Dante Carrillo
Diet aids come in many forms, from over-the-counter (OTC) pills to prescription medications. They can be a useful tool to support weight management when combined with regular physical activity and a nutritious diet. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and some can have severe side effects or cause health problems. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any diet aid, as they can interact with medications or be unsafe for certain individuals. While some diet aids are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and considered safe, others have been withdrawn due to safety concerns.
Are Diet Aids Safe?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Appetite suppressants can aid weight loss, but they are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity. |
| Side Effects | All appetite suppressants have side effects and risks. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue. |
| Safety | Appetite suppressants are safe when used as directed by a healthcare provider. Over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants may interact with medications or cause health problems, so it's important to check with a healthcare provider before use. |
| FDA Approval | Several prescription appetite suppressants have been FDA-approved for long-term use, including Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), and Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave). Short-term options are also available. |
| Contraindications | Appetite suppressants are not recommended for those with a substance use disorder (SUD) or a family history of SUD. They are also not suitable for those who are pregnant or have a BMI less than 27. |
| Lifestyle Changes | Lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and exercise, are strongly recommended alongside the use of appetite suppressants for effective and sustained weight loss. |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
There are several FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use, including Liraglutide (Saxenda®), which is an under-the-skin injection medication. Semaglutide (Wegovy®) is another long-term appetite suppressant that is administered through under-the-skin injections. Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®) is a pill prescribed for long-term use. Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®) is also a pill that is approved for long-term use.
Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants are approved for short-term use, typically up to 12 weeks. These include Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®), Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®), and Phentermine (Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, Pro-Fast®). These short-term appetite suppressants are controlled substances, meaning they have addiction potential and can be dangerous if not used as intended.
It is important to note that appetite suppressants should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity. They are not a standalone solution for weight loss. Additionally, over-the-counter appetite suppressants are not approved by the FDA, and there is no clear evidence that they are effective or safe for weight loss. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication or supplement, especially if you have a substance use disorder (SUD) or a family history of SUD.
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Prescription vs over-the-counter diet pills
Diet pills are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. They are also recommended for people with a BMI greater than 27 who have obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
Prescription diet pills work by suppressing appetite, either by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides. They can make you feel less hungry or feel full faster when you eat. Some prescription diet pills are approved by the FDA for long-term use, including:
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
Short-term prescription diet pills, such as benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), diethylpropion (Tenuate), phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), and phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast, etc.), require more caution due to their potential for severe side effects and addiction.
Over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills, on the other hand, do not require a prescription and are typically available without the supervision of a healthcare provider. The only FDA-approved OTC weight-loss medication is Alli (orlistat). Alli works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats, causing them to be passed through the body undigested. While Alli has been clinically proven to aid in weight loss, it can also cause adverse reactions such as oily discharge from the rectum, flatulence with discharge, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence.
It is important to note that diet pills, whether prescription or OTC, should be used in conjunction with a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity for optimal results. Additionally, prescription medications allow for ongoing monitoring by a healthcare professional, who can adjust dosages or recommend alternative medications as needed.
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FDA-approved weight loss drugs
Weight loss medications are not for everyone with a high BMI. Lifestyle changes, such as improving eating habits and increasing physical activity, are often recommended as the first course of action for weight loss. However, for those who are looking for additional support, there are FDA-approved weight loss drugs available. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any weight loss medication to understand the potential risks and benefits.
One category of weight loss drugs is appetite suppressants, which work by lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster. Prescription appetite suppressants can be used for long-term or short-term weight loss. The FDA has approved the following prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use: liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), and phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia). Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants, such as benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex) and diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), are for short-term use only, typically up to 12 weeks.
In addition to appetite suppressants, there are other FDA-approved weight loss drugs available. Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) is a lipase inhibitor that works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats. Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE) is another FDA-approved weight loss drug, but its use is limited to people with specific rare genetic disorders. More recently, the FDA approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related condition. This medication is intended to be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
While these medications can aid in weight loss, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is important to note that weight loss medications can have side effects, and they may not be suitable for everyone. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for weight loss, which may include a combination of medications, diet, exercise, and/or other lifestyle changes.
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Side effects and risks
While diet aids can be beneficial for weight loss, they are not without their risks and side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any diet aids, especially if you are pregnant or have a history of substance use disorder. Some diet aids are only intended for those who are overweight or obese and should not be used by those with a BMI of less than 27.
One type of diet aid is appetite suppressants, which work by lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster. While they can be effective, they also come with side effects and risks. Some appetite suppressants are available over the counter, while others require a prescription and can be used for short-term or long-term treatment. It is important to note that prescription appetite suppressants can be addictive and dangerous if misused. Common side effects of appetite suppressants include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, fatigue, and dizziness.
Another diet aid that has been clinically proven to aid weight loss is Alli, an over-the-counter weight loss aid. It has similar side effects to Xenical, which is a higher-dose version of the same active ingredient, orlistat. Side effects may include oily discharge from the rectum, flatulence with discharge, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence. It is important to be mindful of the fat content in your diet when taking orlistat, as no more than 30% of your calories should come from fat.
Other FDA-approved prescription weight loss medications include semaglutide (Wegovy), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), liraglutide (Saxenda), and tirzepatide (Zepbound). These medications are designed for either short-term or long-term use and may have side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and abdominal pain. It is important to follow the dosing schedule prescribed by your healthcare provider and to be aware of any potential interactions with other medications.
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Lifestyle changes
Dietary Changes
Adopting a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for weight loss and maintaining overall health. This involves increasing your consumption of nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, other sources of protein, and whole grains. Simultaneously, it's essential to limit or avoid highly processed foods, fried foods, refined carbohydrates (cakes, cookies, white bread), packaged snacks, and fatty cuts of meat. These foods tend to be high in calories and low in essential nutrients.
Additionally, pay attention to your consumption of specific macro and micronutrients. For example, reducing sodium (salt) intake is often recommended to lower blood pressure. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests keeping salt intake below 5g per day, which is approximately 2g of sodium.
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is essential for weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise helps burn calories, increase your metabolic rate, decrease body fat, and build muscle. Even when taking medication or undergoing treatment for obesity, physical activity remains a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle.
Emotional Awareness
Emotional triggers can often influence eating patterns and habits. For example, some people may eat more when they are sad, bored, or stressed. Increasing awareness of the emotions behind your eating patterns can help you change your behaviours. For instance, instead of turning to food, find alternative ways to manage stress, such as practising meditation or engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Mindful Eating Habits
Certain habits, such as eating in front of the television or while in a car, can distract you from paying attention to what and how much you're consuming. Make mealtimes intentional by sitting down at a table to eat, which can help you become more mindful of your food intake.
Seek Professional Guidance
Making lifestyle changes can be challenging, and it's essential to do so safely and effectively. Seek guidance from healthcare professionals, such as clinicians, dietitians, or nutritionists, who can provide personalised advice and support. They can help you set achievable goals, create a customised diet plan, and address any underlying emotional or behavioural patterns related to your eating habits.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills, or appetite suppressants, are not considered a quick fix for weight loss and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. They can have side effects and risks, and it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking them.
Some FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants include Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia).
Yes, there are OTC diet pills available, such as Alli, which is the #1 doctor-recommended weight loss aid. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any OTC diet pills as they may interact with medications or cause health problems.
Appetite suppressants work by reducing your appetite or making you feel full faster, thereby reducing your calorie intake and promoting weight loss.
Yes, a treatment plan for obesity can include medications, diet, exercise, and/or surgery. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine, are strongly recommended as part of obesity treatment.
