Medication for obesity

Which medicines are we talking about?

GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) and the GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist (tirzepatide) mimic gut hormones: they increase the feeling of fullness and slow down stomach emptying. They are injected under the skin. Orlistat, taken as capsules, reduces the absorption of fat.

The medicines available and the conditions for using them change over time: the team will tell you which medicines are currently available.

Who might they be suitable for?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are authorised for adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or of 27 or more with a weight-related disease, in addition to diet and physical activity^{1, 2}.

According to the Swiss recommendations, a medicine is considered when lifestyle changes, maintained over time, have not been enough³.

What can you expect?

These medicines can help you lose a significant amount of weight and control your appetite better. They also often improve blood sugar, blood pressure and other weight-related conditions³. The effect is assessed with you during follow-up.

Precautions

• Common digestive effects. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, especially when the dose is increased^{1, 2}. Orlistat mainly causes oily stools⁴.
• Signs that need prompt medical advice. Severe or persistent abdominal pain, especially with vomiting: it may point to inflammation of the pancreas or a gallbladder problem^{1, 2}.
• Pregnancy. Semaglutide and tirzepatide must not be used during pregnancy^{1, 2}. If you are planning a pregnancy, this is discussed before starting.
• Anaesthesia. Always mention this treatment before an operation or an endoscopy: the stomach empties more slowly^{1, 2}.

Medical follow-up is needed

The dose is increased in steps to limit digestive effects³. Regular consultations check tolerance and effectiveness, adjust the treatment and plan the next steps.

Beware of products sold online

Swissmedic warns against falsified or unauthorised “GLP-1” products sold online; some contained insulin⁵. These medicines are only available on prescription, from a pharmacy.

Further reading

• Obesity medication: anticipating weight regain
• Preserving your muscles and regaining strength
• Obesity, pregnancy and planning a baby

Frequently asked questions

Medication or surgery?

The two options address different situations. They can follow one another or complement each other, for example before or after an operation, and are discussed case by case. When to consider surgery

To find out more: Medication and surgery: complementary approaches.

What next?

A first consultation is an opportunity to review your situation and ask your questions. Possible treatments are then discussed with you. Your request is received by the Centre’s appointments team, who will organise the next steps with you.

Medical review of the French version: Dr Pierre Fournier

Scientific sources and references

Sources accessed on 15 October 2026. Reimbursement rules and information on medicines change over time.

1. Swiss prescribing information for Wegovy (semaglutide), swissmedicinfo.ch, accessed on 13 October 2026. View source
2. Swiss prescribing information for Mounjaro (tirzepatide), swissmedicinfo.ch, accessed on 13 October 2026. View source
3. Gerber PA, Collet TH, Favre L, et al. Swiss obesity clinical practice guidance. Swiss Med Wkly. 2026;156:5415. View source
4. Swiss prescribing information for Xenical (orlistat), version of December 2025, swissmedicinfo.ch, accessed on 13 October 2026. View source
5. Swissmedic. Warning about falsified and misleading “GLP-1” products intended for weight loss, 26 August 2025. View source