same goes for trying any supplements like those listed here for the first time.
5 Supplements That Might Help You Lose Weight
What might be the best, safest, and certainly least-expensive weight-loss alternative to jumping on Route Rx is old school but one with newfound popularity -- adding a natural remedy or two to your daily health-related regimen. If this is accompanied by a well-planned diet (preferably with the guidance of a nutritionist or dietitian) and exercise routine, you could very well lose weight, perhaps slowly but consistently, tapping into a better approach to long-term success and fitness.
Following is a quick look at five supplements that have shown promise in terms of their effectiveness for helping people lose weight:
Fiber. It can contribute to weight loss in several ways, such as diminishing appetite by giving you an early sensation of fullness and enhancing the functionality of your gut microbiome.
Chitosan. Also known as liposan, this popular fat blocker is sourced from shellfish and has been shown to bind with dietary fats and thus thwart your body from absorbing those unwanted fats. Trials have also suggested chitosan’s ability to reduce “bad” (LDL) cholesterol as well.
Green tea extract. This natural remedy loaded in antioxidants is often mentioned in association with women’s health for its penchant to reduce body mass index as well as help in treating insomnia and depression. It can also tamp down unwanted inflammation, strengthen the gut microbiome, and benefit hormones.
Probiotics. Weight-loss studies pitting probiotics against a placebo have demonstrated that the former’s ingestion can produce a noticeable drop in body weight and body-fat percentage that a placebo could not produce.
Berberine. This plant-based supplement has hit the radar of weight-loss experts – it has been fondly referred to in some quarters as “nature’s Ozempic” – because of it apparent ability to block fat cell development, stimulate health insulin function, and boost metabolism
So there you have it – our latest blog foray into weight loss linked to a bevy of natural supplements (there are others not listed here), which is worth considering vs. rushing into questionable shortcuts through prescription means. Again, talk it over with your personal physician before doing anything different from what you are doing now.