By comparison, the FDA-approved drug liraglutide only resulted in just under 6% weight loss after 26 weeks, the researchers found. Common adverse side effects from the drugs included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, researchers noted. However, side effects so bad people had to stop taking the drugs were rare.

Dr. Mehmet Furkan Burak said people who have lost weight and then gained it again can feel guilt or shame and blame themselves for it.

For adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are efficacious for weight loss, according to a review published online Jan. 7 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.