Milly Gaines
Diet pills, also known as weight-loss medications, are designed to help people lose weight and manage their health. These pills are typically prescribed to individuals with a high BMI who also have weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. There are various prescription diet pills available, including appetite suppressants and fat absorption inhibitors, which work by reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness or by preventing the body from absorbing fat from food. While some pills are designed for short-term use, others are approved for long-term use and can be combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to enhance their effectiveness. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any diet pill, as they can have side effects and may interact with other medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To suppress appetite, reduce cravings, and increase feelings of fullness |
| Administration | Pills, capsules, injections, or medical devices |
| Active Ingredients | Phentermine, topiramate, liraglutide, semaglutide, naltrexone-bupropion, benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, orlistat |
| Dosage | Varies depending on the specific drug; ranges from 0.6 mg to 3 mg per day for liraglutide |
| Efficacy | Varies; some drugs may help lose 5-10% of body weight |
| Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, insomnia, dry mouth, allergic reaction, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney damage |
| Contraindications | Pregnancy, personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, uncontrolled hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, stimulant sensitivity |
| Interactions | Oral birth control, blood thinners like warfarin |
| Cost | Varies; Bydureon BCise costs around $800-$900 for a 1-month supply |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
Prescription appetite suppressants can be used for long-term or short-term weight loss. They are recommended for people with obesity, mainly when modified eating plans and increased exercise alone haven't helped with weight loss. Obesity typically means a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Providers may also recommend appetite suppressants if you have a BMI greater than 27 and have a condition or symptoms that may be related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or joint pain.
Some prescription appetite suppressants approved by the FDA for long-term use include Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia). Liraglutide and Semaglutide are injectable medications, while Naltrexone-bupropion and Phentermine-topiramate are pills. Short-term appetite suppressants, such as Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), and Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast), are controlled substances with addiction potential and can be dangerous if not used as intended.
Over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants or weight-loss supplements may contain stimulants such as ephedra, ephedrine, or caffeine. Some OTC appetite suppressants have been linked to adverse side effects, including heart attack, seizure, stroke, and death. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking OTC appetite suppressants to ensure they are safe and do not interact with any medications.
In addition to prescription and OTC appetite suppressants, there are also natural ways to suppress appetite. These include drinking more water, exercising, and making dietary changes, such as increasing protein and healthy fat intake, as well as incorporating herbs like fenugreek and berberine.
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Prescription vs. over-the-counter
When it comes to diet pills, there are both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) options available. It's important to understand the differences between these two types of medications and how they can impact your weight loss journey.
Prescription diet pills are medications that require a doctor's prescription and supervision. These pills are typically recommended for individuals with obesity or those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher and are facing weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Prescription diet pills work by suppressing appetite, making individuals feel less hungry or full faster. They can be short-term or long-term, and it's important to be cautious of potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Examples of prescription diet pills include Liraglutide, Semaglutide, Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®), and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®).
On the other hand, over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills can be purchased without a prescription. While these pills are more easily accessible, it's still important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking them, as they may interact with other medications or cause health issues. OTC appetite suppressants should be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity for optimal effectiveness. An example of an OTC diet pill is Alli, which supports weight loss alongside a low-fat, low-calorie diet.
The effectiveness of diet pills may vary from person to person, and it's important to remember that they should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Additionally, it's always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or weight loss program to ensure safety and effectiveness.
In terms of safety, prescription diet pills are generally considered safer when used as directed by a healthcare professional. Short-term prescription appetite suppressants, however, require more caution due to potential side effects and addiction risks. OTC diet pills may also have side effects and interactions, so it's crucial to be informed about their potential risks.
When deciding between prescription and OTC diet pills, it's essential to consider factors such as effectiveness, safety, and individual health needs. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine which option is best suited to your specific circumstances.
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Safety and side effects
Diet pills are not safe to make at home. Diet pills can be made up of a mixture of substances, but many contain DNP, which is very dangerous and illegal. DNP speeds up your metabolism too much and can seriously harm your body. It has been linked to several deaths and can cause side effects such as peeling skin and heart damage.
Even diet pills that don't contain DNP can have nasty side effects and are not effective for maintaining a healthy weight in the long term. Diet pills are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity (a body mass index or BMI of over 30). They affect how your body and brain experience appetite and hunger, making you feel less hungry or full faster after eating less food.
Prescription appetite suppressants can help with weight loss for people with obesity. FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use include Liraglutide (Saxenda®), Semaglutide (Wegovy®), and Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®). Other prescription appetite suppressants are approved for short-term use only, typically up to 12 weeks, and are controlled substances with addiction potential. These include Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®), Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®), and Phentermine (Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, Pro-Fast®).
Over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants or weight-loss supplements may contain ephedra, ephedrine, or caffeine (stimulants). Some have been linked to reports of heart attack, seizure, stroke, and death. It is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any OTC or prescription appetite suppressants to ensure they are safe for you. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are recommended to monitor for any side effects or health problems.
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Dosage and timeline
The dosage and timeline for diet pills can vary depending on the specific pill and individual factors. Here is some information regarding the dosage and timeline for different types of diet pills:
Appetite Suppressants
Prescription appetite suppressants are typically recommended for short-term use, up to 12 weeks (three months). It's important to consult a healthcare provider before taking these medications, as they have addiction potential and can be dangerous if not used as intended.
Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion)
Contrace is a weight-loss pill that combines two medications, naltrexone and bupropion. When starting Contrave, the dosage is usually gradually increased during the first month. After this adjustment period, most people take two tablets in the morning and two tablets in the evening.
Qsymia (Phentermine/Topiramate ER)
Qsymia is a once-daily oral capsule for weight loss in individuals 12 years and older. It is a combination pill that reduces appetite and has been shown to help a significant percentage of adults lose at least 5% of their body weight after one year.
Orlistat (Xenical)
Orlistat is a prescription weight-loss pill taken orally three times a day with meals. It is suitable for adults but is not approved for children or adolescents. It helps individuals absorb less fat from their meals and can reduce the risk of regaining weight after weight loss.
Plenity
Plenity is a medical device in the form of a capsule that has been FDA-cleared for individuals with a BMI of 24 to 40. It releases a biodegradable hydrogel into the stomach, increasing satiety and helping people eat less.
Injectable Medications
Some weight-loss medications are administered by injection, such as Ozempic, Zepbound (Tirzepatide), and Liraglutide. The dosage for injectable medications may be gradually increased over several weeks to arrive at the recommended dosage. For example, the dose for Ozempic is typically increased gradually over 16 to 20 weeks to reach the 2.4 mg dosage.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any weight-loss medication to determine the appropriate dosage and timeline based on individual needs and health status.
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Drug combinations
One example of a drug combination in diet pills is phentermine and topiramate, which are combined in Qsymia. Phentermine is an amphetamine that suppresses appetite, while topiramate causes weight loss by helping people feel full, making foods taste less appealing, and burning more calories. This combination has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight, with an average weight loss of 5-10% of body weight.
Another drug combination is naltrexone and bupropion, which are combined in Contrave. Naltrexone is typically used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence, while bupropion is used to treat depression, seasonal affective disorder, and to aid in smoking cessation. When combined, they appear to signal the brain to lower appetite. This combination also has an extended-release formula, which means it can be taken twice a day.
A third example is orlistat (Xenical), which is often used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program. Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that prevents the absorption of fat in the intestines, causing it to be removed from the body in the stool. It is important to note that orlistat can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins, so a multivitamin should be taken at least two hours before or after taking orlistat.
Finally, GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide and semaglutide, are also being studied for their weight loss potential. These drugs target hormones that play a role in appetite regulation. While they are not typically approved for weight management, people who take them have reported weight loss.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills, also known as weight-loss pills, are medications that help with weight loss.
Diet pills operate on different mechanisms. Some may help you feel less hungry or full sooner. Others may make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods you eat.
Some examples of diet pills include Qsymia, Wegovy, Ozempic, Bydureon BCise, Orlistat, and Plenity.
Diet pills are meant to help people who have health problems related to being overweight or obese. Healthcare professionals use Body Mass Index (BMI) to help decide whether someone might benefit from weight management medications. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight-loss medication.
The side effects of diet pills vary depending on the specific medication. Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, dry mouth, and more. It is important to carefully review the potential side effects of any medication before starting it.
