Dante Carrillo
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, over 30). They work by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides, which affect how the body and brain experience appetite and hunger. While some diet pills are available over the counter, others require a prescription and supervision from a healthcare provider. This is because they can have adverse side effects and health risks, especially if you have a substance use disorder or a family history of substance abuse. It is important to note that diet pills should be used in conjunction with a healthy eating plan and regular exercise for optimal results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Appetite suppressants, also known as diet pills, are a type of weight-loss medication. |
| How they work | They affect how your body and brain experience appetite and hunger by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides. |
| Effectiveness | Studies show that prescription appetite suppressants help people achieve an average weight loss of 5% or more of their starting body weight. |
| Natural alternatives | Natural appetite suppressants include foods, supplements, or lifestyle choices that reduce hunger. Examples include eating more protein, consuming ginger, drinking water, exercising, and mindful eating. |
| Side effects | Diet pills can have adverse side effects and health risks. They may also interfere with other medications. |
| FDA-approved medications | The FDA has approved several appetite-suppressing medications for long-term use, including orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro). |
| Prescription requirements | Appetite suppressants are typically prescribed to individuals with obesity (BMI over 30) or a BMI greater than 27 with related health conditions. |
| Administration | Appetite suppressants can be administered orally or through injections. |
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What You'll Learn
Natural appetite suppressants
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins, hormones that can reduce stress and improve your mood, helping to curb stress eating. It also suppresses hunger hormones. The current guidelines recommend 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity cardio exercise, which can be broken down into 30 minutes of exercise five days a week or one hour three days a week. Additionally, aim to include strength training at least twice a week for 15 minutes.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential, as too little sleep can increase stress levels, stimulating your appetite.
Foods
Eating foods high in protein and fibre can help suppress your appetite. Lean proteins and high-fibre foods take longer to digest, keeping you feeling full for longer. Some specific foods that can help include:
- Whole grains
- Strawberries
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Beans
- Ginger
- Cayenne pepper
- Dark chocolate (consumed around two hours before a meal)
Water
Drinking enough water is essential for overall health and can also help suppress appetite.
While natural appetite suppressants can be a helpful tool, it is important to approach them with caution. There is limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness, and they may have unpleasant side effects and health risks. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or take medication.
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FDA-approved prescription pills
Appetite suppressants are a type of weight-loss medication, sometimes called diet pills, for people with obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, over 30). They affect how your body and brain experience appetite and hunger. Appetite suppressants can make you feel less hungry or make you feel full faster after eating less food.
Prescription appetite suppressants work by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides. Each one works differently and targets different chemicals. But they generally work in two ways: by making you feel less hungry or feel full faster when you eat.
There are several FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants available. These include:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza): This is a daily injection that dampens hunger by acting on the same hormone in your gut as semaglutide.
- Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave): This pill contains two medications and may affect the reward system in your brain, so eating certain foods that would normally make you feel good no longer do. It also works on the hypothalamus, the part of your brain that regulates appetite, temperature, and other functions.
- Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia): This pill combines two drugs. Phentermine is a stimulant that makes you feel less hungry, while topiramate is a medicine used for seizures and headaches but, as part of a combination with phentermine, may make you feel less hungry and more full.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): This medication is injected once a week and works by mimicking a hormone naturally made in your gut, which helps control hunger signals in your brain and can slow down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, so you feel fuller for longer.
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound): This medication is also injected weekly and mimics the same hormone as semaglutide, along with a second hormone involved in appetite.
These medications are meant to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. They are generally safe when used as directed, but they do have risks. For example, short-term medicines that rely on stimulants to reduce appetite carry a risk of misuse or overuse. It is important to discuss your health history, goals, and any medications you are taking with your doctor before starting any new medication.
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Over-the-counter diet pills
There are many over-the-counter diet pills on the market that claim to control cravings and curb appetite. However, it is important to note that the only over-the-counter medicine for weight loss currently approved by the FDA is Alli (orlistat). Other over-the-counter products are considered supplements, which are not regulated by the FDA and do not have proper studies to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
Some popular over-the-counter appetite suppressants include:
- Garcinia Cambogia: This supplement is made with an extract derived from the peel of the Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit and is used to suppress appetite and promote weight loss. It contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may reduce appetite by increasing serotonin levels in the brain and reducing carbohydrate metabolism.
- Chromium: Chromium picolinate is a highly absorbable form of chromium that helps reduce appetite and cravings by impacting neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood and eating behaviour.
- Saffron Extract: Saffron extract has been shown to reduce snacking and promote weight loss. It is generally well-tolerated but may cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety, nausea, and headaches in some people.
- Guar Gum: Guar gum is a type of fibre derived from the Indian cluster bean, or Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. It acts as a bulking agent in the gut, slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness.
It is important to note that while these supplements may help reduce appetite and promote weight loss, they should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan. Additionally, it is always recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
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Weight loss supplements
There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants available. Prescription appetite suppressants are typically recommended for individuals with obesity, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. They can also be suggested for those with a BMI greater than 27 who have obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or joint pain.
Some common prescription appetite suppressants include:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda) - a daily injectable medication that acts on gut hormones to decrease hunger signals and make you feel full quicker.
- Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) - a pill that may affect the reward system in your brain, making certain foods less enjoyable, and also works on the part of the brain that regulates appetite.
- Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia) - a pill that combines two drugs: phentermine, a stimulant that reduces hunger, and topiramate, a medicine for seizures and headaches that may increase feelings of fullness.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy) - a weekly self-administered injection that mimics a gut hormone that controls hunger signals and slows the rate at which food leaves your stomach, making you feel fuller for longer.
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound) - another weekly injection that mimics two hormones involved in appetite regulation.
It is important to note that appetite suppressants are meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity. They are not a standalone solution for weight loss. Additionally, they may have side effects, and it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially if you have a history of substance use disorder or other medical conditions.
Natural appetite suppressants are also an option for those looking to avoid medications. These include dietary and lifestyle choices such as consuming more protein, fat, fibre, and vegetables, as well as drinking more water, exercising, and practising mindful eating. Some natural supplements that claim to suppress appetite are available, but their effectiveness is often not proven and they may have adverse side effects.
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Side effects and risks
While diet pills can be effective in suppressing hunger, they also come with their own set of side effects and risks. Firstly, they can be expensive and may not always be proven to work. Furthermore, some pills may interfere with other medications or cause harm in other ways. For example, some pills contain stimulants like caffeine, which can lead to sleeplessness and agitation. Bitter orange, a common ingredient in many supplements, is also a stimulant that has been linked to dangerous rises in heart rate and blood pressure.
Short-term prescription appetite suppressants, which rely on stimulants to reduce appetite, carry the risk of misuse or overuse. If you have a substance use disorder or a family history of substance abuse, it is crucial to inform your doctor before considering these pills. Additionally, some appetite suppressants can interact negatively with antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. They may also exacerbate certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, mood disorders, and glaucoma.
Other potential side effects of specific appetite suppressants include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety, and headaches. Some natural appetite suppressants, like capsaicin, may cause stomach pain, nausea, and bloating.
It is important to note that appetite suppressants are not a standalone solution for weight loss. They are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Before taking any diet pills, it is strongly advised to consult a healthcare provider to assess their suitability and potential risks for your specific circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication. They work by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness.
Diet pills are typically taken orally and work by making you feel less hungry or full faster when you eat. It's important to note that diet pills should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for effective weight loss. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
While FDA-approved appetite suppressants are generally safe when used as directed, they may have side effects and health risks. Short-term appetite suppressants, for instance, have addiction potential and can be dangerous if misused or overused. It's important to discuss your health history and goals with your doctor before starting any medication.
Yes, there are natural alternatives to diet pills that can help suppress hunger. These include eating more protein, consuming ginger, drinking more water, and mindful eating practices. Additionally, increasing your intake of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and certain spices like cayenne pepper can help you feel fuller for longer.
