Brenda Khan
Diet pills, also known as weight-loss medications or appetite suppressants, are drugs designed to help people lose weight. They can be administered orally or via injection, and work by reducing appetite, blocking the absorption of dietary fats, or increasing metabolism. Some common diet pills include Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that comes in a capsule, and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®), a pill and FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressant. It's important to note that diet pills are intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, and some may have side effects or interference with other medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Form | Diet pills can come in the form of capsules, injections, or subcutaneous injections. |
| Imprint | Diet pills are required by the FDA to have an imprint code. |
| Colour | Diet pills can be different colours. |
| Shape | Diet pills can be different shapes, including oval and circular. |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
Prescription appetite suppressants can be for long-term or short-term use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use, including Liraglutide (Saxenda), an under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injection medication; Semaglutide (Wegovy), an under-the-skin injection medication; Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), a pill; and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), a pill. Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants are for short-term use only, typically up to 12 weeks (three months), including Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), and Phentermine (Adipex-P, Pro-Fast, and others).
There are also over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants available, but it's important to check with a healthcare provider before using them as they may interact with medications or cause health problems. Garcinia cambogia, bitter orange, and Hoodia gordonii are some popular OTC appetite suppressants. However, it's important to note that very few dietary supplements have sufficient evidence to suggest their effectiveness in reducing appetite.
It's always recommended to consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement or weight-loss medication, especially for individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, or other medical conditions.
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Prescription vs. over-the-counter
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity (BMI over 30). They affect how the body and brain experience appetite and hunger, making people feel less hungry or full faster after eating less food.
Prescription diet pills are available for people with obesity or a BMI greater than 27 with related health problems such as high cholesterol, heart disease, or Type 2 diabetes. Healthcare providers recommend prescription appetite suppressants for people with obesity when modified eating plans and increased exercise alone have not helped with weight loss. 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 medications are typically approved for short-term use, up to 12 weeks, due to their potential for addiction and side effects. Some people may experience severe side effects from these medications, and they are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any prescription medication for weight loss to discuss the potential risks and benefits.
Over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants are also available. One example is Alli, which can support weight loss in adults alongside a low-fat, low-calorie diet. However, the effects of OTC appetite suppressants are generally less than those of prescription medications.
While prescription and OTC appetite suppressants can aid in weight loss, it is important to note that they should not be taken solely to improve one's physical appearance. A holistic approach that combines medication with lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet and routine exercise, is recommended for the best chances of success in achieving a healthy weight.
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Weight-loss injections
Weight loss injections are a relatively new development in the field of weight loss and obesity treatment. The latest weight loss injections offer improved effectiveness and convenience over older-generation injectables, requiring only weekly injections instead of daily ones.
There are currently a few approved weight loss injections available, including semaglutide (Wegovy or Ozempic, the latter being used for diabetes), tirzepatide (Zepbound or Mounjaro for diabetes), and liraglutide (Saxenda or Victoza for diabetes). These medications are designed to help reduce excess body weight and maintain weight loss in adults and children aged 12 and older with obesity or overweight individuals with weight-related medical issues. They are typically prescribed in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
One of the key advantages of weight loss injections is their potential for significant weight loss. For example, Zepbound has been associated with weight loss of up to 20%-22% of a patient's excess body weight, comparable to the results of bariatric surgery but with a less invasive approach. However, it's important to note that these injectable medications can also cause side effects such as nausea, reflux, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea, affecting about 10%-20% of patients.
While weight loss injections show promise, doctors and scientists believe there is still room for improvement in developing more effective weight loss treatments. Additionally, cost and side effects are current challenges for patients considering weight loss injections. However, as these medications are relatively new to the market, it is expected that manufacturing increases will lead to more affordable prices over time.
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Common side effects
Diet pills are often marketed as a quick fix for weight loss, but they can have several side effects, and in some cases, they have been linked to serious health issues and even deaths. Diet pills can contain DNP, which has been associated with dangerous side effects and deaths. DNP pills are illegal, but they are sometimes sold alongside legal weight-loss drugs, making it challenging to distinguish between the two.
Stomach Issues
Stomach side effects are common with prescription weight loss drugs. These may include nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are usually mild and temporary, and they tend to subside as the body adjusts to the medication.
Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Stimulant-type diet pills, such as phentermine, can lead to increased blood pressure and a rapid heart rate. These types of medications are typically recommended for short-term use due to the risk of dependence and other side effects.
Mental Health Concerns
Diet pills can cause mood changes, such as depression or anxiety, and cognitive alterations like agitation, delirium, or psychosis. Additionally, there is a risk of developing an eating disorder, as diet pills can foster an unhealthy focus on body image, weight, and food consumption. People with existing eating disorders are at a heightened risk of medical complications and may use diet pills as a form of purging.
Drug Dependence and Withdrawal
Certain types of diet pills can lead to drug dependence and subsequent withdrawal symptoms. This is particularly true for stimulant-type medications, which can also cause restlessness.
Headaches and Dizziness
Diet pills that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, such as bupropion and naltrexone, have been linked to headaches, dry mouth, and dizziness.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any diet pills, as they can interact with other medications and cause additional adverse effects. These pills should not be considered a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise, which are essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being.
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Effectiveness
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 affecting how your body and brain experience appetite and hunger. Some common diet pills include:
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®)
- Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®)
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®)
- Phentermine (Adipex-P®, Pro-Fast® and others)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Orlistat
These pills are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity. They can help with hunger, cravings, and metabolic preservation. Some are designed for short-term use, while others are for long-term use.
The effectiveness of diet pills varies from person to person. On average, people taking weight loss drugs can lose about 12% of body mass, with some losing about 5% of their body weight. However, it's important to note that these medications can also cause side effects, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue, and, in a small percentage of cases, a diabetes eye complication called retinopathy.
In addition, some weight-loss medications are administered as injections rather than pills, such as Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs are approved for use in adults and children aged 12 years or more with obesity or some adults with excess weight and weight-related medical problems. They work by reducing appetite and are meant to be used in combination with diet and exercise to lose weight.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills can come in many shapes and sizes. They are often capsules or tablets. All prescription and over-the-counter drugs in the U.S. are required by the FDA to have an imprint code. If your pill has no imprint, it could be a vitamin, diet pill, herbal pill, or energy pill.
Some FDA-approved prescription diet pills are intended for short-term use, such as Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®) and Diethylpropion (Tenuate®). Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®) is another example of a diet pill.
Diet pills are appetite suppressants that can help with weight loss. They work by lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster. They are intended to be used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
Diet pills can have side effects and may be addictive. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any diet pills to ensure they are safe for you.
Yes, there are other weight loss medications that are administered as injections, such as Ozempic and Wegovy. There are also surgical options for weight loss.
