Do you sometimes feel full, but then feel hungry again after a while? Or do you always feel like eating something? This is actually a big reason for weight gain. Feeling hungry is normal, and it tells our body that it needs energy. But if you are constantly hungry and it is difficult to control, you cannot prevent weight gain. So today we will talk about whether appetite suppressants can help as a solution to this.
What exactly are these appetite suppressants?
Simply put, these are special medications that reduce your appetite or make you feel full even after eating a small amount. These are used in weight loss treatments.
But this is not a medicine that everyone can take. These are usually recommended by doctors for people who are obese , or those who have other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure along with being overweight . All these medicines should be taken only on the recommendation of a doctor.
Sometimes you'll see products sold as 'supplements' that claim to reduce appetite. However, they are not government-approved, safe, and quality-assured medications. So you need to be very careful with them.
Medications recommended by doctors for long-term treatment
There are several government-approved medications that can be used long-term to help control weight. All of these medications should be used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and exercise . All of these can only be taken on the recommendation of a doctor.
| Name of the medicine (brand name) | How to use | How it works simply |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide (Wegovy) | A once-weekly injection | It acts like a hormone naturally produced by our intestines, sending a signal to the brain that we are full. It also slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach. (This is also found in Ozempic, a diabetes medication) |
| Tirzepatide (Zepbound) | A once-weekly injection | Like Wegovy, it works by mimicking two hormones that control hunger. (This is also contained in Mounjaro, a diabetes medication) |
| Liraglutide (Saxenda) | A daily vaccine | Similar to Wegovy, it works on a hormone that controls hunger. |
| Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) | Pills | It affects the 'pleasure' centers of the brain, reducing the feeling of satisfaction when eating certain foods. It also affects the part of the brain that controls hunger (the hypothalamus). |
| Phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia) | Pills | A combination of two medications. It reduces hunger while increasing the feeling of fullness. |
Is Orlistat also an appetite suppressant?
No. You may have heard of `Orlistat` (Xenical or Alli). It is also a weight loss drug. But it does not suppress appetite. Instead, it prevents the body from absorbing some of the fat in the food we eat.
Medications for short-term use
There are also medications that are approved for use only for a short period of time, such as 12 weeks. These are pills that belong to the stimulant category.
- Benzphetamine (Regimex)
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate)
- Phendimetrazine (Prelu-2)
- Phentermine (Adipex-P) - One of the most commonly prescribed of these.
These are considered controlled substances because they carry a risk of addiction . Therefore, using them outside of the doctor's instructions is very dangerous.
Be careful about supplements on the market.
There are many products that are sold without any scientific basis, claiming to help you lose weight or suppress your appetite. These are not medicines, but dietary supplements. There is no assurance that they are safe.
Things that can be included in this are:
- Green tea extracts: May have a minor effect, but there are safety concerns when taken in high concentrations as pills.
- Caffeine: From things like coffee and guarana. Too much can cause insomnia and restlessness.
- Bitter orange: A dangerous stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Capsaicin: The pungent compound in chili peppers. It can cause stomach pain, nausea, and may seem to reduce appetite.
If you're considering using a supplement like this, be sure to talk to your doctor, especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease, as these can be very harmful.
How does this medicine work inside the body?
The latest medications (Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda) work in a very wonderful way.
Imagine, when we eat, our intestines produce a hormone called `GLP-1` (Glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone sends a signal to the brain, "Okay, now I'm full, don't eat anymore."
What these new types of injections do is trick your body into thinking that it is actually producing a lot of the hormone `GLP-1` . So:
- You feel less hungry.
- Even after eating a little, I feel full.
- Because food stays in the stomach longer, you don't get hungry as quickly.
- Blood sugar levels are also controlled.
Older medications work differently. For example, stimulants like Phentermine directly affect the brain and reduce appetite.
Are these really effective? Who can use them?
Yes, this medication is effective. But it's not as 'magical' as you might think. Studies have shown that people who take this medication can lose 3% to 12% of their body weight within a year. This is more than just a lifestyle change. If you can lose 5%-10% of your weight, it's a huge benefit to your health (controlling diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure).
Most importantly: This medication does not work alone. The best results are achieved when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise .
Usually, a doctor prescribes this medication based on your BMI (Body Mass Index) , which is an index that measures weight for height.
- If the BMI is 30 or more (obesity).
- If you have a BMI of 27 or more and have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
Pregnant or nursing mothers should not use this medicine.
Are these safe? What are the side effects?
These approved medications are generally safe when taken in the prescribed dosage and under the advice of a doctor. However, like all medications, they can cause side effects.
| Type of medicine | Common possible side effects |
|---|---|
| Long-term medication (such as Wegovy, Saxenda) |
|
| Short-term stimulant medications (such as Phentermine) |
If you start using this medication and experience any side effects, inform your doctor immediately.
Natural foods that control appetite without medication
In addition to medication, you can also control hunger through what you eat. Foods high in protein and fiber can help you feel fuller for longer.
- Chicken, fish
- Legumes such as beans, peas, lentils
- Whole grains (buckwheat, oats) and bread
- Banana, avocado
- Yogurt
- Types of nuts
- Poppy
Also, drinking plenty of water helps to make you feel full. Hot drinks like tea and coffee without sugar are also good.
Take-Home Message
- Appetite suppressants are not magic. They are prescription medications for obesity and related conditions that should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
- Before using this medication, talk to your doctor about its benefits, risks, and side effects.
- The best results are only achieved when this medication is combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
- Don't be fooled by the 'supplements' on the market that have no scientific basis. They can be harmful.
- If you have a problem with weight control, it's best to seek medical advice rather than making decisions on your own.
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