Leena Watts
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 blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides that affect how the body and brain experience appetite and hunger. Some diet pills are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from a healthcare provider. Prescription appetite suppressants can have side effects and risks and should be used alongside a healthy eating plan and exercise for the best results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To suppress appetite and aid weight loss |
| Target Users | People with obesity (BMI over 30) or those with a BMI of 27 and weight-related health problems |
| Types | Prescription and Over-the-Counter (OTC) |
| Forms | Pills, injections, and skin patches |
| Active Ingredients | Liraglutide, Semaglutide, Naltrexone-bupropion, Phentermine-topiramate, Benzphetamine, Diethylpropion, Phendimetrazine, Phentermine, Tirzepatide, Orlistat |
| Side Effects | Nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea, and interference with hormonal birth control |
| Effectiveness | Varies by medication and individual, but some people may lose 5-10% of body weight |
| Precautions | Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially for potential interactions with medications or health conditions |
| Availability | Obtainable through prescription from a healthcare provider or, in some cases, from a licensed pharmacy |
| Administration | Orally or subcutaneously, with varying dosages and frequencies |
| Lifestyle Factors | Diet pills work best alongside a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants. Prescription appetite suppressants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They include:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan)
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2, Bontril)
- Phentermine (Dipex-P, Adipex-P, Fastin, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Sibutramine (Meridia)
Prescription appetite suppressants are typically taken alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may be crucial to a weight-loss strategy, and people who use them as part of their lifestyle regimen can lose up to nine per cent more body weight than those who do not.
Over-the-counter appetite suppressants include:
- Garcinia Cambogia
- Bitter orange
- Hoodia gordonii
- Acacia fibre
- Guar gum
- Chromium picolinate
These supplements are marketed to promote weight loss by reducing appetite, but few have sufficient evidence to suggest effectiveness in reducing appetite. Some may also cause adverse side effects, such as headaches, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort.
It's important to note that appetite suppressants don't work on their own. They are most beneficial when combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity. They also have risks, including misuse or overuse, and serious side effects. If you are considering taking an appetite suppressant, it is important to consult your doctor first.
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Hormones, neurotransmitters and peptides
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity. They work by lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster after eating less food. Prescription appetite suppressants can block or increase specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides.
Hormones
Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in the body. Some hormones that play a role in appetite include ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and cortisol. By blocking or increasing these hormones, appetite suppressants can affect how the body experiences hunger and fullness.
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters carry signals from one neuron (nerve cell) to the next target cell. Neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine play a role in appetite. Diet pills that affect neurotransmitters can trigger the release of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which creates a feeling of pleasure or reward. However, it is important to note that the use of these diet pills can lead to a depletion of neurotransmitters, causing individuals to require higher doses to achieve the same effects, which can lead to addiction.
Peptides
Peptides are chains of amino acids, similar to small proteins. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a peptide that is involved in appetite regulation. Some peptides may have benefits for weight loss, but it is important to use them only with a doctor's prescription as they may contain harmful ingredients or cause side effects. The best peptides for weight loss are those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as semaglutide (Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda), and tirzepatide (Zepbound).
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FDA-approved medications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several weight management medications. These medications are intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any of these medications.
One FDA-approved medication is liraglutide (Saxenda), which is administered via subcutaneous injection. Liraglutide works by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides that affect appetite and hunger. It is approved for long-term use.
Another FDA-approved medication is naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), which combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant. This medication decreases cravings and appetite by affecting the pleasure-reward areas of the brain. It is typically taken as a pill and is approved for long-term use.
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) is also an FDA-approved medication for weight loss. It is a combination of two drugs that work together to help with weight loss. This medication is approved for adults and children ages 12 and older and is typically taken as a pill.
Zepbound, or tirzepatide, is another medication approved by the FDA for obesity treatment in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater. It is injected subcutaneously and works by regulating hormones in the brain, digestive system, and adipose tissue to suppress appetite and cravings.
It is important to note that these medications may have side effects and are not suitable for everyone. They should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, who can help determine if they are right for an individual's specific needs and health profile.
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Weight-loss pills vs injections
Weight loss pills and injections are two forms of medication used to help people lose weight. They can work in a variety of ways, such as suppressing appetite, slowing digestion, or sending signals to the brain that one is full. Weight loss medications can be a very effective part of an overall weight-loss strategy that includes a healthy diet and exercise.
The main benefits of weight loss pills are affordability, a variety of medications, and the fact that they do not require the use of needles. However, pills may need to be taken daily, and there are often rules for timing the dose around food that need to be followed. They may also be more likely to cause stomach-related side effects, such as nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
On the other hand, injectable medications may be more effective than pills. They are typically only taken once per week, which may be an easier schedule to stick to. However, injections obviously require the use of needles, which can be a source of anxiety for some people. Additionally, there can be injection site reactions, such as swelling and pain, and injections tend to be significantly more expensive than most weight loss pills.
Semaglutide is one of the most popular injectable weight loss medications. It has been shown to be highly effective in various studies, and its once-a-week dosing makes it attractive to many. It is also available in oral tablet form, which has been found to be equally effective or more effective than the injectable version. Other injectable forms of semaglutide include Ozempic and Wegovy, while Rybelsus is an oral tablet.
Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use include Liraglutide (Saxenda), an under-the-skin injection medication, and Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), a pill. Short-term prescription appetite suppressants include Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), and Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast, and others).
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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 affecting how the body and brain experience appetite and hunger, making people feel less hungry or full faster after eating less food.
While prescription appetite suppressants can help with weight loss, they are associated with several side effects and risks. Each type of appetite suppressant works differently and has its own set of side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any diet pills to understand the potential risks and ensure they are safe for you.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Oily spotting or discharge
- Increased defecation
- Fecal incontinence
- Sleepiness
- Allergic reactions
- Burping
- Hair loss
- Acid reflux
Serious Side Effects
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia or arrhythmia)
- Mood changes, such as depression or anxiety
- Cognitive (mental) changes like agitation, delirium, or psychosis
- Drug dependence, abuse, and withdrawal symptoms
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Stomach problems
- Kidney problems or failure
- Gallbladder problems
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia
- Thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer
It is important to note that the side effects of diet pills can vary depending on the specific medication and the individual taking them. Some people may experience additional or different side effects not listed here. Furthermore, the long-term effects of many diet pills may not be well understood, as formulas are constantly changing, and new products are always entering the market. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and well-informed before taking any diet pills.
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Frequently asked questions
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 blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, and/or peptides to lessen your appetite or make you feel full faster.
There are many types of diet pills, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) options. Prescription appetite suppressants approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include Liraglutide (Saxenda®), Semaglutide (Wegovy®), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®), and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®). Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants like Benzphetamine (Didrex®), Diethylpropion (Tenuate®), and Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®) are for short-term use only.
The active ingredients in diet pills can vary depending on the specific medication. Some common active ingredients include Liraglutide, Semaglutide, Naltrexone-bupropion, and Phentermine-topiramate. These medications work by targeting hormones, neurotransmitters, or peptides that influence appetite and hunger.
