Dante Carrillo
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication. They work by reducing appetite and cravings, making the user feel full faster, or blocking the absorption of fats in the body. Diet pills are available by prescription or over the counter and are meant to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Some examples of brand names for diet pills include Qsymia, Wegovy, Zepbound, Orlistat (Xenical), and Contrave. The active ingredients in these medications include phentermine, topiramate, semaglutide, liraglutide, and naltrexone, among others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet pills are a type of | Weight-loss medication |
| Other names | Appetite suppressants |
| How they work | Affect how the body and brain experience appetite and hunger |
| How they work | Block or increase specific hormones, neurotransmitters and/or peptides |
| Who they are for | People with obesity (BMI over 30) |
| Who they are for | People with a BMI over 27 who have weight-related medical problems |
| Examples | Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Liraglutide, Victoza, Orlistat, Contrave, Qsymia, Phentermine, Xenical, Alli, Plenity, Obetrol, Adderall, Meridia |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
Diet pills are not a brand name or a chemical name, but rather a general term for weight-loss pills. Appetite suppressants are a type of weight-loss medication, sometimes referred to as diet pills. They are designed to affect how the 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.
There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants. Prescription appetite suppressants can help with weight loss for people with obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. They work by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides. Each one works differently and targets different chemicals. However, they generally work in two ways: by making you feel less hungry or feel full faster when you eat.
Prescription appetite suppressants can be for long-term or short-term use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®)
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®)
- Phentermine (Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, Pro-Fast®)
It is important to note that these short-term appetite suppressants are controlled substances, which means they have addiction potential and can be dangerous if misused.
While certain types of appetite suppressants require a prescription, many are available over the counter. Some examples of over-the-counter appetite suppressants include:
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): A type of polyunsaturated fatty acid naturally found in foods like dairy and beef. It is also sold in concentrated form as a weight loss supplement.
- Bitter orange supplements: Marketed to promote weight loss by reducing appetite and are available over the counter.
- Garcinia Cambogia: Pills derived from the extract of the Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit. They contain hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may reduce appetite by increasing serotonin levels and reducing carbohydrate metabolism.
- Glucomannan: 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, making it useful for increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite.
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Brand names vs generic names
Diet pills are not a brand name or a chemical name. They are a type of weight-loss medication, also known as appetite suppressants, that reduce a person's appetite or make them feel full faster.
There are prescription and over-the-counter diet pills, and they are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet and routine exercise.
Brand names and generic names are terms used to differentiate between types of drugs. A brand-name drug is sold by only one manufacturer, while a generic drug is sold by several companies, leading to lower costs for consumers. Generic drugs are also known to be equally effective as brand-name drugs, according to the FDA. They have the same active ingredients, dosage, route of administration, safety, effectiveness, strength, and labeling. However, generic drugs may differ in terms of inactive ingredients such as flavoring or preservatives.
Some examples of brand-name diet pills are:
- Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER)
- Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion)
- Orlistat (Xenical)
Generic versions of these drugs may be available, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
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Side effects
Diet pills are a type of weight-loss medication, sometimes called appetite suppressants, for people with obesity. They are available in both generic and brand-name versions. Brand names include Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic, Qsymia, Contrave, and more.
While diet pills can be effective in promoting weight loss, they often come with side effects that can impact a patient’s comfort and adherence to the medication. Here are some common side effects associated with diet pills:
The side effects of diet pills vary depending on the specific medication. For example, the side effects of Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that comes in a capsule, include oily discharge from the rectum, flatus with discharge, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence. Orlistat is intended to be used with a reduced-calorie diet to reduce the risk of weight regain.
Tirzepatide, initially approved to treat type 2 diabetes, was approved for weight loss in 2023. Common side effects of this medication include constipation, upset stomach, bloating, and diarrhea. More serious potential side effects include stomach problems, kidney failure, gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, and hypoglycemia. The manufacturer also warns of the risk of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer.
Semaglutide, also known by the brand name Wegovy, is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Liraglutide, another medication in this class, has similar side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain.
Appetite suppressants, a type of diet pill, work by reducing appetite and making people feel full faster. While they can be effective for weight loss, they also come with side effects. Phentermine, for example, is only FDA-approved for short-term use of up to 12 weeks due to concerns about potential health risks, including an increased risk of heart disease.
Other appetite suppressants, such as benzphetamine, diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine, are also controlled substances with addiction potential. It is important for patients with a history of substance use disorder or a family history to inform their healthcare provider before starting these medications.
Managing Side Effects
While side effects can be a concern, they can often be managed through lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments. For example, limiting high-fat, greasy, and sugary foods can help minimize nausea and cramping. Eating smaller portions, choosing bland foods, and including high-fiber foods can also help with acid reflux and constipation. Prioritizing adequate nutrition, even when not feeling hungry, is essential to preserve muscle mass and lean body mass.
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History of diet pills
Diet pills, or weight-loss drugs, have been in existence for thousands of years, with the ancient Greeks using plants, berries, and natural remedies to induce vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea for weight loss. However, it wasn't until 1959, when the FDA approved phentermine, that modern-day medical treatments for obesity began to take shape.
In the late 19th century, thyroid extracts were used for weight reduction based on the belief that they could boost metabolism and promote weight loss. This belief persisted into the early 20th century, becoming one of the three main themes associated with drug treatment for obesity at the time. The other two were the use of dinitrophenol, which emerged as a popular over-the-counter treatment for obesity in the 1930s, and the introduction of amphetamines, which also became popular in the 1930s due to their appetite-suppressing and energy-increasing effects.
Amphetamines were one of the many pills included in what came to be known as the "rainbow diet pill" regimen, which was introduced in 1940 by Western Research Laboratories. These rainbow pills included stimulants, thyroid hormones, laxatives, diuretics, and digitalis. While they were popular in the 1950s and 1960s, concerns about their serious health risks, including cardiovascular risk and abuse potential, led to stricter regulations and their eventual ban in the US in the late 1960s.
Following the decline of rainbow diet pills, new weight-loss drugs emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, such as fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine. However, these drugs were also soon withdrawn from the market due to their link to cardiac valvulopathy. This pattern of drugs being hastily withdrawn due to unacceptable side effects has been a common occurrence in the history of diet pills, with many drugs proving ineffective or dangerous.
In the early 2000s, GLP-1 receptor agonists became popular for weight loss, with medications like liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, orlistat, semaglutide, and tirzepatide being approved by the FDA for weight management in combination with reduced-calorie diets and increased physical activity. While these modern treatments have shown more promise, the history of diet pills is largely characterized by scientific breakthroughs, controversies, and regulatory changes, with a constant push for innovative and effective solutions.
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Effectiveness
Diet pills are a type of weight-loss medication, also known as appetite suppressants. They are meant to affect how the 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. As a result, you may take in fewer calories and lose weight.
There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants. Prescription appetite suppressants can help with weight loss for people with obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, over 30). Healthcare providers recommend prescription appetite suppressants for people who have obesity—mainly when modified eating plans and increased exercise alone haven't helped with weight loss. Prescription appetite suppressants are also recommended for people with a BMI greater than 27 who have weight-related medical problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or joint pain.
Some examples of prescription appetite suppressants include:
- Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®)
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®, Bontril, Plegine, X-Trozine)
- Phentermine (Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, Pro-Fast®,
- Orlistat (Xenical)
- Sibutramine (Meridia)
- Contrave
- Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER)
- Wegovy
- Zepbound
The effectiveness of diet pills varies. Studies show that prescription appetite suppressants help people achieve an average weight loss of 5% or more of their starting body weight. In initial studies, Orlistat helped up to 55% of adults lose 5% or more of their body weight after one year. Up to 25% lost at least 10% of their body weight. In other studies, more than 40% of adults who took Contrave for one year lost at least 5% of their initial body weight, while more than 20% lost at least 10%. Qsymia helped about 70% of adults lose at least 5% of their body weight after one year, while close to 50% lost at least 10%. Liraglutide, a daily injectable medication, has shown that some patients may lose 5–10% of body weight, especially with a higher dose.
It's important to note that appetite suppressants don't work on their own. Studies show that they are most beneficial for weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity. Diet pills are also most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet and routine exercise.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. They are also prescribed for people with a BMI above 27 who have weight-related medical problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or joint pain. Diet pills work by suppressing appetite and reducing cravings, making the patient feel full quicker.
Some examples of brand-name diet pills include Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic, Qsymia, Contrave, Orlistat (Xenical), and Alli.
Some examples of generic diet pills include benzphetamine (Didrex), diethylpropion (Tenuate), phendimetrazine (Bontril), and phentermine (Adipex-P).
Side effects of diet pills vary depending on the specific medication. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, and increased defecation.
Yes, a treatment plan for obesity can include medications, diet, exercise, and/or surgery. Natural alternatives to diet pills include adopting a nutritious diet and routine exercise regimen.
