Milly Gaines
Diet pills, also known as weight-loss pills, are medications that can help people lose unwanted body weight. They are a convenient option for those who want to avoid needles. The best diet pill is one that helps you lose about 5% to 10% of your body weight with few side effects. Prescription appetite suppressants are one type of diet pill that can aid weight loss by lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster. These pills are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet and exercise. There are many different types of diet pills, and it's important to consult a healthcare professional to determine which one is right for you.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Weight-loss pills are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet and routine exercise. |
| Results | The amount of time needed to see results varies from person to person. Typically, people can lose up to 3% to 12% of their body weight while taking weight-loss medication. |
| Side effects | Side effects of weight-loss pills can include an allergic reaction, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney damage, and an irregular heartbeat. |
| Addiction | Some weight-loss pills contain controlled substances and have the potential for addiction or abuse. |
| Prescription | Prescription weight-loss pills are available, but they are typically intended for short-term use. |
| Over-the-counter | Some weight-loss pills are available over the counter, but these may interact with medications or cause health problems. |
| Injection | Some weight-loss medications are administered as injections rather than pills. |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants. Prescription appetite suppressants can be for long-term or short-term use. The FDA has approved the following prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use: Liraglutide (Saxenda), an injection medication; Semaglutide (Wegovy), an 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, including Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), and Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast, and others). These short-term appetite suppressants are controlled substances, meaning they have addiction potential and can be dangerous if misused.
Some OTC appetite suppressants may interact with medications or cause health problems, so it is important to check with a healthcare provider before using them. While certain types of appetite suppressants can only be prescribed by a doctor, many are available over the counter. Some examples of OTC appetite suppressants include Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), which is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid naturally found in foods like dairy and beef; bitter orange supplements, which are believed to increase the basal metabolic rate and stimulate fat breakdown; Garcinia cambogia pills, which contain hydroxycitric acid (HCA) and may reduce appetite by increasing serotonin levels in the brain; and glucomannan, a type of soluble fibre derived from the edible roots of the konjac plant.
It is important to note that appetite suppressants don't work on their own. They are most beneficial for weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity. Additionally, while some supplements claim to be appetite suppressants, they have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA.
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Prescription weight-loss pills
An effective diet pill is one that helps you lose about 5% to 10% of your initial body weight with few or tolerable side effects. Weight-loss pills are a convenient needle-free option for people who need help losing unwanted body weight. Prescription weight-loss pills are typically recommended for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or more if the person has weight-related health issues.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®): This is an under-the-skin (subcutaneous) injection medication.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®): This is also an under-the-skin injection medication.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®): This is a pill that combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to affect the pleasure-reward areas of the brain and decrease cravings and appetite.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®): This is a pill that can also be combined with phentermine to decrease appetite and cravings.
Other prescription weight-loss pills work by making it harder for your body to absorb fat from the food you eat. An example of this type of pill is Orlistat (Xenical), a brand-name prescription weight-loss pill that adults can take three times per day with meals. In initial studies, Orlistat helped up to 55% of adults lose 5% or more of their body weight after one year.
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Over-the-counter diet pills
When it comes to effective diet pills, there are prescription pills and over-the-counter options. Prescription appetite suppressants can aid weight loss for people who are obese by reducing appetite or increasing feelings of fullness. These pills are most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
Another weight-loss aid that was cleared by the FDA is Plenity. It is a medical device containing cellulose and citric acid, taken as three pills twice daily. It expands in the stomach and small intestine to promote feelings of fullness. However, one downside is the relatively high number of pills needed each day, and it is no longer available for purchase.
When choosing a diet pill, it is essential to consider potential side effects and interactions with other medications. For example, Phentermine, available as a capsule or tablet, can cause headaches, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, irregular heart rate, and tremors. It is also a controlled substance with potential health risks and should be avoided by those with a history of substance misuse.
The best diet pill will help you lose weight with minimal side effects and at a reasonable cost. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking any diet pill to ensure it is safe and suitable for your needs.
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Side effects
Diet pills, or weight-loss pills, are a convenient needle-free option for people who need help losing unwanted body weight. Prescription appetite suppressants can help with weight loss for people who are obese. They work to lessen your appetite or make you feel full faster. However, they are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet and routine exercise.
There are a variety of diet pills available, and each person will react differently to them. Some common side effects of diet pills include:
- Headaches
- Overstimulation
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- Tremors
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Kidney problems or failure
- Gallbladder problems
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia
- Thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer
Some diet pills may also interact with medications or cause health problems. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any diet pills to understand the potential side effects and risks involved.
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Natural alternatives
Diet pills are a convenient needle-free option for people looking to lose weight. However, they are not a magic bullet, and the best pill for you is one that helps you lose weight with minimal side effects and at a reasonable cost.
- Fenugreek
- Green tea
- Yerba mate
However, there is little evidence that natural supplements aid weight loss. While some herbs and supplements may help you lose a small amount of weight in the short term, they are not a long-term solution and may even be harmful.
Natural appetite suppressants, or "hunger suppressant pills", are not supported by scientific evidence. Guar gum, for example, has been associated with dangerous side effects, including oesophageal and small bowel obstruction. Garcinia cambogia has been linked to liver failure.
Instead of relying on natural alternatives to diet pills, a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended. This includes increasing your protein intake, reducing refined carbohydrates, and avoiding unnecessary liquid calories.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many prescription weight loss pills available, but what is effective for one person may not be for another. The best weight-loss pill is one that helps you lose about 5% to 10% of your body weight with few or tolerable side effects. Some examples of prescription weight loss pills include:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
- Orlistat (Xenical)
- Qsymia
- Wegovy
- Phentermine
Side effects vary depending on the pill. Some less common but more serious side effects include allergic reactions, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney damage. Other side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, rapid or irregular heart rate, and tremors.
The amount of time needed to see results varies from person to person. Some medications are designed for short-term use, typically up to 12 weeks, while others are for long-term use.
