Leena Watts
Diet pills, also known as weight-loss medications or appetite suppressants, can be an effective tool for managing weight when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. These pills are typically prescribed to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 with weight-related health issues. It is important to note that these medications should only be taken under medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Short-term use of prescription appetite suppressants may carry more risks, including addiction, and require careful consideration of the benefits and risks. Weight-loss medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding and should be avoided by those with a history of seizures or opioid use. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan, which may include lifestyle adjustments, medications, or a combination of both.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to take diet pills | When combined with lifestyle and behavior changes, including healthy eating and increased physical activity |
| Who should take diet pills | People with obesity or a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater if the person has weight-related health conditions |
| Who should not take diet pills | Pregnant or planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, history of seizure disorder, taking opioids for chronic pain, substance use disorder (SUD) or a family history of SUD |
| How to take diet pills | Orally or as subcutaneous injections |
| Dosage | Start with a daily dose of one 8/90 mg tablet and gradually increase to four tablets a day |
| Side effects | Nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea, severe side effects and addiction potential |
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What You'll Learn
Appetite suppressants: reduce hunger and cravings
Appetite suppressants are a type of weight-loss medication (sometimes called diet pills) for people with obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, over 30). They work by blocking or increasing specific hormones, neurotransmitters and/or peptides, which affect how your body and brain experience appetite and hunger.
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. Long-term prescription appetite suppressants are generally safe if you take them as prescribed. However, short-term prescription appetite suppressants require more caution due to possible severe side effects and addiction potential. Some appetite suppressants can interact with medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. They can also worsen certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, mood disorders and glaucoma.
The FDA has approved several appetite-suppressing medications that can be taken for a long time to manage weight. These include Semaglutide (Wegovy), which comes as a self-administered injection once a week. It works by mimicking a hormone naturally made in your gut, which helps control hunger signals in your brain and can slow down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, so you feel fuller for longer. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is another weekly injection that works in a similar way.
Over-the-counter appetite suppressants or weight-loss supplements may contain stimulants such as ephedra, ephedrine or caffeine, which have been linked to reports of heart attack, seizure, stroke and death. Some natural appetite suppressants include green tea extracts, which contain substances called catechins that might have some effect on appetite and fat burning. However, while drinking green tea is quite safe, it's not clear that taking concentrated extracts in pills is safe. Saffron extract is generally well tolerated but may cause side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety, nausea and headaches in some people. Guar gum, a type of fibre, suppresses appetite by slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness. Chromium picolinate, a highly absorbable form of chromium, helps reduce appetite and cravings by impacting neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood and eating behaviour.
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Side effects: nausea, constipation, headache, and insomnia
Weight-loss medications can cause several side effects, and it is important to be aware of these before taking any new medication. Nausea, constipation, headache, and insomnia are all possible side effects of diet pills. Nausea is a common side effect of weight-loss medications, affecting around 44% of people taking semaglutide. It is also a known side effect of other diet pills, such as liraglutide, naltrexone-bupropion, and tirzepatide. Constipation is another potential side effect of diet pills, including orlistat (Alli), liraglutide, and semaglutide. Headaches have been linked to diet pills that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, such as bupropion and naltrexone (Contrave). Additionally, stimulant-type drugs like phentermine (Adipex-P) can lead to insomnia, along with other side effects such as increased blood pressure, fast heart rate, and restlessness.
It is important to note that the side effects of weight-loss medications can vary depending on the specific drug and the individual taking it. Some people may experience more severe side effects than others. If you are considering taking weight-loss medication, it is essential to speak to your healthcare provider and carefully review the potential side effects of the specific medication you are prescribed. Additionally, it is important to remember that weight-loss medications should be used in conjunction with a healthy eating and physical activity program, and not as a standalone solution.
Some weight-loss medications, particularly short-term prescription appetite suppressants, may have more severe side effects and a higher risk of addiction. These medications should be used with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is also important to disclose any other medications or supplements you are taking to your healthcare provider, as weight-loss medications may interact with other drugs. Some weight-loss medications have been linked to reports of heart attack, seizure, stroke, and death. Therefore, it is crucial to be well-informed about the potential risks and side effects before taking any diet pills.
While nausea, constipation, headache, and insomnia are relatively common side effects of diet pills, they may subside within a few weeks or after reaching a maintenance dose. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it is important to consult your healthcare provider to determine whether you should adjust or discontinue the medication. The benefits and risks of weight-loss medications can vary for each individual, so it is important to make an informed decision in consultation with a healthcare professional.
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Safety: not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
While diet pills can be effective in suppressing appetite and aiding weight loss, they are not without risks and side effects. Diet pills are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential harm to the fetus and interference with hormonal birth control.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are times when a woman's body undergoes significant physiological changes to support the growth and development of the fetus or infant. Taking diet pills during these periods can pose risks to both the mother and the child. During pregnancy, the fetus is highly sensitive to the mother's internal environment, and any substances ingested by the mother can potentially cross the placental barrier and affect the fetus. As such, it is generally advised that pregnant women avoid taking any medications or supplements that are not essential for their health or the health of the fetus.
Diet pills, in particular, may contain stimulants or other ingredients that could interfere with the normal development of the fetus or increase the risk of birth defects. Additionally, some diet pills may interact with hormonal birth control methods, reducing their effectiveness and potentially leading to unintended pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to avoid taking diet pills unless specifically advised to do so by a healthcare professional.
Breastfeeding is another critical period when it comes to infant health and development. During breastfeeding, the mother's milk becomes the primary source of nutrition for the infant. Any substances ingested by the mother, including diet pills, can be passed on to the infant through breast milk. As such, it is generally recommended that breastfeeding women avoid taking any medications or supplements that could potentially be harmful to the infant.
Furthermore, diet pills may contain ingredients that could interfere with the quality or quantity of breast milk production, impacting the infant's nutrition and growth. Additionally, some ingredients in diet pills may be transmitted to the infant through breast milk and may have unknown effects on their developing bodies. Therefore, it is generally advised that breastfeeding women consult with a healthcare professional before taking any diet pills or weight-loss supplements to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the child.
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Effectiveness: works best with a healthy diet and exercise
Diet pills, also known as weight-loss medications, are designed to help people lose weight. However, they are not a magic bullet, and the best results are achieved when they are combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Prescription weight-loss medications can be effective for people struggling with obesity, especially when used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity. These medications work by suppressing appetite, making individuals feel fuller faster, or reducing their appetite altogether. While some people may lose weight through diet and exercise alone, others may require the additional support that prescription medications can offer.
Research has shown that adults who incorporate prescription medications as part of a lifestyle program that includes healthy eating and exercise lose 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight in one year than those who do not take medication. Additionally, losing 5% to 10% of one's starting body weight can lead to significant health improvements, including lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels.
It is important to note that not all diet pills are created equal, and some over-the-counter supplements can have dangerous side effects. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking any weight-loss medication to ensure it is safe and suitable for your individual needs. Furthermore, weight-loss medications are not recommended for pregnant women, teenagers, or children. By combining prescription medications with a healthy diet and exercise, individuals can increase their chances of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
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Prescription: discuss with your healthcare provider first
If you are considering taking diet pills, it is important to discuss this first with your healthcare provider. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your personal circumstances and explain the benefits and risks of each medication.
Your healthcare provider will consider your current health issues, other medications you are taking, and your family medical history. For example, if you have a history of substance use disorder (SUD) or a family history of SUD, you should inform your healthcare provider before starting any new medication. They will also be able to advise on any side effects and warnings associated with the medication.
Weight-loss medications may have harmful interactions with other medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. They can also interfere with hormonal birth control and are not recommended if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. If you are taking any other medications, including supplements and vitamins, you should inform your healthcare provider.
It is important to note that weight-loss medications are intended to support a healthy eating and physical activity program. They are not a substitute for lifestyle and behavior changes, but rather a tool to help you lose weight and maintain weight loss. Research shows that, on average, adults who take prescription medications as part of a lifestyle program lose 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight after one year compared to those in a lifestyle program who do not take medication.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills, or weight-loss medications, are pills that can help with weight loss. They are typically used alongside a healthy eating plan and exercise. Some diet pills are appetite suppressants, which work to lessen your appetite or make you feel full faster.
Diet pills are typically prescribed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater if the person has weight-related health conditions. It's important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any diet pills, as they can have side effects and may interact with other medications.
Yes, there are several different types of diet pills, including prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) supplements. Some common prescription appetite suppressants include Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), Benzphetamine (Didrex), and Diethylpropion (Tenuate). Some OTC appetite suppressants or weight-loss supplements contain stimulants such as ephedra, ephedrine, or caffeine.
The side effects of taking diet pills can vary depending on the specific medication. Common side effects may include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea. More severe side effects may include interactions with other medications, increased risk of heart attack, seizure, stroke, and thoughts of suicide. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with a healthcare professional before taking any diet pills.
