Brenda Khan
Diet pills, also known as weight-loss medications, are prescribed to treat obesity and help with weight loss. They are typically prescribed by doctors certified in obesity medicine, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners with advanced training in obesity care. These pills work by suppressing appetite, reducing fat absorption, or increasing metabolic rate. While they can be effective, it's important to note that they are usually prescribed alongside lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Additionally, some diet pills may have side effects and interact with other medications, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prescriber | Health care professional, doctor, physician, psychiatrist, dermatologist, plastic surgeon, nurse practitioner, physician assistant |
| Patient | Adults with a BMI of 27 or greater and weight-related health problems, or obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) |
| Medication type | Weight-loss medication, appetite suppressant, prescription drugs, diet pills, injections |
| Medication name | Orlistat (Xenical), liraglutide (Saxenda), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), semaglutide (Wegovy), setmelanotide (IMCIVREE), bupropion (Wellbutrin), tirzepatide (Zepbound), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), benzphetamine (Didrex), diethylpropion (Tenuate), phentermine (Adipex-P, ProFast), phendimetrazine |
| Administration | Orally, subcutaneous injections |
| Side effects | Nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhoea, liver injury, interference with hormonal birth control |
| Precautions | Not suitable for pregnant women, may interact with other medications, potential for addiction, may worsen certain health conditions |
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What You'll Learn
Doctors that prescribe diet pills
Doctors may prescribe diet pills, also known as weight-loss pills or appetite suppressants, to patients who are obese or overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher and have weight-related health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. These medications are intended to be used in conjunction with a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
There are several different types of prescription diet pills, including:
- Orlistat (Xenical): Blocks the absorption of fat in the body, reducing the number of calories absorbed. It is typically taken three times a day with meals containing fat.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): A GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps with weight loss and blood sugar control.
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia): A combination of phentermine, an appetite suppressant, and topiramate, which helps with weight loss by making you feel full and reducing your appetite. Qsymia is typically taken once daily.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): Another GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for use in adults and children aged 12 and older with obesity or excess weight and weight-related medical issues.
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin): An aminoketone that is prescribed to assist in weight loss and treat depression.
It is important to note that these medications may have side effects and should be used under medical supervision. Doctors will consider a patient's overall health, medical history, and treatment goals when determining the most appropriate medication and dosage. Additionally, some weight-loss medications are designed for short-term use, while others are intended for long-term management.
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Appetite suppressants
There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants. Prescription appetite suppressants can be for long-term or short-term use. Long-term prescription appetite suppressants are generally safe if you take them as prescribed. 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 (anxiolytics). Appetite suppressants can also worsen certain health conditions, like high blood pressure, mood disorders, and glaucoma.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use, including:
- Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
- Semaglutide (Wegovy®)
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave®)
- Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia®)
The FDA has also approved short-term appetite suppressants, typically for up to 12 weeks (three months), including:
- Benzphetamine (Didrex®, Regimex®)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate®, Tenuate Dospan®)
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2®)
- Phentermine (Dipex-P®, Atti-Plex P®, Pro-Fast®)
Some OTC appetite suppressants may interact with medications or cause health problems. While certain types of appetite suppressants can only be prescribed by a doctor, many are available over the counter. It's important to check with a healthcare provider before using OTC appetite suppressants.
Some examples of OTC appetite suppressants include:
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): A type of polyunsaturated fatty acid naturally found in foods like dairy and beef. While CLA has been shown to reduce appetite and intake in animal studies, it has not been shown to reduce appetite in humans.
- Bitter orange supplements: These are believed to encourage weight loss by increasing basal metabolic rate and stimulating fat breakdown.
- Garcinia cambogia pills: These contain hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may reduce appetite by increasing serotonin levels in the brain and reducing carbohydrate metabolism.
- Glucomannan: A type of soluble fibre derived from the edible roots of the konjac plant. It can absorb up to 50 times its weight in water, increasing feelings of fullness and reducing appetite.
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Side effects of diet pills
Healthcare professionals may prescribe diet pills or weight management medications to patients who are obese or overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or greater, and who also have weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
Weight management medications work in different ways. Some medications may help you feel less hungry or full sooner. Others may make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the food you eat.
Before taking any medication to treat obesity, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider about the possible risks and benefits. Weight-loss medications may have harmful interactions with other medications you are taking. It is important to discuss any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, or herbal products you take.
Some common side effects of diet pills include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Acid reflux
- Bloating
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea and/or constipation
- Oily discharge from the rectum
- Flatus with discharge
- Increased defecation
- Fecal incontinence
- Constipation
- Upset stomach
- Kidney problems or failure
- Gallbladder problems
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia
Some appetite suppressants can also interact with medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs (anxiolytics). They can also worsen certain health conditions like high blood pressure, mood disorders, and glaucoma.
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FDA-approved medications
If you are struggling with your weight, a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity may help you lose weight and maintain that weight loss. If these lifestyle changes are not enough to help you lose weight, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications as part of your weight-control program. Weight management medications are meant to help people who have health problems related to being overweight or having obesity.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several weight management medications. Four of these medications are approved for children aged 12 and older: orlistat (Xenical), liraglutide (Saxenda), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), and semaglutide (Wegovy). A fifth prescription medication, setmelanotide (IMCIVREE), is approved by the FDA for children as young as 6 years old who have rare genetic disorders causing obesity.
Other FDA-approved medications include:
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound), a medication injected subcutaneously and approved for adults with obesity.
- Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), a combination medication consisting of an antidepressant and an opioid antagonist.
- Benzphetamine (Didrex™), diethylpropion (Tenuate™), phentermine (Adipex-P, ProFast), and phendimetrazine, which are stimulants that suppress appetite.
It is important to note that weight management medications are not for everyone with a high BMI. Before taking any medication to treat obesity, talk with your healthcare provider about the possible risks and benefits, especially if you have medical conditions or are taking other medications. Weight-loss medications may have harmful interactions with other medications.
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Weight loss medication injections
One of the most notable weight loss injections is Wegovy® (semaglutide) 2.4 mg, which is proven to help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with known heart disease and obesity. It is also approved for use in children aged 12 years and older with obesity or some adults with overweight who have weight-related medical problems. Wegovy® should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products or GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines, and its safety and effectiveness in children under 12 years of age are unknown.
Another weight loss injection that has shown promising results is CagriSema (cagrilintide and semaglutide). Phase 2 study results indicate that CagriSema leads to significantly more weight loss than cagrilintide and semaglutide alone. Adults receiving weekly injections of CagriSema lost an average of 15% of their initial body weight after about seven months.
Retatrutide is another injectable medication currently being studied for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes in adults. It is administered under the skin once weekly, and its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, estimates that it may help people lose up to 24% of their initial body weight after about 11 months. Virginia Commonwealth University has also found that retatrutide can help reduce liver fat levels.
While weight loss medication injections offer an effective and less invasive treatment option, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The cost of these medications can be high due to manufacturing shortages and the demand for these drugs. Additionally, side effects such as nausea, reflux, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea have been observed in about 10%-20% of patients. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of weight loss injections with a healthcare professional to determine if this treatment option is suitable for you.
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Frequently asked questions
A provider who specializes in obesity medicine is best equipped to prescribe diet pills. However, any internal medicine provider with whom you can establish a trusted relationship could be a good option for weight management.
Some FDA-approved medications that suppress appetite include tirzepatide (Zepbound), liraglutide (Saxenda), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), benzphetamine (Didrex), diethylpropion (Tenuate), phentermine (Adipex-P, ProFast), and phendimetrazine.
The side effects of taking diet pills include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea. Diet pills may also interfere with hormonal birth control and can worsen certain health conditions like high blood pressure, mood disorders, and glaucoma.
