Are you tired of trying different ways to lose weight? Sometimes you may have heard about 'magic' drugs that can reduce your appetite and help you lose weight easily. What are these really? These are what we medically call 'appetite suppressants'. Okay, so let's talk about this in detail today.
What are these appetite suppressants?
Simply put, these are a special type of medication used to lose weight. But they are not for everyone. They are only recommended for people with a condition called obesity . Obesity is usually when your body mass index, or Body Mass Index (BMI), is higher than 30.
These medications work by changing the way your brain and body feel hunger and appetite. Taking these medications can make you feel less hungry, or make you feel full even after eating a small amount of food. As a result, you eat fewer calories and lose weight.
But the most important thing here is that you cannot lose weight by taking these medications alone. Studies have clearly shown that these medications only work best when taken in conjunction with a proper low-calorie diet plan and regular physical exercise.
What are the main types of these drugs?
These medications can be divided into two main categories: prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
But remember, before using over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss medications, you should definitely talk to your doctor. Some OTC medications can interact with medications you are taking for other conditions and can cause other health problems.
Prescription medications are divided into two categories: short-term and long-term.
| Drug type | Examples and important information |
|---|---|
| For long-term use (on medical advice) | These can be used for several months or longer.
|
| For short-term use (on medical advice) | These are usually given for a short period of time, such as 12 weeks (3 months). They can be addictive and should be taken with extreme caution and only under medical advice. |
How does this medicine work inside the body?
In fact, balancing our hunger, appetite, and energy (Energy Homeostasis) is a very complex process. It involves several parts of our body.
- Brain and nervous system
- Pancreas
- Adipose tissue
- Stomach and intestines
This process is controlled by various chemicals in our bodies. For example:
- Hormones: Hormones like ghrelin, leptin, and insulin directly affect our hunger.
- Neurotransmitters: Chemicals like GABA and serotonin that carry messages between brain cells are also involved.
- Peptides: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is another important peptide that helps control hunger.
Now, let's see what these drugs do. These drugs work by increasing the activity of some of the chemicals mentioned above, or by blocking the activity of others. That's how you feel less hungry, or you feel full even after eating a little.
Who is suitable to use this medicine?
Doctors only recommend these medications to people who meet certain conditions.
- For those who are obese , meaning a BMI of 30 or higher, especially if diet and exercise alone have failed to reduce weight.
- For people with a BMI of over 27 and other medical conditions that may be caused by obesity. For example:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High cholesterol level in the blood
- Joint Pain
Only your doctor can decide whether this is right for you. Never start taking this medication on your own after seeing a friend using it or reading about it on the internet.
What are the side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Since each type of medication works differently, the side effects can also vary. So talk to your doctor about this before starting the medication.
| Common side effects | |
|---|---|
| For long-term use medications | |
| Constipation | Diarrhea |
| Stomach ache | Nausea |
| Digestive problems | Headache |
| For short-term (controlled) medications | |
| Fast or irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia) | Dizziness |
| Mood changes (e.g., depression, anxiety) | Severe mental confusion (Delirium, Psychosis) |
| Insomnia | Dry mouth |
When should I see the doctor while taking medication?
If you are taking this type of medication, you should see your doctor regularly to make sure it is working properly for you and that you are losing weight. Also, if you experience any unpleasant side effects, especially irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or severe mental confusion , see a doctor immediately. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) .
Obesity is a complex condition. The treatment plan for it is also complex. Hunger control medications are only one part of that plan. So if you have questions, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Appetite suppressants are a type of medication that a doctor prescribes for obesity, not something that everyone can use to lose a little weight.
- The best results can only be achieved with these medications if they are used in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise.
- Never start using these medications without consulting a doctor.
- These medications can have side effects. Talk openly with your doctor about them. Seek medical advice immediately if any severe symptoms occur.
- Weight loss supplements purchased from pharmacies or online without a doctor's prescription can be very dangerous. Always talk to a doctor before using them.
- It is very important to maintain regular contact with your doctor while taking medication.
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