The Science Behind Your Weight-Loss Struggles
If you’re struggling to lose weight, you’re not alone. 9 out of 10 people who don’t achieve their weight-loss goals struggle with hunger and cravings. And it’s not due to lack of willpower or commitment, but rather it could be your brain sending hunger or craving signals that are working against you.
*Other areas of the brain may be involved.
See The Brain’s Role In Creating Hunger and Cravings
Through science we can better understand the role of the brain when it comes to weight loss. There are two areas in your brain that are scientifically proven to control hunger and cravings.* Weight-loss struggles can happen when they send signals for you to crave unhealthy foods or feel hungry even when you have already eaten. Watch the video to learn more.
The hunger center (hypothalamus) can reduce hunger, telling you to eat again or eat more
The mesolimbic circuit or reward system can create cravings that seem uncontrollable even when you’re not hungry
With reduced hunger and controlled cravings, weight loss can happen.
If you have found that—regardless of your commitment—your attempts with diet and exercise programs are just not working on their own, it might be time to talk with your doctor about adding a prescription weight-loss medication that addresses your weight loss struggles.
Meet FDA-Approved CONTRAVE And Learn About The Science Behind It
CONTRAVE works in 2 key areas of the brain to reduce hunger and control cravings†—2 main issues that contribute to weight gain. When added to a diet and exercise program, CONTRAVE has been shown to help people lose weight and keep it off. Watch the video to learn more.
†The exact neurochemical effects of CONTRAVE leading to weight loss are not fully understood.
†The exact neurochemical effects of CONTRAVE leading to weight loss are not fully understood.
The hypothalamus (hunger center) to help reduce hunger
The mesolimbic reward system to help control cravings
Lorelei’s Weight-Loss Victory
“Looking back at my journal, I realized that I have had barely any sweets since the day I began treatment with CONTRAVE. I just haven’t had the urge or craving.”
Teri’s Weight-Loss Victory
“When I used to diet, it would kill me not to eat the cake. Now, after two forkfuls I have the same satisfaction that I did six months ago from a big piece of cake.”
Yvonne’s Weight-Loss Victory
“It’s great to have found something that works after trying so many things that didn’t!”
Lorelei’s Weight-Loss Victory
“Looking back at my journal, I realized that I have had barely any sweets since the day I began treatment with CONTRAVE. I just haven’t had the urge or craving.”
Teri’s Weight-Loss Victory
“When I used to diet, it would kill me not to eat the cake. Now, after two forkfuls I have the same satisfaction that I did six months ago from a big piece of cake.”
Yvonne’s Weight-Loss Victory
“It’s great to have found something that works after trying so many things that didn’t!”
Across 3 studies, patients who were overweight or struggling with obesity lost approximately 2-4x more weight over 1 year by adding CONTRAVE than with diet and exercise alone‡
Nearly half of patients taking CONTRAVE lost 5% or more body weight and kept it off (vs 23% of patients taking placebo).‡ Individual results may vary.
‡According to 3 multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled obesity trials (BMI ≥30 kg/m2, or BMI ≥27 kg/m2 with at least 1 comorbidity of hypertension, dyslipidemia, or type 2 diabetes) conducted to evaluate the effect of CONTRAVE in conjunction with reduced caloric intake and increased physical activity, the average percentage of weight loss in patients at 56 weeks ranged from 3.7% to 8.1% with CONTRAVE, compared to 1.3% to 4.9% with placebo. The percentage of patients who achieved a clinically meaningful treatment response (defined as achieving at least 5% weight loss after 1 year of treatment) ranged from 36% to 57% with CONTRAVE compared to 17% to 43% with placebo.
Ready To Start Your Weight-Loss Journey With CONTRAVE?
Click below to talk with doctor online and learn if CONTRAVE is right for you.
Or if you would rather speak with your own doctor, use our personalized doctor discussion guide to help you prepare for the conversation.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is CONTRAVE?
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CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.
CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
See More
CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.
What is CONTRAVE?
See More
CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is CONTRAVE?
See Less
CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.
While taking CONTRAVE, you or your family members should pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when you start taking CONTRAVE or when your dose changes.
Stop taking CONTRAVE and call a healthcare provider right away if you or your family members notice any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying; attempts to commit suicide; depression; anxiety; feeling agitated or restless; panic attacks; irritability; aggression, anger, or violence; acting on dangerous impulses; an extreme increase in activity and talking; other unusual changes in behavior or mood; trouble sleeping.
CONTRAVE is not approved for use in children under the age of 18.
Do not take CONTRAVE if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure; have or have had seizures; use other medicines that contain bupropion such as WELLBUTRIN, WELLBUTRIN SR, WELLBUTRIN XL, APLENZIN and ZYBAN; have or have had an eating disorder called anorexia or bulimia; are dependent on opioid pain medicines or use medicines to help stop taking opioids, or are in opiate withdrawal; drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti‐seizure medicines and stop using them all of a sudden; are taking or have taken medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in the past 14 days; or are allergic to any of the ingredients in CONTRAVE.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you have: depression or other mental illnesses; attempted suicide; seizures; head injury; tumor or infection of brain or spine; low blood sugar or low sodium; liver or kidney problems; high blood pressure; heart attack, heart problems, or stroke; eating disorder; drinking a lot of alcohol; prescription medicine or street drug abuse; are 65 or older; diabetes; pregnant or planning to become pregnant; or breastfeeding.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
CONTRAVE may cause serious side effects, including:
- Seizures. There is a risk of having a seizure when you take CONTRAVE. The risk of seizure is higher in people who take higher doses of CONTRAVE, have certain medical conditions, or take CONTRAVE with certain other medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking CONTRAVE unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking CONTRAVE, stop taking CONTRAVE and call your healthcare provider right away.
- Risk of opioid overdose. Do not take large amounts of opioids, including opioid-containing medicines, such as heroin or prescription pain pills, to try to overcome the opioid-blocking effects of naltrexone. This can lead to serious injury, coma, or death.
Get emergency medical help right away if you take opioids and you:
- have trouble breathing
- become very drowsy with slowed breathing
- have slow, shallow breathing
- feel faint, very dizzy, confused, or have unusual symptoms
- Sudden opioid withdrawal. People who take CONTRAVE must not use any type of opioid including street drugs, prescription pain medicines, cough, cold, or diarrhea medicines that contain opioids, or opioid dependence treatments, for at least 7 to 10 days before starting CONTRAVE. Using opioids in the 7 to 10 days before you start taking CONTRAVE may cause you to suddenly have symptoms of opioid withdrawal when you take it. Sudden opioid withdrawal can be severe, and you may need to go to the hospital. Tell your healthcare provider you are taking CONTRAVE before a medical procedure or surgery.
- Severe allergic reactions. Stop taking CONTRAVE and call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes, swelling of your lips or tongue, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
- Increases in blood pressure or heart rate. Some people may get high blood pressure or have a higher heart rate when taking CONTRAVE. Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure and heart rate before you start taking, and while you take CONTRAVE.
- Liver damage or hepatitis. Stop taking CONTRAVE and tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of liver problems: stomach area pain lasting more than a few days, dark urine, yellowing of the whites of your eyes, or tiredness. Your healthcare provider may need to stop treating you with CONTRAVE if you get signs or symptoms of a serious liver problem.
- Manic episodes. Bupropion can cause some people who were manic or depressed in the past to become manic or depressed again.
- Visual problems (angle-closure glaucoma). Signs and symptoms may include: eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around the eye. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if you are at risk for angle‐closure glaucoma and to get treatment to prevent it if you are at risk.
- Increased risk of low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also take medicines to treat their diabetes (such as insulin or sulfonylureas). You should check your blood sugar before you start taking CONTRAVE and while you take CONTRAVE.
The most common side effects of CONTRAVE include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and diarrhea. These are not all of the possible side effects of CONTRAVE.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is CONTRAVE?
CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.
CONTRAVE should be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
It is not known if CONTRAVE changes your risk of heart problems or stroke or of death due to heart problems or stroke.
It is not known if CONTRAVE is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight-loss products.
CONTRAVE is not approved to treat depression or other mental illnesses, or to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation).
Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for CONTRAVE.
Speak to a Doctor Online and Find Out if CONTRAVE Is Right for You
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