At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, we recognize that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall wellness, mobility, and quality of life. Contrave works to suppress appetite by combining two active ingredients: naltrexone and bupropion. Naltrexone, primarily known as an opioid antagonist, plays a role in reducing food cravings by blocking certain receptors in the brain’s “reward pathway.” This helps to diminish the pleasurable feelings associated with eating, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience emotional or reward-driven eating.

Bupropion, an antidepressant, contributes to appetite suppression by affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain’s appetite and reward centers. It is thought to activate specific neurons in the hypothalamus, a brain region crucial for regulating hunger and energy balance. This combined action helps to reduce overall appetite and cravings, thereby aiding in weight management when used as part of a comprehensive program including diet and exercise.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, we incorporate Contrave into a customized treatment plan that includes diet counseling, exercise guidance, and ongoing support from our experienced team. This comprehensive approach is designed to help patients achieve meaningful and lasting weight loss. Our goal is to help each patient improve their overall health, mobility, and quality of life through personalized and effective weight management strategies.

Contrave is a prescription medication that has received approval for weight loss. It’s intended for adults who meet specific Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria: either a BMI of 30 or higher (considered obese), or a BMI of 27 or higher (considered overweight) in conjunction with at least one weight-related health condition. Examples of such conditions include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It works by combining two medications, naltrexone and bupropion, which help to reduce hunger and control cravings, making it easier to follow a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan.

A good candidate for Contrave is someone who has struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone and is seeking additional support in their weight loss journey. It’s important to know that Contrave is not appropriate for everyone. People with a history of eating disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizure disorders, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking Contrave.

Additionally, individuals taking certain medications or with a history of alcohol or drug abuse should consult their healthcare provider to determine if Contrave is appropriate for them. As with any weight loss medication, it should be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program for the best results. Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab emphasizes individualized care and a holistic approach to health.

Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab recognizes that achieving sustained weight loss often requires a comprehensive approach combining medical expertise, lifestyle changes, and appropriate medications.

Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) has demonstrated effectiveness for long-term weight loss when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. Clinical trials over 56 weeks have shown that individuals taking Contrave, on average, lose significantly more weight compared to those who only engage in diet and exercise. For example, some studies reported an average weight loss of 5.4% to 8.1% of starting body weight with Contrave, versus 1.3% to 4.9% with placebo. A notable proportion of patients achieve clinically significant weight loss, with studies indicating that around 40% of adults lost at least 5% of their body weight after one year, and over 15% lost at least 10%.

The mechanism by which Contrave aids in weight loss involves its two active ingredients working on different parts of the brain. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, and bupropion is an antidepressant that affects neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Together, they are thought to reduce appetite and manage cravings by impacting the brain’s appetite and reward centers.

While individual results can vary, Contrave is approved for chronic weight management in adults who are obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) with at least one weight-related comorbidity. If a patient hasn’t lost at least 5% of their body weight after 12 weeks at the maximum dose, healthcare providers typically re-evaluate the treatment plan. At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, Contrave can serve as an effective component of comprehensive weight management programs.

Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab is committed to helping patients achieve optimal health and wellness through comprehensive, personalized care. If you’re struggling to lose weight despite diet and exercise, our team can evaluate whether treatments like Contrave may be appropriate as part of your individualized weight management program.

Contrave is a prescription medication, which means you’ll need to consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine if it’s an appropriate treatment option for you. This typically involves a thorough medical evaluation, where the doctor will review your medical history and current medications, and assess your Body Mass Index (BMI). Contrave is generally indicated for adults with obesity or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbidity, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

During your consultation, your healthcare provider will discuss the benefits and potential risks of Contrave, including any possible side effects and contraindications (reasons you should not take the medication). They will also emphasize that Contrave is most effective when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

At Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab, we emphasize that Contrave is most effective when combined with lifestyle modifications such as proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and healthy habits. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, providing guidance and resources to optimize your weight loss outcomes and overall wellness.

Dr. Meisha K. Abbasinejad, MD, evaluates each patient’s medical history, current weight, previous weight loss efforts, medications, lifestyle, and overall health goals before determining whether Contrave may be appropriate. As a board-certified obesity medicine doctor, she considers individual health factors and potential contraindications when developing a personalized medical weight management plan at Cape Fear Physical Medicine and Rehab.

Throughout treatment, Dr. Abbasinejad monitors progress, medication response, possible side effects, and changes in weight-related health concerns. Contrave may be combined with nutrition guidance, physical activity, and practical lifestyle strategies to support sustainable weight management. Follow-up visits allow the plan to be adjusted when appropriate while helping patients in Fayetteville, NC, work toward realistic, long-term health goals. Contact us today for more information, or simply schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 1540 Purdue Dr, Ste. 200, in Fayetteville, NC 28303. We serve patients from Fayetteville NC, Woodfield NC, Hope Mills NC, Fort Bragg NC, Eastover NC, and surrounding areas.