Milly Gaines
Diet suppressants, also known as appetite suppressants, are medications that help reduce hunger and control weight. They can be prescribed by a doctor or purchased over the counter, and they work by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or altering brain chemistry. While some prescription appetite suppressants are considered safe for long-term use, over-the-counter supplements may pose health risks and are not regulated by the FDA. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any diet suppressant to ensure safe and effective use, as they may interact with medications or cause adverse side effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are diet suppressants safe? | Diet suppressants can be safe if they are FDA-approved and prescribed by a doctor. |
| Over-the-counter (OTC) diet suppressants may not be safe and can have severe side effects. | |
| Types of diet suppressants | Prescription |
| Over-the-counter | |
| Natural | |
| Prescription diet suppressants | Prescription diet suppressants can help with weight loss, especially for people with obesity or weight-related health issues. |
| They can be taken as pills or injections. | |
| Examples include Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), and Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast). | |
| Over-the-counter diet suppressants | Over-the-counter diet suppressants are not proven to be safe and effective. |
| Examples include Garcinia Cambogia, Hoodia Gordonii, Synephrine, and PhenQ. | |
| Natural diet suppressants | Natural diet suppressants are not regulated by the FDA and may contain harmful substances. |
| Examples include Grapefruit, Chitosan, and Piperine. | |
| Side effects | Side effects of diet suppressants can vary depending on the specific suppressant used. |
| Common side effects include headaches, nausea, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, impaired liver function, digestive issues, and interference with medications. |
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What You'll Learn
Prescription appetite suppressants
Additionally, some prescription appetite suppressants can interact with other medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. They can also worsen certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, mood disorders, and glaucoma. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the benefits and risks of taking prescription appetite suppressants.
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Over-the-counter appetite suppressants
While prescription appetite suppressants can be effective for weight loss, they are not suitable for everyone. Doctors may recommend them for patients with obesity or weight-related health problems, but they should be combined with changes in eating habits and increased physical activity. Before taking any weight loss medication, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to discuss potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
Over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants are readily available as dietary supplements, but they are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some OTC appetite suppressants may contain stimulants such as ephedra, ephedrine, or caffeine, and have been linked to reports of heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using any OTC appetite suppressant.
Some common OTC appetite suppressants include:
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): CLA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in dairy and beef products. While it has been shown to affect appetite-regulating genes and hormones in animal studies, human studies have not demonstrated a reduction in appetite.
- Bitter Orange Supplements: Bitter orange is believed to increase the basal metabolic rate and stimulate fat breakdown, but its effectiveness in weight loss is inconclusive due to its combination with other compounds in supplements.
- Hoodia Gordonii: The mechanism by which Hoodia Gordonii suppresses hunger is unknown, but it may be linked to a compound called P57 or glycoside, which may impact the central nervous system and decrease appetite. However, there is little evidence to support its use for weight loss or reduced appetite.
- Green Coffee Bean Extract: Green coffee bean extract has been shown to reduce appetite and promote weight loss in some studies. While it is generally well-tolerated, it may cause headaches and increased heart rate in some individuals.
- Guarana: Guarana contains high levels of caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system and has been associated with decreased appetite and boosted metabolism. However, there is insufficient evidence to support its use for appetite suppression and weight loss.
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Natural appetite suppressants
Some natural appetite suppressants include:
- Fenugreek: A herb from the legume family. The seeds are the most commonly used part of the plant and contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can increase feelings of fullness.
- Glucomannan: A viscous fiber that may reduce body weight and fat, especially in people with high body weight, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
- Griffonia simplicifolia: A plant that contains 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a compound that is converted into serotonin in the brain. An increase in serotonin levels may help suppress appetite.
- Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that increases fat burning and suppresses appetite.
- Green tea: Catechins in green tea, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may boost metabolism and reduce fat.
- Yerba mate: A tea that comes from the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It can reduce appetite and improve mood when combined with high-intensity exercise.
- Dark chocolate: Research from 2011 showed that eating dark chocolate reduced hunger and calorie intake compared to milk chocolate.
- Ginger: Consuming a small amount of ginger powder has been shown to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness.
- High-protein foods: Protein-rich foods such as lean meats, avocados, beans, nuts, and cheese are more effective at satisfying hunger and keeping people feeling full for longer than carbohydrates.
- High-fiber foods: Fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables keep people feeling fuller for longer.
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Side effects of appetite suppressants
Appetite suppressants, also known as "diet pills", are a type of weight-loss medication that affects your brain's urge to eat. They work by reducing or curbing hunger pangs or by making you feel fuller faster with less food. As a result, you eat less, consume fewer calories, and lose weight.
While appetite suppressants can be effective in helping with weight loss, they also come with certain side effects and risks. The side effects vary depending on the type of suppressant used, and can be mild and temporary or more persistent and severe. Here are some of the common side effects associated with appetite suppressants:
- Increased heart rate or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia or arrhythmia)
- Mood changes, such as depression or anxiety
- Cognitive (mental) changes like agitation, delirium, or psychosis
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- High blood pressure
- Liver damage
It is important to note that appetite suppressants are not recommended for everyone. People with specific health conditions, such as heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), liver disease, or a history of any type of eating disorder, should not take these medications. Additionally, appetite suppressants can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking any appetite suppressants to ensure they are safe and suitable for your individual needs.
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Effectiveness of appetite suppressants
Appetite suppressants can be effective in helping people with obesity lose weight. Prescription appetite suppressants are more effective than over-the-counter (OTC) options.
Prescription appetite suppressants can help people lose 3-12% of their body weight over a year, with an average weight loss of 5% or more. Liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), and phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) are some FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants. These medications work by lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster. They are meant to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Studies show that long-term prescription appetite suppressants are generally safe if taken as prescribed. However, short-term prescription appetite suppressants require more caution due to possible severe side effects, addiction potential, and interactions with other medications. Some side effects of short-term prescription appetite suppressants include rapid or irregular heartbeat, constipation, abdominal pain, and indigestion.
Some OTC appetite suppressants contain stimulants like ephedra, ephedrine, or caffeine, which have been linked to heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and even death. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), bitter orange, garcinia cambogia, and glucomannan are some other OTC appetite suppressants, but their effectiveness is mixed.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any appetite suppressants, as they can help determine if they are right for you and monitor any side effects.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all diet suppressants are safe. Natural diet suppressants are not FDA-regulated and can contain harmful substances. Some over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills may interact with medications or cause health problems.
The following prescription diet suppressants have been approved by the FDA:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®)
While there is no proven safe over-the-counter diet suppressant, some popular options include:
- Garcinia Cambogia
- Hoodia Gordonii
- PhenQ
- LeanBean
- Instant Knockout
Side effects of diet suppressants vary depending on the specific suppressant. Some common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Digestive disturbances
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Impaired liver function
Yes, there are several alternatives to diet suppressants. Some effective, evidence-based methods to control appetite and lose weight include:
- Cutting out processed foods
- Reducing overall calorie intake
- Increasing activity levels
- Eating filling foods with fibre and protein
- Finding the best eating times for you
- Getting enough sleep
