Contents
Not all weight loss medications are created equal. From GLP-1s to oral medications like naltrexone and bupropion, understanding your options for medical weight loss is a confusing and often daunting world.
This article explores how three common medications (metformin, bupropion, and naltrexone) work individually and in combination with one another to promote weight loss and help you achieve your health goals. Let’s get started.
Metformin: for balancing blood sugar
Metformin, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, has been gaining attention in recent years for its role in weight management. (Rodriguez, 2023) Metformin works by reducing the amount of glucose we absorb from our food, decreasing new glucose production in the liver, and improving insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. (Medline Plus, 2024)
Studies have shown that metformin can contribute to modest weight loss in adults with and without diabetes, but is particularly helpful in individuals with insulin resistance or prediabetes. (Rodriguez, 2023) For those struggling with being overweight or obese, metformin helps contribute to weight loss by (The Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, 2012) (Medline Plus, 2024) (Conger, 2024):
Reducing waist circumference
Decreasing body weight
Reducing hunger and cravings
Stabilizing glucose levels
To summarize: Metformin is a useful medication for improving the way our bodies handle glucose and may have positive physical and psychological effects for those hoping to lose weight.
Bupropion: for regulating appetite
Bupropion (Wellbutrin), is a medication commonly used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and is also used as a smoking cessation aid. (Medline Plus, 2018)
Researchers have noted that bupropion also has effects on weight loss and appetite suppression, prompting more providers to use the drug for weight management, especially when combined with naltrexone. (Halpern, 2010)
Bupropion works by increasing certain types of activity in the brain, impacting neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which can lead to (Yasin, 2019) (Stahl, 2004) :
Improved mood and motivation
Reduced appetite
Reduced food cravings
To summarize, bupropion can support some patient’s weight loss journeys by addressing some psychological and behavioral aspects of weight management.
Naltrexone: for controlling cravings
Naltrexone, commonly used to treat opioid and alcohol dependence, plays a critical role in curbing cravings. (Singh, 2023) It can be useful for weight loss by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, disrupting the reward system that often leads to overeating. (Mason, 2015) In the context of weight loss, naltrexone can (Kulak-Bejda, 2020) (Mason, 2015):
Reduce emotional eating.
Support long-term adherence to a healthy lifestyle.
Complement the appetite-suppressing effects of bupropion.
The summary: naltrexone is a useful medication for curbing cravings, which can play a large role in reducing unhealthy eating habits.
How does a weight loss stack work?
A weight loss drug regimen, such as the Fighting Weight Weight Loss Stack, may deliver better outcomes by combining multiple medications to address the multifaceted challenges of weight loss. Here’s how they work together:
Targeting insulin efficiency: Metformin helps lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin efficiency and decreasing sugar absorption, while also reducing appetite. (Rodriguez, 2023)
Enhancing behavioral control: Bupropion and naltrexone work together to reduce cravings and promote healthier habits.(Halpern, 2010)
Supporting consistency: By addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of weight loss, combined drug therapies help individuals stay on track with their goals.
In the pursuit of effective and sustainable weight loss, combining science-backed strategies with innovative approaches is crucial. The Fighting Weight Weight Loss Stack offers a comprehensive solution for those working towards their health goals.
Who can benefit from oral weight loss medications?
The metformin, bupropion, naltrexone weight loss combination is particularly beneficial for:
Individuals with insulin resistance or prediabetes.
Those struggling with emotional or binge eating.
People seeking a holistic approach to weight loss that addresses both body and mind.
Oral weight loss medications may not be right for everyone. Before you take any medication, be sure to speak to a qualified healthcare provider to learn what treatment is right for you. Our board-certified doctors are available to talk to you about your weight loss goals and determine what personalized treatment is right for you. Get started today.
Risks and side effects: What to know
All medical assessments and prescriptions from Fighting Weight are administered by physicians and pharmacists licensed in the United States. However, it’s important to understand the potential risks and side effects that could arise before taking any new supplement or medication.
Common side effects of metformin, bupropion, and naltrexone include (Medline Plus, 2024) (Cleveland Clinic, 2025) :
Nausea
Anxiety
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Side effects are usually minor and can be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter treatments. To review a full list of risks, drug interactions, and side effects, please see the Important Safety Information below and speak with your doctor regarding potential risks or side effects.
Tips for maximizing weight loss success
To get the most out of the metformin, bupropion, naltrexone weight loss stack, consider these tips (HHS, 2022):
Stay consistent: Always take your medications as prescribed and adhere to your treatment plan. Speak with your provider before making any tweaks to your routine or dosage.
Adopt healthy nutrition habits: Incorporate whole foods, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables into your meals.
Increase physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Keeping up healthy behaviors and lifestyle modifications even after discontinuing combination therapy medications can lead to sustained weight loss. For more insights, read our guide to maintaining weight loss.
The Fighting Weight advantage
Fighting Weight goes beyond prescription medications. Our comprehensive approach includes:
Personalized support: Tailored plans to suit your individual goals and lifestyle.
Expert guidance: Access to healthcare professionals who specialize in weight management.
Ongoing engagement: Get unlimited online check-ins to continuously optimize your journey.
Not only do we believe in a personalized approach to weight management, the Fighting Weight oral stack offers a unique and effective blend of three prescription medications. Unlike other oral weight loss medication treatment plans, Fighting Weight offers metformin alongside naltrexone and bupropion to target the physical and psychological factors that contribute to weight loss.
Reclaim your peak self
The combination therapy of metformin, bupropion, and naltrexone offers an effective and accessible approach to weight loss, addressing the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of weight management. With the Fighting Weight Weight Loss Stack, you can gain access to a proven solution that empowers you to achieve your health and wellness goals from home.
Ready to take the first step? Connect with a provider today.
Citations:
Paloma Rodriguez, MD, Kevin M. Pantalone, DO, ECNU, FACE, Marcio L. Griebeler, MD and Bartolome Burguera, MD, PhD. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine September 2023, 90 (9) 545-548; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.90a.22096
Medline Plus. February 2024. Metformin. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696005.html
Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group (2012). Long-term safety, tolerability, and weight loss associated with metformin in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. Diabetes care, 35(4), 731–737. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc11-1299
Krista Conger. March 18 2024. Weight loss caused by common diabetes drug tied to “anti-hunger” molecule in study. Stanford Medicine. https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/03/metformin-weight-diabetes.html
Medline Plus. February 2018. Bupropion. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html
Halpern, B., Oliveira, E. S. L., Faria, A. M., Halpern, A., Melo, M. E. d., Cercato, C., & Mancini, M. C. (2010). Combinations of drugs in the Treatment of Obesity. Pharmaceuticals, 3(8), 2398-2415. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3082398
Yasin, W., Ahmed, S. I., & Gouthro, R. V. (2019). Does Bupropion Impact More than Mood? A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Cureus, 11(3), e4277. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.4277
Stephen M. Stahl, MD, PhD; James F. Pradko, MSc, MD; Barbara R. Haight, PharmD; Jack G. Modell, MD; Carol B. Rockett, PharmD; Susan Learned-Coughlin, PharmD, PhD. August 13 2004. A Review of the Neuropharmacology of Bupropion, a Dual Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry 2004;6(4):159-166. https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/review-neuropharmacology-bupropion-dual-norepinephrine/
Singh D, Saadabadi A. Naltrexone. [Updated 2023 May 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534811/
Mason, A. E., Laraia, B., Daubenmier, J., Hecht, F. M., Lustig, R. H., Puterman, E., Adler, N., Dallman, M., Kiernan, M., Gearhardt, A. N., & Epel, E. S. (2015). Putting the brakes on the "drive to eat": Pilot effects of naltrexone and reward-based eating on food cravings among obese women. Eating behaviors, 19, 53–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2015.06.008
Kulak-Bejda, A., Bejda, G., Waszkiewicz, N. (2021). Safety and efficacy of naltrexone for weight loss in adult patients – a systematic review. Archives of Medical Science, 17(4), 940-953. https://doi.org/10.5114/aoms.2020.96908
Cleveland Clinic. 2025. Bupropion; Naltrexone extended-release tablets. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19686-bupropion-naltrexone-extended-release-tablets
US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. 2nd ed. US Department of Health and Human Services; 2018. https://health.gov/our-work/nutrition-physical-activity/physical-activity-guidelines/current-guidelines (PDF; 14.8 MB)
