Singapore offers a broad spectrum of doctor-led weight loss medications, including daily and weekly injectable GLP‑1 treatments, oral GLP‑1 tablets, centrally acting appetite suppressants, and fat absorption blockers.
Understanding which option aligns best with your medical profile, lifestyle, and weight goals is the key to long-term success.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of each major weight loss therapy used in Singapore—how they work, dosing frequencies, expected outcomes, and practical considerations.
Medical weight loss therapies in Singapore fall into several main categories, each designed to target appetite, metabolism, or fat absorption through distinct mechanisms. Understanding the differences between these medication classes is essential for patients seeking safe and effective, doctor-supervised weight management.
Below, you’ll find a summary of the most commonly prescribed options—ranging from daily and weekly injectables, to oral tablets and appetite suppressants—each offering unique benefits and suitability depending on your individual health profile and lifestyle needs.
Daily injectable GLP-1 therapy, with liraglutide as its active ingredient, is a well-established medical option for individuals seeking to manage weight under doctor supervision in Singapore.
This medication is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen, allowing for straightforward home use after professional guidance.
Liraglutide mimics the action of natural appetite-regulating hormones in the body. It works by reducing hunger, enhancing the feeling of fullness after meals, and helping to regulate blood sugar.
The typical candidates for this therapy are adults with a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obese range, especially those who have not achieved sufficient results through diet and exercise alone.
A gradual dose escalation from 0.6mg to 3.0mg is often used at the start of therapy to minimise gastrointestinal side effects.
Patients using daily liraglutide therapy require regular follow-up appointments for monitoring, dose adjustments, and ongoing support to achieve sustainable weight management.
Once-weekly injectable GLP-1 therapy, which uses semaglutide as its active ingredient, is another option available to patients in Singapore.
This treatment is given once a week via subcutaneous injection, making it convenient for those who prefer fewer injections and a less frequent dosing routine.
Semaglutide acts on the same appetite and metabolic pathways as daily GLP-1 therapies, helping patients to control their hunger, reduce calorie intake, and support gradual weight loss.
Weekly administration may be preferred by individuals with busy schedules or those who find daily injections challenging to maintain. Doses range from 0.25mg to 2.4mg.
This therapy is suitable for patients who meet specific medical criteria for prescription weight loss treatment. As with all prescription therapies, regular medical reviews are necessary to ensure safety, monitor progress, and address any side effects or questions.
Dual-agonist injectable therapy containing tirzepatide represents a newer approach to weight management, combining the actions of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonism.
This medication is administered once weekly and is intended for individuals who may benefit from additional metabolic support beyond single-pathway GLP-1 therapies.
Tirzepatide works by targeting multiple hormone receptors involved in appetite and blood sugar regulation. This may lead to a greater reduction in hunger and improved metabolic outcomes for certain patients.
It is generally considered for those with a higher BMI or for those who have not achieved their weight loss goals with other therapies.
Oral GLP-1 tablet therapy, with semaglutide as the active ingredient, is designed for patients who prefer not to use injectable medications.
This treatment is taken once daily as a tablet, providing an alternative for those who are needle-averse or have a lifestyle that makes injections less practical.
The oral form of semaglutide works similarly to injectable GLP-1 therapies, helping to reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and regulate blood sugar levels. This therapy may be particularly appealing for patients who travel frequently or have difficulty with injection routines.
Centrally acting appetite suppressants, with phentermine as a common active ingredient, are oral medications that work by influencing the central nervous system to reduce feelings of hunger. These tablets are typically prescribed for short-term use in adults with obesity, as part of a broader weight management program.
Phentermine-based medications can help to decrease appetite and control caloric intake. However, they are not suitable for everyone and require close doctor supervision due to potential side effects and risks, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, or mood changes.
The use of centrally acting appetite suppressants is generally limited to patients who are unable to tolerate or do not respond to hormonal weight loss therapies.
Fat absorption blockers, such as orlistat, are oral medications used to support weight loss by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed from food. Orlistat works by inhibiting enzymes in the digestive system that break down fat, resulting in a portion of dietary fat passing through the body undigested.
This medication is usually taken with meals and is most effective when combined with a reduced-fat diet and lifestyle changes. Orlistat is a non-hormonal therapy, making it an option for patients who are not suitable for appetite-regulating or hormonal weight loss medications.
Patients using fat absorption blockers should be aware of possible gastrointestinal side effects, such as oily stools or increased bowel movements. Ongoing medical supervision ensures that therapy is safe, effective, and aligned with the individual’s overall health goals.
Combination and adjunctive therapies, such as those containing naltrexone and bupropion, may be considered for patients who need a multi-mechanism approach to weight management. These oral medications work on different pathways in the brain to help control appetite and cravings.
Combination therapy is generally prescribed for individuals who have not achieved adequate results with single-agent treatments, or who have specific medical indications for adjunctive medication.
As with all prescription weight loss medications, regular monitoring by a doctor is essential to assess effectiveness, manage any side effects, and provide ongoing lifestyle support.
Selecting the most appropriate weight loss medication requires a personalised approach, as each therapy offers unique benefits and considerations.
Factors such as your medical history, current health status, lifestyle preferences, and weight loss goals should all be discussed in detail with your doctor. A thorough medical assessment will help determine which medication class is most likely to deliver safe, effective, and sustainable results for your individual situation.
Dr Edwin will consider important elements such as your body mass index (BMI), any existing medical conditions (including diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular risk), your previous response to weight loss interventions, and your ability to adhere to specific dosing routines.
Some patients may benefit from a daily injection, while others may prefer the convenience of a weekly therapy or an oral medication.
Additionally, your doctor will evaluate possible side effects, medication interactions, and long-term management plans to ensure that the chosen therapy supports both your weight loss and your overall health. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and provide ongoing guidance for lifestyle changes.
For best results, medical weight loss therapies should always be used alongside healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavioral strategies tailored to your needs. Open communication with your healthcare team will help you make informed decisions and achieve lasting weight management success.
What Is the Difference Between Daily and Weekly Weight Loss Injections in Singapore?
Daily weight loss injections such as Saxenda contain liraglutide and require once-daily administration, providing consistent appetite regulation. Weekly injections, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, use longer-acting active ingredients such as semaglutide or tirzepatide and are given once a week. Many patients prefer weekly options for greater convenience, while daily injections may offer more stable appetite control for some individuals.
Who Is Eligible for Prescription Weight Loss Injections or Oral Medications?
Eligibility is generally based on body mass index (BMI) and health conditions. Adults with a BMI above 27 (with related health issues) or 30 and above may be considered for therapies such as Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus. Your doctor will review your medical history and individual needs to determine the most suitable treatment.
How Does an Oral Weight Loss Medication Compare to an Injection?
Oral medications like Rybelsus (semaglutide) offer a tablet-based alternative for those who prefer not to use injections. While both oral and injectable GLP-1 medications act on similar metabolic pathways, some patients may experience differences in effectiveness, convenience, or side effect profiles. Tablets can be easier for needle-averse patients or frequent travelers, while injections may provide slightly more consistent absorption.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications?
GLP-1 medications such as Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Rybelsus commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Weekly injections can also cause mild injection-site reactions. Other medication classes—such as centrally acting appetite suppressants and fat absorption blockers—have different side effects like dry mouth, increased heart rate, insomnia, or oily stools. Your doctor will discuss expected side effects and management strategies.
Can I Switch From a Daily Weight Loss Injection to a Weekly Injection or Tablet?
Yes, switching is possible and often done for reasons of convenience, side effects, or lifestyle preference. For example, a patient starting with Saxenda may move to Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus under their doctor’s guidance. Any change in therapy should be supervised to ensure safety and continued effectiveness.
How Long Should I Stay on a Doctor-Prescribed Weight Loss Medication?
The duration of therapy varies. Many patients use medications like Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus for several months or longer, depending on progress and goals. Your doctor will regularly review your results and determine the appropriate timeline, including whether to continue, taper, or stop medication.
Are Prescription Weight Loss Injections Safe for Long-Term Use?
Long-term clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of GLP-1 medications including Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro when used as prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Regular follow-up visits are important to ensure ongoing safety and optimal results.
Is Ongoing Medical Supervision Needed for Weight Loss Medications in Singapore?
Yes, all prescription weight loss medications—including daily and weekly injections, oral tablets like Rybelsus, and other appetite suppressants—require regular doctor supervision. Medical follow-up allows for dose adjustments, side effect management, and the best long-term weight management strategy.
Can I Take More Than One Type of Weight Loss Medication Together?
It is not advisable to combine multiple GLP-1-based medications, such as Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus, due to increased risk of side effects and lack of added benefit. In certain situations, a doctor may prescribe a non-GLP-1 medication alongside another therapy, but only after careful consideration and monitoring.
What Should I Do If I Get Side Effects From My Weight Loss Medication?
If you experience side effects while taking Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Rybelsus, or any other medication, contact your doctor. Most side effects are mild and can be managed with dose adjustment or supportive care, but in some cases, a switch to another medication or discontinuation may be necessary.
How Much Do Weight Loss Injections or Tablets Cost in Singapore?
The cost varies by medication, with daily injections like Saxenda, weekly options such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, and oral tablets like Rybelsus all priced differently. Some medications may be more affordable, while others are higher due to newer formulations or supply constraints. Your doctor can provide up-to-date cost information and discuss affordability during your consultation.
Which Weight Loss Medication Is Most Effective?
Clinical studies have shown that dual-agonist weekly injections like Mounjaro and high-dose weekly semaglutide options (Wegovy) often result in greater weight loss compared to daily therapies like Saxenda or oral tablets like Rybelsus. However, the best choice always depends on your individual response, health profile, and ability to adhere to the treatment plan.
Can I Use Prescription Weight Loss Medications With Diet and Exercise?
Yes, all prescription weight loss medications—including Saxenda, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Rybelsus—work best when combined with healthy eating, regular physical activity, and behavior changes. Medication is most effective as part of a comprehensive, doctor-led weight management program.
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