Jeffrey Salazar
Weight loss pills are a convenient option for people who need help losing weight. Prescription appetite suppressants can help with weight loss for people with obesity. These pills work by lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster. They are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet and routine exercise. It's important to note that these pills don't work on their own and should be accompanied by a reduced-calorie eating plan and physical activity. Healthcare providers recommend these pills for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. While these pills can aid in weight loss, they are not a quick fix, and it typically takes time to see results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Appetite suppressants, prescription medications, weight management medications |
| How they work | Lessening appetite, making you feel full faster, reducing absorption of fat |
| Effectiveness | 3% to 12% of body weight lost, 5% loss in 12 weeks is a threshold, 5-10% loss may improve health |
| Timeline | Varies from person to person, full benefits take time |
| Best for | People with obesity (BMI over 30), sometimes with a lower BMI but other health issues |
| Side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, headache, abnormal sensations, dizziness, etc. |
| Addiction | Potential for addiction and misuse, should be used as prescribed |
| Combinations | Often combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
There are both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants available. Prescription appetite suppressants can be for long-term or short-term use, and should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity for optimal results. Some examples of prescription appetite suppressants include:
- 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®)
It is important to note that some appetite suppressants are controlled substances with addiction potential and can be dangerous if not used as intended. Additionally, they may have side effects and risks, so it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if they are right for you.
While certain types of appetite suppressants require a prescription, many are also available over the counter. However, it is important to note that no over-the-counter appetite-suppressing drugs have been approved by the FDA. Some examples of over-the-counter appetite suppressants include:
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Found naturally in foods like dairy and beef, CLA is also sold as a concentrated weight loss supplement. While it has been shown to affect appetite-regulating genes and hormones in animal studies, its effectiveness in reducing appetite in humans is not yet proven.
- Bitter orange supplements: These supplements are believed to increase basal metabolic rate and stimulate fat breakdown, but their effect on weight loss is inconclusive.
- Garcinia cambogia pills: Derived from the Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit, these pills contain hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may reduce appetite by increasing serotonin levels and reducing carbohydrate metabolism. While some studies have shown positive results, others have found little to no effect on appetite or weight loss.
- Glucomannan: A type of soluble fiber derived from the konjac plant, glucomannan can absorb up to 50 times its weight in water. It is used to increase fullness and reduce appetite, but studies on its impact on weight loss have provided inconsistent findings.
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Prescription medications
Prescription appetite suppressants include:
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan)
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2)
- Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave)
- Orlistat (Xenical)
These prescription medications are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet and routine exercise. It is important to note that prescription medications for weight loss do not work on their own and are not suitable for everyone.
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Weight loss pills
Appetite suppressants work by affecting the body's and brain's experience of appetite and hunger, making individuals feel less hungry or fuller faster after consuming smaller amounts of food. This can lead to a reduction in calorie intake and subsequent weight loss. Prescription appetite suppressants include medications such as phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), and phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast, etc.). These short-term appetite suppressants are controlled substances and should be used with caution due to their potential for addiction.
Other weight loss pills work by reducing the absorption of fat in the body. Orlistat (Xenical) is a prescription weight-loss pill that adults can take up to three times a day with meals. It helps individuals absorb less fat from their meals and can also reduce the risk of regaining weight after initial weight loss. In studies, orlistat helped up to 55% of adults lose 5% or more of their body weight after one year, with up to 25% losing at least 10%. However, it may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as oily discharge from the rectum, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence.
It is important to note that weight loss pills are not a quick fix and should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity. They are most effective when combined with these behavioural modifications, and healthcare providers recommend them only when modified eating plans and increased exercise have not achieved the desired weight loss. Additionally, weight loss pills may have side effects, and it is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
One example of a combination weight-loss pill is Contrave, which contains bupropion (an antidepressant) and naltrexone (an opioid antagonist). This pill helps reduce appetite and cravings and is taken orally, with a gradual increase in dosage during the first month. In clinical trials, 40% of participants who took Contrave lost at least 5% of their body weight, and 20% lost at least 10%.
In conclusion, weight loss pills can be an effective tool for individuals struggling with weight loss, but they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes.
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Lifestyle changes
While appetite suppressants can help with weight loss, they are only recommended for people with obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, over 30). Healthcare providers recommend them when modified eating plans and increased exercise alone haven't helped with weight loss. These medications work best when combined with regular physical activity and a reduced-calorie eating plan.
If you are looking to lose weight, consider making the following lifestyle changes:
Nutrition
Making small changes to what you eat and drink can help with weight loss. Try to eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day. Read food labels and choose products with more green colour coding, which are often healthier options. Swap sugary drinks for water—add slices of lemon or lime for flavour if you don't like the taste of plain water.
Physical Activity
Try to get active for at least 150 minutes a week. You can break this up into shorter sessions. Find physical activities that you enjoy and can stick to in the long term. This could be walking, swimming, tennis, group exercise classes, or instructor-led workouts like dance or yoga.
Sleep
Make sure you are getting enough sleep. The amount of sleep you need changes as you age.
Stress Management
Find healthy ways to reduce your stress.
Support
Share your weight loss plan with someone you trust. They can help motivate you when you have a bad day. Identify family members or friends who will support your weight loss efforts. Coworkers or neighbours with similar goals can share healthy recipes and plan group physical activities.
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Side effects
Weight loss pills can have a variety of side effects, and it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication. Some side effects are mild and temporary, while others can be severe or even life-threatening. Here are some of the potential side effects of weight loss pills:
Appetite Suppressants
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants can help reduce hunger or make you feel full faster, aiding in weight loss. However, they come with side effects and risks. Some OTC appetite suppressants may interact with medications or cause health problems. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking these supplements. Prescription appetite suppressants approved by the FDA for long-term use include Liraglutide (Saxenda®), Semaglutide (Wegovy®), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®), and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®). Short-term appetite suppressants like Benzphetamine, Diethylpropion, Phendimetrazine, and Phentermine have addiction potential and can be dangerous if misused.
Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
Orlistat is a prescription weight-loss pill that can be taken by adults up to three times a day with meals. It helps reduce fat absorption from meals. Side effects may include mild and temporary gastrointestinal issues, which can be reduced by taking a fiber-containing supplement. Rare cases of severe liver injury have been reported, but the connection to Orlistat is unclear. Orlistat can also interfere with vitamin absorption, so it is recommended to take a multivitamin at least two hours before or after taking it.
Contrave (Naltrexone-Bupropion)
Contrave is a combination medication that includes an antidepressant (bupropion) and an opioid antagonist (naltrexone) to reduce appetite and cravings. It has been associated with rare but serious side effects, including allergic reactions, seizures, liver damage, increased blood pressure or heart rate, and vision problems. Contrave also carries a boxed warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, as well as serious neuropsychiatric issues linked to bupropion. It should not be taken with high-fat meals or alcohol, as this increases the risk of seizures.
Qsymia (Phentermine-Topiramate)
Qsymia is a combination medication that includes phentermine, similar to amphetamines, and topiramate, an antiseizure medication. It works by reducing appetite and is usually taken once daily in the morning due to its potential to cause insomnia. Qsymia has been shown to help about 70% of adults lose at least 5% of their body weight after one year, with close to 50% losing at least 10%.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Saxenda is an injection medication that has been shown to be effective for weight loss in people without diabetes. Common side effects may include abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. It has also been associated with rare but serious side effects, including allergic reactions, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney damage. Saxenda can interfere with oral birth control, so it is recommended to take birth control pills at least an hour before Saxenda injections.
Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
Zepbound is another prescription medication for weight loss. Common side effects may include an increased risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), especially in those with a personal or family history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). It is not recommended to take Zepbound with Synthroid due to potential interactions.
General Side Effects of Quick Weight Loss
Additionally, it is important to note that rapid weight loss can lead to physical changes such as loose skin and changes in facial features, which may be undesirable. Furthermore, experts caution that in some cases, the side effects of prescription weight management medications may outweigh the benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment option for weight loss, considering potential side effects and interactions with other medications or supplements.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills, also known as weight-loss pills, are a convenient needle-free option for people who need help losing unwanted body weight.
Diet pills operate on their own timeline and the amount of time that’s needed to see results varies from person to person. Some pills suppress appetite and cravings, while others make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods you eat.
Some examples of FDA-approved diet pills include Orlistat (Xenical), Liraglutide (Saxenda), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), Semaglutide (Wegovy), and Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE).
Diet pills are typically recommended for people with obesity, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Healthcare providers may also recommend diet pills for people with a BMI greater than 27 who have other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
