Brenda Khan
Prescription diet pills are medications that can aid weight loss. They are typically used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regime. Healthcare professionals will consider a patient's Body Mass Index (BMI) and health problems related to being overweight when deciding whether to prescribe weight management medication. Prescription diet pills can be administered orally or via injection. They work in different ways, including by reducing the amount of fat absorbed in the gut, suppressing appetite, or making you feel full sooner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prescription appetite suppressants | May be for long-term or short-term use |
| FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use | Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) |
| FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressants for short-term use | Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast) |
| FDA-approved prescription drugs for chronic weight management | Orlistat (Xenical, Alli), Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Tirzepatide (Zepbound), Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE) |
| Prescription weight loss pills | Qsymia, Plenity |
| Prescription weight loss medications | Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 receptor agonists), Mounjaro, Ozempic, Phentermine (Adipex-P) |
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What You'll Learn
Prescription appetite suppressants
There are several prescription appetite suppressants available, including:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): This is an under-the-skin injection medication approved by the FDA for long-term use.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): This is also an under-the-skin injection medication approved by the FDA for long-term use.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave): This is a pill approved by the FDA for long-term use. Bupropion is an antidepressant, and naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. Together, they help with weight loss alongside a low-calorie diet and exercise.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): This is a pill approved by the FDA for long-term use. Topiramate can be combined with phentermine to decrease appetite and cravings.
- Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex): This is a prescription appetite suppressant approved by the FDA for short-term use, typically up to 12 weeks.
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan): This is another FDA-approved prescription appetite suppressant for short-term use.
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli): This medication belongs to a class of drugs called lipase inhibitors and reduces the amount of fat absorbed in the gut. It is typically taken as a 120 mg capsule three times a day with meals containing fat. Alli is an over-the-counter version of orlistat with a lower dose of 60 mg.
- Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE): This medication is indicated for chronic weight management in patients with obesity due to certain rare genetic disorders. It is currently limited to those with specific genetic diagnoses.
While prescription appetite suppressants can be effective, they may also have side effects. For example, phentermine may cause headaches, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, irregular heart rate, and tremors. Orlistat may result in oily discharge from the rectum, flatulence with discharge, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider before starting any medication.
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FDA-approved weight loss drugs
Prescription weight loss drugs are medications that can help with weight loss for people who are obese or overweight with a health problem such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Weight management medications are meant to help people who have health problems related to being overweight or obese. These medications work in different ways, such as by helping people feel less hungry or full sooner, or making it harder for the body to absorb fat from food.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several prescription weight loss drugs for long-term use. These include orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Four of these drugs are approved for adults and children aged 12 and older. Zepbound, for example, is approved for use in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Another FDA-approved drug, setmelanotide (IMCIVREE), is limited to people who have been diagnosed with one of four specific rare genetic disorders, confirmed by genetic testing. This medication can be prescribed for children as young as six years old.
It's important to note that prescription weight loss drugs may have side effects, and they are not suitable for everyone. They should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider, who can help determine if they are safe and appropriate for an individual. Before taking any medication to treat obesity, it is essential to discuss the possible risks and benefits with a healthcare professional.
Additionally, weight loss medications are not the only solution for managing weight. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy eating plan and engaging in regular physical activity, are often recommended as the first line of treatment. These behavioural changes can be effective in promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight in the long term.
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Weight loss pills vs injectables
Weight loss pills and injectables are pharmacological treatments for obesity. Obesity is a complex condition that requires a complex treatment plan. A treatment plan for obesity can comprise multiple forms of treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and/or surgery. Weight management medications are meant to help people who have health problems related to overweight or obesity.
Prescription weight loss medications work in different ways. Some medications may help you feel less hungry or full sooner. Other medications may make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the food you eat. Prescription appetite suppressants can help with weight loss for people who have obesity. They work to lessen your appetite or make you feel full faster.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved six prescription drugs for chronic weight management: orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound). Four of these drugs are approved for adults and children aged 12 and older. Another approved drug, setmelanotide (IMCIVREE), is limited to people with specific rare genetic disorders.
Some weight loss medications are administered orally, and others are given as subcutaneous injections. Some patients who are less comfortable with injections may ask about weight-loss pills. Data released in May 2023 stated that pills and injections are about equally effective. Weight loss drugs can be expensive, and insurance plans often do not cover them for weight loss.
It is important to have an in-depth conversation with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss medication to make sure they are right and safe.
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Side effects and health risks
Prescription diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are medications that can help with weight loss for people with obesity. They work by lessening your appetite or making you feel full faster. While these pills can be effective in managing weight, it is important to be aware of their potential side effects and health risks.
Firstly, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any prescription diet pills, as they can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may experience unpleasant or dangerous side effects such as irregular heartbeat and delirium. Additionally, it is crucial to disclose any other medications, supplements, or vitamins being taken to avoid harmful interactions. Weight-loss medications may also be contraindicated in certain medical conditions, and they are generally not recommended during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy.
The specific side effects vary depending on the type of prescription diet pill. For example, Wegovy, a brand name for semaglutide, has been associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Liraglutide may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase, and renal insufficiency. Orlistat, another prescription diet pill, can cause gastrointestinal side effects as it blocks the absorption of dietary fats, leading to the passage of undigested fat through the body.
Some prescription diet pills, such as Qsymia, which contains phentermine, come with additional health risks due to their controlled substance status. Phentermine is an amphetamine that curbs appetite, and its use needs to be carefully monitored due to the risk of addiction or abuse. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the advice of a healthcare provider when taking prescription diet pills and to be aware of any potential side effects or health risks associated with the specific medication.
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the benefits of prescription diet pills may not always outweigh the risks. Experts have expressed concern that, in some cases, the side effects of these medications may be more detrimental to overall health than the risks associated with being overweight. Additionally, there is a possibility of regaining weight after discontinuing the medication, and long-term use may be necessary to maintain weight loss. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take prescription diet pills.
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Weight loss medication for adolescents
The first step in treating obesity in adolescents is to make lifestyle and dietary changes. This includes focusing on a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, as well as regular exercise. Weight management programs for teens can be very effective, but long-lasting changes can be challenging without additional support. In some cases, weight-loss surgery may be an option for adolescents with severe obesity, but this requires careful consideration and discussion with the teen and their family.
If lifestyle changes are not successful, medication may be considered for adolescents with a higher risk of health problems related to obesity. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that pediatricians offer weight-loss medication to adolescents aged 12 and older with obesity. However, this has been a controversial decision, with some groups expressing concern that it could contribute to an increase in eating disorders among youths. As a result, medication is generally reserved for severe cases of obesity and is usually used alongside lifestyle changes.
There are currently only two medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity in adolescents: phentermine and orlistat. Phentermine is a controlled substance and can be prescribed for adolescents for 12 weeks or less. It acts as an appetite suppressant by increasing catecholamines and serotonin activity in the central nervous system. Common side effects may include increased blood pressure and heart rate. Orlistat is the only medication approved for long-term treatment in adolescents. Other medications, such as Wegovy, Saxenda, and Qsymia, have been used off-label in adolescents but are not specifically approved for this age group.
It is important to note that there is limited data on the long-term effects of weight-loss medications in adolescents, and more research is needed. Healthcare providers should carefully consider the benefits and risks of these medications and monitor their use closely.
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Frequently asked questions
Prescription diet pills are medications that can help with weight loss for people who are overweight or have obesity. They work in different ways, such as by helping you feel less hungry or full sooner, or making it harder for your body to absorb fat from food.
Some examples of prescription diet pills include:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
- Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex)
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
- Setmelanotide (IMCIVREE)
It's important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if prescription diet pills are safe and suitable for you. They will consider factors such as your Body Mass Index (BMI), health goals, personal preferences, and medical history to decide if prescription diet pills are an appropriate treatment option.
Yes, it's important to be aware of potential side effects and risks associated with prescription diet pills. For example, phentermine may cause side effects such as headaches, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, irregular heart rate, and tremors. Additionally, experts are concerned that in some cases, the side effects of prescription diet pills may outweigh the benefits. Therefore, it's crucial to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider to understand the potential risks and benefits before starting any medication.
