Jeffrey Salazar
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication. They work by lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster. Diet pills can be made up of a mixture of substances, but many contain DNP, which is dangerous and illegal. Other diet pills contain prescription stimulants, which are recommended only for short-term use. As of 2022, no medication has been shown to be as effective for long-term weight loss as bariatric surgery. Diet pills can have severe side effects and may be harmful to health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Weight loss |
| Mechanism | Appetite suppression, reduced intestinal fat absorption, etc. |
| Composition | Mixture of substances, sometimes including DNP, stimulants, thyroid hormone, diuretics, digitalis, laxatives, barbiturates, etc. |
| Side Effects | Increased alertness, oily bowel movements, increased energy expenditure, decreased skeletal muscle, DNA damage, cancer, heart problems, etc. |
| Legality | Often require a prescription and are approved for short-term use only; DNP is illegal. |
| Effectiveness | May not be effective for long-term weight management; bariatric surgery is more effective. |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
Prescription appetite suppressants include Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®), Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®), Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®), and Phentermine (Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, Pro-Fast®). These are approved for short-term use (up to 12 weeks) and are controlled substances due to their addiction potential.
Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use include Semaglutide (Wegovy®) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound®). These medications are self-administered injections that mimic hormones that control hunger signals in the brain.
Over-the-counter appetite suppressants include Garcinia Cambogia, which contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) and may reduce appetite by increasing serotonin levels and reducing carbohydrate metabolism. Bitter orange supplements, which contain synephrine, are also available over the counter and are believed to increase the basal metabolic rate, stimulating fat breakdown and suppressing appetite. However, it's important to note that very few dietary supplements have sufficient evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing appetite.
It is crucial to consult a doctor before taking any appetite suppressants, especially if you have a health history or are taking other medications. Combining appetite suppressants with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity is recommended for optimal results.
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Anti-obesity medication
There are various anti-obesity medications available, including phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), diethylpropion (Tenuate), phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), and phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast). These medications are typically approved for short-term use and are controlled substances due to their potential for addiction. It's important to note that they should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity for optimal effectiveness.
Other prescription medications for weight loss include orlistat (Xenical), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and setmelanotide (IMCIVREE), which is specifically for children aged 6 and older with rare genetic disorders causing obesity. Additionally, naltrexone-bupropion is a combination of an opioid receptor antagonist and an antidepressant that targets the pleasure-reward areas of the brain to decrease cravings and appetite.
While these medications can be effective, it's important to consider potential side effects. Some individuals may experience abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, or dry mouth. Furthermore, anti-obesity medications are not suitable for everyone, and healthcare professionals must consider each patient's health issues, medications, family medical history, and the medication's cost and side effects before prescribing them.
Research shows that some people taking prescription weight management medications lose 10% or more of their starting weight. However, results vary by medication and individual, and experts caution that the side effects of these medications may sometimes outweigh the benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any anti-obesity 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 (BMI over 30). They affect how your body and brain experience appetite and hunger by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides. While they can aid in weight loss, they should be combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity for optimal results.
The side effects of diet pills vary depending on the specific pill used. Mild side effects, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, are common and may lessen over time. However, more serious side effects can occur, and it is important to discuss treatment options thoroughly with a doctor.
For example, Contrave may increase the risk of seizures and cause psychiatric effects, including manic episodes and suicidal ideation. Qsymia may cause a racing or pounding heartbeat, rapid and shallow breathing, hives, blood in the urine, rashes, or blisters. Long-term use of Saxenda can lead to suicidal thoughts, impaired kidney function, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and an increased heart rate.
Short-term use of diet pills with amphetamine-type effects can cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure, euphoria, anxiety, shortness of breath, insomnia, dizziness, dry mouth, and misuse. Herbal diet pills, which can be obtained without a prescription, may interact negatively with prescription medications or other supplements and vary in purity and potency.
Some prescription and herbal diet pills have amphetamine-like effects, increasing the risk of addiction or misuse. Especially in individuals with eating disorders, substance dependence, or certain mental health disorders. Taking more than the recommended dose or combining multiple diet pills can lead to cardiovascular problems, liver and kidney damage, overdose, and even death. Additionally, some diet pills may decrease vitamin D levels, which are crucial for bone health, cell growth, and immune function.
It is important to note that appetite suppressants are controlled substances with addiction potential and can be dangerous if used outside of their intended, prescribed use. If you have a substance use disorder (SUD) or a family history of SUD, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider before starting these medications.
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FDA-approved prescription pills
Diet pills, or 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.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several weight management medications for adults and children ages 12 and older. Here is a list of some FDA-approved prescription diet 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. The typical dosage is 120 milligrams (mg) three times daily, and no more than 30% of your calories should come from fat while taking it.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): This is a combination medication that can help with weight loss.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): This medication consists of an antidepressant (bupropion) and an opioid antagonist (naltrexone) and is typically taken with a low-calorie diet and exercise.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza): Liraglutide is being studied for its effects on weight loss and gastric functions in people who are overweight or have obesity.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): This medication is approved for adults and children ages 12 and older.
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound): Zepbound is a medication injected subcutaneously and approved for adults with obesity. It is typically injected once weekly with a recommended dosage of 5-15 mg.
It is important to note that these medications should be combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity for optimal weight loss results. Additionally, some appetite suppressants are controlled substances and have addiction potential, so they should be used with caution and only as directed by a healthcare provider.
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Illegal and harmful substances
Diet pills are a class of drugs designed for weight loss. They can be highly addictive and may contain harmful and illegal substances.
One such substance is DNP, which is often found in diet pills. DNP is illegal and very dangerous, with the potential to seriously harm the body by speeding up metabolism too much. DNP has been linked to several deaths, and its long-term use can cause heart damage and peeling skin.
Amphetamines are another type of stimulant commonly found in diet pills. Amphetamine-derived stimulants affect the brain's systems, creating a sense of happiness or contentment. However, prolonged use can lead to tolerance and an increased dosage, leading to addiction.
Diet pills may also contain dangerous stimulants that are banned or replaced with related chemicals. For example, N,α-DEPEA, a potentially dangerous designer stimulant related to methamphetamine, was found in a widely available muscle-building supplement.
Other harmful substances in diet pills include orlistat, which has been associated with gastrointestinal issues and liver toxicity, and fat inhibitors, which can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects such as oily spotting and gas.
Furthermore, diet pills can be abused by people with eating disorders, and they may block the function of other drugs, including cancer treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, contain various chemicals, including benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, phentermine, amphetamines, thyroid hormone, diuretics, digitalis, laxatives, and barbiturates. Some newer medications include liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, orlistat, semaglutide, and tirzepatide.
Yes, it is important to be cautious when purchasing diet pills as some may contain hidden drugs and chemicals that are not listed on the label. For example, the FDA found that "Japan Rapid Weight Loss Diet Pills Green" contained undeclared phenolphthalein, a suspected cancer-causing agent.
Yes, some diet pills contain DNP, which is illegal and dangerous. DNP has been linked to several deaths and can have serious side effects, including damage to the heart.
Yes, diet pills can have various side effects, and some have been found to be lethal. Fen-phen, for example, was reported to cause abnormal echocardiograms, heart valve problems, and rare valvular diseases. Orlistat may cause frequent oily bowel movements.
Diet pills can be effective for weight loss, especially when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. However, it is important to note that they may not be effective for long-term weight maintenance, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet are still the best way to maintain a healthy weight.
