Weight loss medication? Let's talk about appetite suppressants

Are you tired of trying different things to lose weight? For some, losing weight is a dream, even after exercising and controlling their diet. So, at times like these, some people think about appetite suppressants. But using them without knowing exactly what they are can be dangerous. So today, let's talk about what these really are, how they work, who they are suitable for, and what are the risks of them.

Simply put, what are these appetite suppressants?

These are a special type of medication that helps you lose weight. But they are not given to everyone. They are usually prescribed to people with a condition called obesity . Obesity is when you have too much fat in your body, which is unhealthy. Doctors measure this by measuring your weight for your height, called your Body Mass Index (BMI) . If your BMI is over 30, you are considered obese.

So, what these drugs do is change the way your brain and body feel hunger and appetite. When you take these drugs, you may feel less hungry, or you may feel full even after eating a little. Then, because you eat fewer calories per day, you will start to lose weight over time.

What are the main types of these drugs?

There are two main types of appetite suppressants: prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

However, you should definitely talk to your doctor before you buy such a medicine from a pharmacy, as some OTC medicines can interact with other medications you are taking and can even cause serious health problems.

Now let's look at the types of medications that doctors prescribe. These are also divided into two categories.

1. Long-term medications: These are given for several months or longer.

2. Short-term medications: These are usually given for only a short period of time, about 12 weeks (3 months).

Let's explain these further in the table below.

Since short-term medications are controlled substances, if you or anyone in your family has a history of drug addiction, you should definitely tell your doctor about it before starting this medication.

How does this medicine work inside the body?

Our hunger and appetite are actually controlled by a very complex process that involves several parts of our body.

• Brain and nervous system
• Pancreas
• Adipose tissue in the body
• Stomach and intestines

These organs release various chemicals that control our hunger. Think of them as messengers. Some messengers tell the brain to "eat," while others tell the brain to "enough, I'm full."

There are mainly three types of these messengers:

1. Hormones: These are the hormones that coordinate various functions in the body. For example, GhrelinThe hormone called "gluten" is also called the "hunger hormone" because it sends the message that you are hungry. The hormone called "leptin" sends the signal that your stomach is full.

2. Neurotransmitters: These transmit messages between nerve cells. Things like serotonin affect appetite.

3. Peptides: These are small proteins made up of amino acids. GLP-1 is an important peptide related to appetite.

So, what we're talking about with these appetite suppressants is that they change the way these messengers work. Some drugs block the "eat" signal. Some drugs increase the "full" signal. Not all drugs work the same way, and each drug targets different chemicals.

Who can use these medications?

This is a very important question. These medications do not work for everyone. Doctors only recommend them to a limited group of people. They are:

• People with a BMI of 30 or higher (obese) who have been unable to lose weight despite diet and exercise.
• People with a BMI of over 27 and other medical conditions that can be caused by obesity. For example:
• Type 2 Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• High cholesterol level in the blood
• Joint pain

What are the benefits of these medications?

Studies show that these medications, when prescribed by a doctor, combined with lifestyle changes, can help a person lose 5% or more of their initial body weight.

In particular, drugs in the `Phentermine-topiramate` and `GLP-1` class (such as Liraglutide and Semaglutide) have been found to be most effective for weight loss. These drugs have been shown to reduce body weight by an average of 6% to 11% . This is a big deal, because even losing as little as 5% of body weight can reduce the risk of many diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Should we also be aware of the side effects?

Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Since every medication works differently, the side effects vary from medication to medication. So, talk to your doctor about it before starting any medication.

Let's see what are the common side effects in the table below.

Are these drugs really safe?

Long-term medications are generally safe if taken at the prescribed dosage and under the advice of a doctor.

But you need to be more careful about short-term medications (controlled substances), as they carry a risk of addiction and can cause serious side effects.

Additionally, these medications can interact with some other medications, especially those for depression and anxiety . Also, for people with conditions like high blood pressure and glaucoma, these medications can worsen those conditions.

A special warning about OTC medicines purchased from pharmacies!

Be very careful of weight loss pills that you buy from pharmacies or online without consulting a doctor, because they are advertised and claim to help you lose weight. Some of these contain stimulants such as ephedra, ephedrine, and caffeine. These have been linked to heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and even death.

When should I see a doctor while taking medication?

If you start taking a medication like this, you should see your doctor regularly to check if the medication is working for you and if there is any progress.

Also, if you experience any uncomfortable or dangerous side effects, tell your doctor right away. For example:

• If your chest is pounding uncontrollably
• If you are feeling anxious and confused
• If you have difficulty breathing

If something serious like this happens, you may need to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) at the nearest hospital.

Obesity is a complex condition. It requires a complex treatment plan. Appetite suppressants are only one part of that plan. So, as you journey through this journey, stay connected with your doctor, ask questions, and get the treatment that's right for you and the safest.