Leena Watts
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity, usually defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. The main ingredients in these pills vary and include liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, orlistat, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, which are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Other common ingredients include phentermine, topiramate, benzphetamine, diethylpropion, and phendimetrazine. These pills work by reducing appetite and making individuals feel full faster, resulting in reduced calorie intake and weight loss. While these medications can aid weight loss, they are most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredient in diet pills | Appetite suppressants |
| How they work | Reduce appetite, make you feel full faster, or reduce intestinal fat absorption |
| Types | Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) |
| Prescription appetite suppressants approved by the FDA for long-term use | Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) |
| Prescription appetite suppressants approved by the FDA for short-term use | Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast) |
| Weight loss supplements approved by the FDA | Alli (contains Orlistat) |
| Other ingredients in weight loss supplements | Fiber, herbs, minerals |
| Side effects | Headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, rapid or irregular heart rate, tremor, oily discharge, diarrhea, flatulence, bloating |
| Effectiveness | Studies show prescription appetite suppressants help achieve an average weight loss of 5% or more of starting body weight |
| Best results | Combining with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants
Prescription appetite suppressants can be effective for weight loss in people with obesity. They can be recommended for individuals with a BMI greater than 27 who also have obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or joint pain. On average, prescription appetite suppressants help individuals achieve a weight loss of 5% or more of their starting body weight.
It is important to note that appetite suppressants should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie eating plan and regular physical activity for optimal results. Additionally, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills, as they may interact with medications or cause health issues.
Some examples of FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use include Liraglutide (Saxenda®), an injection medication, and Semaglutide (Wegovy®), which is also administered via injection. Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®) and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®) are examples of prescription appetite suppressant pills.
There are also over-the-counter appetite suppressants available, such as Garcinia Cambogia, which is derived from the peel of the Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit and contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA). However, it is important to exercise caution when using dietary supplements, as very few have sufficient evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing appetite.
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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, usually defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. They work by reducing appetite or making you feel full faster, leading to reduced calorie intake and subsequent weight loss. While some diet pills are available over the counter, others require a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Prescription Diet Pills
Prescription diet pills are typically recommended for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher. Healthcare providers may also prescribe them to individuals with a BMI greater than 27 who have obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or joint pain. These pills are generally more effective than over-the-counter options and can help individuals achieve an average weight loss of 5% or more of their starting body weight.
Prescription diet pills work by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters, or peptides, ultimately reducing appetite or increasing feelings of fullness. Examples of prescription diet pills include:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®)
- Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®)
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®)
- Phentermine (Adipex-P, ProFast, Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, etc.)
Prescription diet pills may have more significant side effects and require more caution due to their potential for addiction and interference with other medications. For example, short-term prescription appetite suppressants can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, mood changes, cognitive alterations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Long-term prescription appetite suppressants are generally safer when taken as directed but should still be closely monitored by a healthcare professional.
Over-the-Counter Diet Pills
Over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills are more readily available but may have less robust scientific support for their safety and effectiveness. The only OTC medicine for weight loss currently approved by the FDA is Alli (orlistat). Orlistat reduces intestinal fat absorption by inhibiting the enzyme pancreatic lipase, which breaks down triglycerides in the intestine. This results in the excretion of undigested triglycerides and can lead to reduced calorie absorption. However, it may cause adverse reactions such as oily discharge from the rectum, flatulence with discharge, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using OTC diet pills as they may interact with medications or cause health problems. Additionally, while supplements are available OTC, they are not regulated by the FDA and do not have sufficient studies to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
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Side effects
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are used to aid weight loss by reducing appetite or creating a feeling of fullness after eating less food. While some diet pills are available over the counter, others require a prescription.
The side effects of diet pills vary depending on the specific type and how they are used. Short-term prescription appetite suppressants, for example, are associated with more severe side effects and addiction potential. Here are some common side effects associated with diet pills:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia or arrhythmia)
- Mood changes, including depression or anxiety
- Cognitive changes, such as agitation, delirium, or psychosis
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Hallucinations, confusion, or out-of-control behaviour, especially when mixed with street drugs or caffeine
It is important to note that some diet pills may contain hidden ingredients, such as the suspected carcinogen phenolphthalein, which can cause serious health complications. Additionally, diet pill abuse can be a symptom of underlying issues, such as eating disorders, and can exacerbate these conditions.
Before taking any diet pills, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to assess their suitability and potential interactions with other medications.
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Effectiveness
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication. They are recommended for people with obesity, which is typically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Appetite suppressants can also be prescribed for individuals with a BMI greater than 27 who exhibit obesity-related symptoms, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or joint pain.
The effectiveness of diet pills revolves around their ability to reduce appetite and make individuals feel full faster after consuming smaller portions of food. This leads to a reduced calorie intake, which, in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can result in weight loss. Studies have shown that prescription appetite suppressants can help individuals achieve a weight loss of 5% or more of their starting body weight.
One of the key ingredients in diet pills is phentermine, which is available in capsule or tablet form. Phentermine can also be combined with topiramate to enhance its effectiveness in decreasing appetite and cravings. Adults with migraines and obesity may particularly benefit from this combination. However, it is important to note that side effects of phentermine can include headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, irregular heart rate, and tremors.
Other FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants include liraglutide (Saxenda®), which is administered via subcutaneous injection, and naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®), which is available in pill form. Additionally, orlistat (Xenical) and cetilistat are medications that reduce intestinal fat absorption by inhibiting the enzyme pancreatic lipase. This results in the excretion of undigested triglycerides and can lead to a reduction in body weight. However, it is important to be aware of potential side effects, such as oily bowel movements and steatorrhea.
While diet pills can be effective in promoting weight loss, they are not a standalone solution. They are intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular physical activity for optimal results. Additionally, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking any diet pills, as they may interact with medications or cause health issues.
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History
The history of diet pills is a long and controversial one, with a variety of different ingredients being used over the years in the pursuit of weight loss. The first diet pills became available during the patent medicine era of the late 1800s and were referred to as "fat reducers". These pills were based on thyroid extract, which was believed to increase metabolic rate and promote weight loss. While these pills were considered effective for weight reduction, they also came with a range of side effects, including abnormal heartbeats, increased heart rate, weakness, chest pains, high blood pressure, and even death. Despite the risks, this form of weight control remained available until the 1960s.
In the 1930s, about 100,000 Americans took dinitrophenol (DNP), a chemical that prevented food energy from being turned into fat. DNP emerged as a popular over-the-counter treatment for obesity during this decade. Amphetamines, marketed as Benzedrine, also became popular for weight loss during this time due to their appetite-suppressing effects and increased alertness.
By the 1950s, Obetrol, a combination of amphetamine mixed salts and methamphetamine, was a popular diet pill in America. It was approved by the FDA in 1960 and was marketed for the treatment of exogenous obesity. However, in 1973, the FDA withdrew its approval for Obetrol, citing vague and incomplete research.
The 1960s saw a resurgence in the use of thyroid hormone for weight loss, often in combination with diuretics, laxatives, and amphetamines. This approach eventually fell out of favour due to the risks of toxicity. During this decade, a number of deaths attributed to diet pills triggered a Senate investigation and the gradual implementation of greater restrictions on the market.
In the 1970s, ephedrine in combination with caffeine was used to treat asthma and was eventually prescribed for weight loss. This decade also saw the rise of ""rainbow diet pills", a combination of amphetamines, barbiturates, thyroid extract, diuretics, and laxatives. These pills were prescribed almost at random in special walk-in clinics, giving patients the illusion of personalized medicine. However, the combination of ingredients in rainbow diet pills led to a range of serious side effects, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, addiction, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues.
In 1994, the United States passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, classifying ephedra as an herb that did not require FDA approval. As of 2022, medications such as liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, orlistat, semaglutide, and tirzepatide are approved by the FDA for weight management in combination with reduced-calorie diets and increased physical activity.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single ingredient in diet pills. The main ingredients vary depending on the brand and type of diet pill. Some common medications used for weight loss include Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), Benzphetamine (Didrex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), Phentermine (Dipex-P), Orlistat (Xenical), and Cetilistat.
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication. They work by reducing your appetite or making you feel full faster after eating less food.
The safety of diet pills depends on the specific medication and the individual's health. Some diet pills have been associated with side effects such as oily discharge from the rectum, flatus with discharge, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any diet pills to ensure they are safe for you.
The effectiveness of diet pills can vary. Studies have shown that prescription appetite suppressants can help individuals achieve an average weight loss of 5% or more of their starting body weight. However, it is important to combine them with regular physical activity and a reduced-calorie eating plan for optimal results. Additionally, as of 2022, no medication has been shown to be as effective for long-term weight reduction as bariatric surgery.
