Brenda Khan
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 reducing appetite or making you feel full faster after eating less food, resulting in reduced calorie intake and weight loss. Diet pills can be administered orally or via subcutaneous injections. While they can aid in weight loss, they are most effective when combined with a healthy eating plan and regular exercise. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before using diet pills, as some over-the-counter (OTC) options may interact with medications or cause health issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To suppress appetite and aid weight loss |
| Target Users | People with obesity (BMI over 30) |
| Administration | Orally or via subcutaneous injections |
| Effectiveness | More effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise |
| Side Effects | Nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea |
| Types | Liraglutide, Naltrexone-bupropion, Orlistat, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Benzphetamine, Diethylpropion, Phentermine, Phendimetrazine |
| History | Amphetamines (Benzedrine) were popular in the 1930s; "rainbow diet pills" were banned in the US in the 1960s |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants. Prescription appetite suppressants can be for long-term or short-term use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use, including Liraglutide (Saxenda®), Semaglutide (Wegovy®), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®), and 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®), and Phentermine (Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, Pro-Fast®).
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. Additionally, before taking OTC diet pills, it's recommended to consult a healthcare provider as they may interact with medications or cause health problems.
Some examples of over-the-counter appetite suppressants include:
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): A polyunsaturated fatty acid found in dairy and beef, which can also be purchased in concentrated form. While CLA has been shown to affect appetite-regulating genes and hormones, it has not been proven to reduce appetite in humans.
- Bitter orange supplements: These are believed to increase basal metabolic rate and stimulate fat breakdown, but their impact on weight loss is inconclusive.
- Garcinia cambogia pills: These contain hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may reduce appetite by increasing serotonin levels and reducing carbohydrate metabolism. While some studies support its effectiveness, others show little to no effect.
- Glucomannan: A type of soluble fibre derived from the edible roots of the konjac plant, which can absorb up to 50 times its weight in water. It increases feelings of fullness, slows digestion, and blocks the absorption of fat and protein. However, studies on its impact on weight loss have provided inconsistent findings.
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Weight loss pills
There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss pills available. Prescription pills can be for long-term or short-term use and should be used in conjunction with a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity for optimal results. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any weight loss medication, as some pills may interact with other medications or cause health problems.
Some common prescription weight loss pills include liraglutide (Saxenda), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), semaglutide (Wegovy), and phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia). These medications are typically administered as injections or pills and work by suppressing appetite or interfering with the digestion of fats. For example, naltrexone-bupropion combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to reduce cravings and appetite, while orlistat blocks the absorption of dietary fats, causing them to be excreted undigested.
It is important to note that weight loss pills should not be relied upon as a sole method of weight loss. They are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Additionally, while weight loss pills can be a helpful tool, they may not work for everyone, and it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for weight loss, which may include a combination of medication, diet, exercise, and/or surgery.
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FDA-approved medications
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity (BMI over 30). They work by reducing your appetite or making you feel full faster, which can result in consuming fewer calories and losing weight. While there are over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants available, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using them as they may interact with medications or cause health problems.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several prescription appetite suppressants for long-term weight management. Here is a list of some FDA-approved medications:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): This medication is administered as an under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injection. It is approved for adolescents, young adults, and adults with obesity, including those with binge eating disorder or polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): Wegovy is also an injection medication approved for use in adults and children aged 12 and above with obesity or some adults with excess weight and weight-related medical issues. The dose should be increased gradually to reduce side effects, which may include gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): This is a combination medication that includes an antidepressant (bupropion) and an opioid antagonist (naltrexone). It is designed to be used alongside a low-calorie diet and exercise. In clinical trials, participants who took Contrave for up to 56 weeks experienced weight loss ranging from 11 to 22 pounds on average.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): This medication is approved for adults and children aged 12 and older.
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): Orlistat belongs to a class of medications called lipase inhibitors, which reduce fat absorption in the gut. It is often recommended for individuals who consume fatty foods, and the recommended dosing is 120 milligrams three times daily.
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound): Zepbound is a newer medication approved for obesity in November 2023. It can be administered orally or via subcutaneous injection. It works by regulating hormones in the brain, digestive system, and adipose tissue to suppress appetite and promote satiety. The recommended maintenance dosage is 5-15 mg, injected once weekly.
These medications are intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular physical activity. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any weight-loss medication to ensure safe and effective use.
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Side effects
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 lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster after eating less food, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
While diet pills can be effective in managing weight, they may also come with several side effects that can impact an individual's comfort and adherence to the medication. Here are some of the common side effects associated with their use:
Gastrointestinal Issues
- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick and vomiting are common side effects experienced by those taking diet pills. These symptoms can be managed by limiting high-fat, greasy, and sugary foods and opting for bland, easily digestible meals.
- Acid reflux: Diet pills can cause acid reflux, which is the backward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus. This can be mitigated by limiting spicy foods and opting for smaller portion sizes.
- Bloating: Some individuals may experience bloating, which is an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
- Diarrhea and constipation: Diet pills can disrupt normal bowel habits, leading to either loose, watery stools (diarrhea) or hard, dry stools (constipation). Adjusting food choices and including high-fibre foods can help manage these issues.
- Stomach cramps: Abdominal pain or cramps may occur due to the impact of diet pills on digestion and bowel habits.
Other Potential Side Effects
- Oily discharge from the rectum: This is a common side effect of Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that blocks the absorption of dietary fats.
- Increased defecation: Individuals may experience more frequent bowel movements, which can be a result of the body eliminating undigested fat.
- Fecal incontinence: In some cases, diet pills may lead to a loss of control over bowel movements, causing accidental leakage of stool.
- Upset stomach: Some people may experience stomach discomfort, such as pain, upset stomach, or a feeling of fullness.
- Kidney problems: There is a potential risk of kidney issues or failure associated with certain diet pills.
- Gallbladder problems: Diet pills may increase the risk of gallbladder-related complications.
- Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas, and it has been reported as a side effect of certain diet pills.
- Hypoglycaemia: Diet pills that lower blood sugar levels may cause a drop in blood sugar levels, leading to potential side effects such as dizziness, sweating, and confusion.
- Thyroid issues: In rare cases, certain medications may be linked to thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer, so patients should be monitored for symptoms such as swelling in the neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing.
It is important to note that side effects may vary depending on the specific medication and the individual's response. Some people may experience none of these side effects, while others may experience a combination of them. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication, including over-the-counter diet pills, to ensure a thorough understanding of potential risks and benefits.
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Effectiveness
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity (BMI over 30). They are designed to affect how the body and brain experience appetite and hunger, making individuals feel less hungry or feel full faster after eating less food.
The effectiveness of diet pills is contingent on several factors. Firstly, they are not a standalone solution and should be combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity for optimal results. While some prescription diet pills have been clinically proven to aid in weight loss, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and individual results may vary. Additionally, it is important to manage expectations, as weight loss pills are tools to assist in weight loss, and long-term success requires commitment to lifestyle changes.
The effectiveness of diet pills also depends on the specific type of pill. For example, carb blockers inhibit the digestion of carbohydrates, preventing their absorption as calories, making them useful for those on a high-carb diet. However, they may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or bloating. Thermogenic pills increase the body's core temperature, burning more calories for energy, making them ideal for boosting metabolism and energy levels, but they can cause insomnia or nervousness.
Prescription appetite suppressants can be effective for weight loss, but they are not a quick fix. They are most beneficial when combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and exercise. While they can help individuals feel less hungry or fuller faster, it is still crucial to establish healthy eating habits and an exercise routine to maintain weight loss.
Some weight loss medications are intended for short-term use, while others are meant for long-term use. It is important to discuss options with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable medication and duration of use. Additionally, it is essential to consider potential side effects, contraindications, and long-term sustainability. While some people may experience weight loss on certain medications, individual results may vary due to factors such as food intake, exercise levels, and health status.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are used to reduce a person's appetite or make them feel full faster, thus resulting in reduced calorie intake and weight loss.
Diet pills are for people with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30, or a BMI of 27 with weight-related health problems.
Diet pills are administered orally and can be taken as part of a short-term or long-term treatment plan. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Diet pills are most effective when combined with a healthy eating plan and regular exercise.
