Leena Watts
Diet pills and weight loss supplements are not medically recommended for weight control and can be dangerous when abused. While some weight loss medications are approved by the FDA and deemed safe when taken as prescribed, they often come with several side effects and can interact negatively with other medications. The quest for an effective treatment for obesity has been elusive, with only a tiny percentage of drugs available to treat hypertension and other chronic diseases. Weight loss drugs are generally not a substitute for lifestyle changes and are typically prescribed to patients with a BMI over 30 or those with a BMI over 27 who have conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Target Users | People with obesity (BMI over 30) |
| How They Work | Affect how the body and brain experience appetite and hunger |
| Effectiveness | People can lose up to 3% to 12% of their body weight |
| Safety | Should be combined with a nutritious diet and exercise; check with a healthcare provider before use |
| FDA-Approved Drugs | Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast), Orlistat (Xenical), Tirzepatide (Zepbound), Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE) |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
Prescription appetite suppressants can help with weight loss for people with obesity. They work to lessen your appetite or make you feel full faster. Long-term prescription appetite suppressants are generally safe if you take them as prescribed. Short-term prescription appetite suppressants require more caution when you use them due to possible severe side effects and addiction potential. Some appetite suppressants can interact with medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs (anxiolytics). Appetite suppressants can also worsen certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, mood disorders, and glaucoma. Each appetite suppressant works differently, so they have different risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about all the benefits and risks of each medication if you’re thinking of starting an appetite suppressant.
There are countless supplements on the market that claim to offer a quick way to drop excess weight by suppressing your appetite. However, no over-the-counter appetite suppressant has been proven safe and effective. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use, including Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), and Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave). Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants are for short-term use only, typically up to 12 weeks (three months). These include Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), and Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast, and others).
Some natural appetite suppressants include green tea, which contains substances called catechins that might affect appetite and fat burning. While drinking green tea is quite safe, it's not clear if taking concentrated extracts in pills is safe. Bitter orange is another natural appetite suppressant, believed to increase the number of calories burned and suppress appetite. However, it is often combined with other compounds, such as caffeine, making it difficult to interpret its effectiveness. Garcinia cambogia is another natural appetite suppressant that has shown some promise in reducing appetite and promoting weight loss. Glucomannan is a type of soluble fiber derived from the edible roots of the konjac plant. It can absorb up to 50 times its weight in water, so it’s used as a weight-loss supplement to increase fullness and reduce appetite.
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Prescription diet pills
Prescription weight management medications are intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. They are not a replacement for physical activity and healthy eating habits but can help with hunger, cravings, and metabolic preservation. Some medications are administered orally, while others are given as subcutaneous injections.
Research shows that adults who take prescription medications as part of a lifestyle program lose 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight than those in a lifestyle program who do not take medication. Weight loss of 5% to 10% of the starting body weight may help improve health by lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. It can also improve other health problems related to obesity, such as joint pain and sleep apnea.
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Side effects
Diet pills and weight loss supplements can have several negative side effects and are often not a safe method for maintaining a healthy weight. Diet pills can serve as a gateway to eating disorders and can worsen certain health conditions. They can also interact with prescribed medications, causing further adverse side effects.
Some of the side effects of short-term prescription appetite suppressants include rapid or irregular heartbeat, mood changes such as depression or anxiety, cognitive changes like agitation and psychosis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, and abdominal pain.
Long-term prescription appetite suppressants are generally safe if taken as prescribed. However, they still pose a risk of addiction and negative side effects if misused. Diet pills containing DNP, for example, have been linked to several deaths and can cause serious side effects such as peeling skin and heart damage.
The promotion of diet pills on social media and their easy availability in stores give people the impression that they are safe to use. Celebrities are often associated with these promotions, but they may not have used the product or even be aware of what they are promoting. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using diet pills to understand the potential risks and evaluate any health complications.
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FDA-approved pills
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several weight management medications. These medications are intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Here is some information about some of the FDA-approved weight loss pills:
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Orlistat belongs to a class of medications called lipase inhibitors. It reduces the amount of fat absorbed in the gut after eating. When taking it, no more than 30% of your calories should come from fat. The typical dosage is 120 milligrams (mg) three times daily.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
Phentermine-topiramate is approved for adults and children ages 12 and older. It is a combination medication that includes phentermine, which is a stimulant that can curb appetite. Phentermine-containing medications are only approved by the FDA for use for a few weeks.
Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
Contrave is a combination medication that consists of bupropion (an antidepressant) and naltrexone (an opioid antagonist). It helps with weight loss when combined with a low-calorie diet and appropriate exercise. Contrave is taken differently each week for the first month, following a doctor's prescription. It should not be taken with high-fat meals.
Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
Liraglutide is approved for adolescents and young adults who do not achieve expected weight loss after weight-loss surgery, patients with obesity and binge eating disorder, and women with obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome. It is also used to treat diabetes.
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Wegovy is approved for adults and children aged 12 and older with obesity (BMI ≥30 for adults, BMI ≥ 95th percentile for children) or some adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) and weight-related medical issues. It is administered as an injection, and the dose must be gradually increased over 16 to 20 weeks to reach 2.4 mg. It is intended to be used indefinitely, along with a healthy diet and exercise.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Zepbound is approved for adults with obesity and a BMI of 30 or greater. It is injected subcutaneously, with a recommended maintenance dosage of 5-15 mg once weekly. It can also be administered orally. It works by regulating hormones in the brain, digestive system, and adipose tissue to suppress appetite and cravings.
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Natural alternatives
While diet pills can be effective in suppressing appetite and aiding weight loss, they can also have side effects and risks. Moreover, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of natural diet pills. Here are some natural alternatives to diet pills that can aid in weight loss:
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is crucial for weight loss. This includes increasing protein intake, reducing refined carbohydrate consumption, and avoiding unnecessary liquid calories. A reduced-calorie eating plan can help in losing weight and making you feel fuller faster.
Regular Exercise
Combining a healthy diet with regular physical activity is essential for effective weight loss. Exercise can include cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Natural Appetite Suppressants
While there is limited scientific evidence, some natural supplements may aid in weight loss. These include fenugreek, green tea, and yerba mate. However, it is important to note that natural supplements may not lead to significant or long-term weight loss and can even be harmful in some cases.
Behavioural Changes
Behavioural changes, such as mindful eating, can be beneficial. This involves being fully present and aware while eating, which can help control cravings and overeating.
Weight-Loss Apps
Weight-loss apps can be a useful tool for logging meals, tracking exercise, and receiving support from weight-loss coaches. They can help you stay motivated and committed to your health goals.
It is important to remember that natural weight-loss methods may take longer to show results compared to diet pills. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any weight-loss programme is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication. They affect how your body and brain experience appetite and hunger, making you feel less hungry or full faster after eating less food.
Diet pills are safe for people with obesity (BMI over 30) when combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before using diet pills, as they may interact with medications or cause health problems. Some prescription appetite suppressants have been approved by the FDA for long-term use.
Some FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use include Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia). Orlistat (Xenical) is another prescription weight-loss pill that can be taken by adults three times a day with meals.
Diet pills can help people lose up to 3% to 12% of their body weight. In initial studies, Qsymia helped about 70% of adults lose at least 5% of their body weight after one year, and close to 50% lost at least 10%. Orlistat helped up to 55% of adults lose 5% or more of their body weight after one year, with 25% losing at least 10%.
