Milly Gaines
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 appetite or making you feel full faster. While some diet pills are available over the counter, others require a prescription. Common ingredients in prescription diet pills include orlistat, liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, semaglutide, and phentermine. Orlistat, for example, is prescribed to help overweight individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease by preventing the absorption of fat from food in the intestines. Phentermine, on the other hand, is typically prescribed for a shorter duration of three to six weeks and may be habit-forming. Over-the-counter appetite suppressants may contain stimulants such as ephedra, ephedrine, or caffeine, and it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking them due to potential health risks and interactions with other medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Ingredients | Liraglutide, Naltrexone/Bupropion, Orlistat, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Phentermine, Benzphetamine, Diethylpropion, Phendimetrazine, Sibutramine |
| Mechanism of Action | Appetite Suppressants, Fat Absorption Inhibitors, Stimulants |
| Side Effects | Dry Mouth, Diarrhea, Constipation, Flatulence, Oily Spotting, Difficulty Controlling Bowel Movements, Headache, Irregular Menses, Anxiety, Difficulty Sleeping, Palpitations, Seizures, Heart Attack, Stroke |
| Administration | Oral Tablets, Capsules, Injections |
| Usage | Short-term, Long-term |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
Some over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants or weight-loss supplements contain stimulants such as ephedra, ephedrine, or caffeine. These can have serious side effects, including heart attack, seizure, stroke, and death. However, no over-the-counter appetite-suppressing drugs have been approved by the FDA.
The FDA has approved several prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use, including:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®/Victoza®): This medication also has the additional advantage of appetite suppression, affecting the local chemical messengers in the intestine.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®/Ozempic®): This medication mimics a hormone naturally made in your gut that helps control hunger signals in your brain and can slow down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, so you feel fuller for longer.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®): This combination of two drugs may affect your brain's reward system, so eating particular meals that used to make you feel good may no longer do so. It affects the hypothalamus, which controls your appetite, temperature, and other activities.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®): Phentermine is a stimulant that reduces your appetite, and when combined with topiramate, a medication for seizures and headaches, it may help you feel less hungry and full.
Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants are for short-term use only, typically up to 12 weeks (three months), including:
- Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®): This is closely related to amphetamines and functions to reduce appetite in obese individuals.
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®): This is prescribed to help with weight loss in conjunction with a doctor-approved low-calorie diet, exercise, and behaviour modification program.
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®): This medication helps with behavioural changes in eating and reduces calorie intake by suppressing appetite.
- Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast®): Phentermine belongs to the anorectics or appetite suppressants class of medicines.
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Thyroid hormones
Diet pills are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, over 30). They work by suppressing the appetite, making the user feel less hungry or full faster after eating less food. Prescription appetite suppressants can help with weight loss, but they work best in combination with lifestyle changes such as a nutritious diet and exercise.
There are several prescription appetite suppressants available, including Contrave, which combines naltrexone and bupropion, and Orlistat, which is taken as an oral capsule three times a day with meals. However, some people may opt for over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants, which can be purchased without a prescription. These include drugs such as ephedra, ephedrine, and caffeine, which are stimulants.
It is important to note that appetite suppressants can interact with other medications and may cause health problems. For example, they can negatively interact with antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Additionally, they can worsen certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, mood disorders, and glaucoma. As such, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking any diet pills, including OTC appetite suppressants.
In some cases, people may turn to unregulated sources to obtain diet pills, such as purchasing them online. This can be dangerous, as these products may contain unpredictable dosages and ingredients. For instance, in 2015, a woman was admitted to the hospital with acute thyrotoxicosis after taking "diet pills" containing thyroid hormones that she had purchased online. Thyroid hormones can be dangerous when not taken under medical supervision, and they are available by prescription only for patients with hypothyroidism.
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Stimulants
Diet pills are a class of drugs with the primary goal of weight loss. They are available over the counter or by prescription and can be highly addictive. Many diet pills contain stimulants, such as amphetamines, which affect the central nervous system to increase energy and a sense of well-being. They can also curb appetite by targeting serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite.
Stimulant-type diet pills can cause a range of short-term effects, including a rush of energy, increased blood pressure and heart rate, flushed skin, dizziness, and dry mouth. Continued use of these pills can lead to insomnia, constipation, pulmonary hypertension, heart valve disease, and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops taking them.
Amphetamine-derived stimulants affect the brain's systems responsible for feelings of happiness and contentment, similar to other stimulants like cocaine. This can lead to tolerance and increased consumption, a common characteristic of addiction. Diet pill overdose can be life-threatening, resembling a cocaine or meth overdose, with potential heart failure.
Some over-the-counter diet pills or weight-loss supplements contain stimulants like ephedra, ephedrine, or caffeine. These have been linked to severe adverse effects, including heart attack, seizure, stroke, and even death. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking any diet pills, as they can interact with medications and worsen certain health conditions.
Prescription appetite suppressants, such as Liraglutide (Saxenda®), Semaglutide (Wegovy®), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®), and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®), are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term weight loss. Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants, including Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®), Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®), and Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®), are for short-term use only, typically up to 12 weeks. These prescription medications are controlled substances, and their effectiveness is often enhanced by combining them with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
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Sibutramine
The drug was withdrawn from the Canadian and U.S. markets in 2010 due to concerns about its cardiovascular risks. The FDA noted that sibutramine increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease. It has also been associated with side effects such as dry mouth, increased appetite, nausea, strange taste in the mouth, abdominal pain, constipation, insomnia, dizziness, drowsiness, menstrual cramps, headaches, flushing, and joint/muscle pain. In some patients, sibutramine substantially increased blood pressure and heart rate, leading to the recommendation to discontinue its use.
Despite the withdrawal in some countries, sibutramine may still be available in others, and it has been found in over 700 diet supplements marketed as "natural", "traditional", or "herbal remedies". It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any weight-loss medication or supplements to ensure safe and effective use.
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Orlistat
The effectiveness of Orlistat in promoting weight loss is modest. Clinical trials have shown that people taking Orlistat in addition to making lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, lose about 2-3 kilograms (4-7 pounds) more than those not taking the drug over a year. In these trials, between 35.5% and 54.8% of subjects achieved a 5% or greater decrease in body mass, while between 16.4% and 24.8% achieved at least a 10% decrease in body fat.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking Orlistat, as it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as eating disorders, diabetes, kidney stones, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or thyroid disease. It is also important to note that Orlistat is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common prescription-only diet pill ingredients include:
- Orlistat (Xenical)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan)
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2)
- Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast)
Some common OTC diet pill ingredients include:
- Ephedra
- Ephedrine
- Caffeine
- Thyroid hormone
- Diuretics
- Digitalis
- Laxatives
- Barbiturates
The effects of diet pills vary depending on the ingredients. Prescription diet pills are generally appetite suppressants, helping individuals feel less hungry or full faster. OTC diet pills often contain stimulants, which can increase alertness and energy levels. However, it is important to note that both prescription and OTC diet pills can have side effects and should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
