Madeleine Hull
Diet pills are a type of weight-loss medication intended for people with obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, over 30). They can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription. Diet pills work by suppressing appetite, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss. However, they often come with side effects, including jitters, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. While these side effects are typically mild and temporary, they may cause discomfort and non-adherence to the medication regimen. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking diet pills and to be cautious of unregulated products sold online or in stores, as these can be dangerous and ineffective.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet pill side effects | Headache, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, abnormal taste, trouble sleeping, paraesthesia, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, difficulty urinating, shortness of breath |
| Diet pill ingredients | Bupropion, naltrexone, phentermine, topiramate, liraglutide, semaglutide |
| Diet pill brand names | Contrave, Qsymia, Saxenda, Wegovy, Zepbound, Didrex, Tenuate, Prelu-2, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast, Glucerna Protein Smart, Premier Protein, Muscle Milk, Fairlife Protein |
| Diet pill advice | Check with a healthcare provider before use, limit high-fat and sugary foods, eat smaller portions, listen to your body, prioritise adequate nutrition, be aware of addiction risk |
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What You'll Learn
Common side effects of diet pills
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity. They work by affecting how your body and brain experience appetite and hunger, making you feel less hungry or full faster after eating less food.
There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills available. Prescription pills like Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) are approved for long-term use. Other prescription appetite suppressants like Benzphetamine (Didrex, Regimex), Diethylpropion (Tenuate, Tenuate Dospan), Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2), and Phentermine (Dipex-P, Atti-Plex P, Pro-Fast) are for short-term use.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and indigestion are frequently reported. These side effects are especially common with newer prescription drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy.
- Dizziness: This is a known side effect of diet pills that affect neurotransmitters in the brain, like Bupropion and Naltrexone.
- Dry mouth: Many diet pills list dry mouth as a common side effect.
- Headache: Headaches are a frequent complaint among those taking Naltrexone-bupropion and Liraglutide.
- Insomnia: Phentermine-topiramate and Naltrexone-bupropion may cause insomnia or trouble sleeping.
- Abnormal taste: Some users experience a change in taste perception.
- Mood and cognitive changes: Short-term prescription appetite suppressants may cause mood changes like depression or anxiety, and cognitive alterations like agitation, delirium, or psychosis.
- Heart issues: Some users experience rapid or irregular heartbeat.
It is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any diet pills, as they may interact with medications or cause health problems. Additionally, always follow the advice of your doctor or healthcare provider when taking any medication.
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Safety concerns and FDA recalls
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication. They are available as prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. While prescription appetite suppressants are deemed safe for long-term use, some OTC appetite suppressants may interact with medications or cause health problems. Thus, it is important to check with a healthcare provider before using OTC diet pills.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain prescription appetite suppressants for long-term use, including Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), and Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia). Other prescription appetite suppressants are approved for short-term use only, typically up to 12 weeks, and are considered controlled substances.
Despite FDA approval, safety concerns regarding diet pills have led to recalls of certain products. TruVision Health LLC recalled its dietary supplement products due to the presence of unapproved dietary ingredients, namely hordenine and/or octodrine/DMHA (1,5-Dimethylhexylamine). Hordenine has the potential to cause stimulating side effects such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, jitteriness, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. Octodrine, similar to the stimulant DMAA (which was removed from the market due to safety concerns), has been found to increase heart rate, myocardial contractility, and pain threshold in animal studies. The recall of TruVision Health products was initiated after an FDA inspection identified adulteration and potential health risks.
Consumers of the recalled TruVision Health products have reported various adverse effects, including chest pain, chills, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, high blood pressure, high heart rate, jitters, nausea, nervousness, rash, stomach pain, sweating, and vomiting. These products were sold online and through postal and parcel services, and users were instructed to immediately stop consuming them.
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How to minimise side effects
Diet pills can have various side effects, including headaches, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, abnormal taste, trouble sleeping, and chest pain. Some people may also experience more serious side effects, such as a pounding or rapid heartbeat, difficulty urinating, or shortness of breath. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any diet pills to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any medications you are currently taking.
- Start with a low dose: Beginning with a lower dose and staying on that dose for a few weeks before increasing it can help your body adjust to the medication and reduce side effects.
- Rethink portion sizes: Diet pills can make you feel full much faster than usual. To avoid feeling nauseated after eating, start by eating smaller portions and listening to your body's signals of fullness.
- Choose your food wisely: Limit high-fat, greasy, and spicy foods, as well as sugary beverages, to minimise nausea, acid reflux, and cramping. Include high-fibre foods to help with constipation.
- Prioritise adequate nutrition: Even if you're not feeling hungry, make sure to consume enough healthy nutrients to preserve muscle mass. Protein drinks can be a good option if you're unable to eat a full meal.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body's signals of fullness and stop eating when you start to feel full. Eating small, frequent meals can help you get enough protein and calories.
- Exercise regularly: While not directly related to minimising side effects, exercising is an important part of a healthy weight loss journey. It is crucial to reduce your intake of sugary desserts and beverages, as well as fatty foods, and to incorporate exercise into your routine.
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Diet pills and substance abuse
Diet pills are a class of drugs that aim to help people reduce or control their weight by boosting metabolism, reducing appetite, or preventing fat absorption. They are meant for chronic weight management and are typically used alongside diet and exercise. Diet pills can be classified into three categories based on their effects on the body: stimulants, fat inhibitors, and appetite suppressants.
Stimulants are the most addictive type of diet pill and typically contain amphetamines, which increase energy and induce a sense of euphoria. Fat inhibitors activate in the stomach and intestines to reduce the rate of fat absorption. Appetite suppressants can also be addictive as they target neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood and appetite, such as norepinephrine and serotonin. Prescription appetite suppressants can help with weight loss for people with obesity by lessening their appetite or making them feel full faster.
The potential for abuse and addiction varies across different types of diet pills. Many diet pills are habit-forming and are classified as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to their potential for abuse. For example, Qsymia is classified as a CIV controlled substance because of its potential for dependence or abuse. Similarly, stimulants are classified as controlled substances as they are amphetamine-related, and long-term use may lead to drug dependence, abuse, or withdrawal.
Some of the most commonly abused diet pills are stimulants, and herbal diet pills or supplements have recently become more common. Herbal diet pills are typically over-the-counter substances not approved by the FDA and are not considered safe for weight loss. Since little is known about these substances, it is unclear whether they are addictive. However, many weight-loss supplements are removed from shelves by the FDA due to the presence of toxic chemicals or dangerously high levels of NSAIDs, which can cause ulcers, stomach bleeding, and strokes when consumed in high doses.
Long-term abuse of diet pills can lead to severe symptoms, including psychosis and psychological dependence. Diet pill abuse poses a unique threat to people with eating disorders, who already have a higher risk of developing medical complications. Diet pill abuse further increases their risk of cardiovascular complications, osteoporosis, and severe gastrointestinal conditions such as pancreatitis, necrotizing colitis, perforated ulcers, and spontaneous rupture of the stomach.
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Natural alternatives to diet pills
While diet pills can be effective in helping with weight loss, they often come with side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and constipation. Natural alternatives to diet pills include:
- Fenugreek
- Green tea
- Yerba mate
- Chromium
- Guar gum
- Garcinia Cambogia
These natural alternatives are claimed to be natural appetite suppressants, making you feel fuller and reducing food cravings. However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these natural alternatives in weight loss.
Other natural alternatives to diet pills include making changes to your diet, such as increasing your protein intake, reducing refined carbohydrate consumption, and avoiding unnecessary liquid calories. Additionally, regular exercise, support from weight-loss coaches, and tracking meals and exercise using apps can be helpful tools in your weight-loss journey.
It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any weight-loss program or taking any dietary supplements, as they can provide guidance and help determine the safest and most effective approach for your specific needs and goals.
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Frequently asked questions
Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants, are a type of weight-loss medication for people with obesity (a body mass index or BMI of over 30). They work by making you feel less hungry or full faster after eating less food.
Common side effects of diet pills include nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, abnormal taste, trouble sleeping, and chest pain. Diet pills can also be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms.
The side effects of diet pills typically decrease as your body adjusts to the medication and your eating habits change. However, it's important to listen to your body and stop taking the pills if the side effects become intolerable or persist for an extended period.
Yes, diet pills can have serious risks, including digestive problems, misuse or overuse, and the development of an eating disorder. They can also interact with other medications or cause health problems. Therefore, it's crucial to consult your healthcare provider before taking any diet pills.
Alternatives to diet pills include making changes to your diet, such as limiting high-fat and sugary foods, portion control, and increasing physical activity. It's important to prioritise adequate nutrition and address any underlying issues related to body image and self-esteem.
