Weight-loss medications, prescribed by a doctor or over-the-counter, promise rapid weight loss through various mechanisms such as suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism, or limiting nutrient intake. However, taking these pills is not devoid of side effects and can be associated with problems such as elevated heart rate, diarrhea, and even more serious health risks.
On the other hand, the natural and conventional methods of weight loss through a healthy diet and regular exercise are generally considered more reliable and sustainable options for weight control.
Side effects of weight-loss medications
There are various medications for weight loss, each of which has its own mechanism of action, as well as side effects. The common side effects of these medications are reviewed in the following.
Common side effects of weight-loss medications
| Trade name of medication | Classification of medication | Common side effects |
| Adipex-P (phentermine) | Appetite suppressant | Raised blood pressure, higher heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, addiction, abuse or abandonment |
| Alli (orlistat) | Lipase inhibitor | Oily spotting, gas (flatulence), fecal urgency, soft stool, and fFecal incontinence |
| Bontril PDM (phendimetrazine) | Appetite suppressant | Raised blood pressure, higher heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, addiction, abuse or abandonment |
| Antidepressants (bupropion and naltrexone) | Antidepressant and opioid antagonist | Nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, constipation, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, diarrhea, increased blood pressure, rapid tremor, fast heart rate, hot flashes, and strange taste |
| Desoxyn (methamphetamine) | Appetite suppressant | High abuse potential Use only if alternative treatments are ineffective. Raised blood pressure, higher heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, addiction, abuse or abandonment |
| Benzphetamine | Appetite suppressant | Raised blood pressure, higher heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, addiction, abuse or abandonment |
| Diethylpropion (only general) | Appetite suppressant | Constipation, restlessness, dry mouth, raised blood pressure, higher heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, addiction, abuse or abandonment |
| Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release capsule) | A combined medication suppressing appetite and preventing convulsant |
Tingling or numbness (paresthesia), dizziness, change in taste, insomnia (trouble sleeping), drinking, and dry mouth Once a day in the morning. Do not take in the evening since it may keep you awake. Avoid it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy due to possible congenital anomalies. Avoid taking at bedtime. |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, injection site reactions, heartburn, fatigue, stomach pain, fever, and stomach infection (gastroenteritis) |
| Xenical (orlistat) | Lipase inhibitor | Spotting, gas (flatulence), fecal urgency, soft stool, and fecal incontinence |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, stomach flu, diarrhea, headache, feeling of flatulence, heartburn, fatigue, belching, constipation, gas, and stomach upset |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, heartburn, injection site reactions, somnolence (fatigue), allergic reactions, belching, hair loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease |
Risks of taking weight-loss pills without a doctor ‘s supervision:
According to Dr. Shankar Pasupati, the senior consultant and director of the LIFE Center, the use of weight-loss pills without a doctor’s prescription can be very dangerous, especially for individuals with the specific health problems or deficiencies that contribute to their overweight. These medications should be administered by a specialist doctor after careful examination and health assessment.
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Unfortunately, many individuals look for shortcuts to lose weight and utilize the weight-loss pills sold through online or unauthorized sources. The application of these medications can be associated with irreparable health consequences as follows.
- Dysfunction or failure of organs: Improper use of these medications can cause serious damages to vital organs such as liver, heart, and kidneys.
How do weight-loss pills work?
Weight-loss pills work in different ways according to their formulation.
- Suppressing appetite: This type of pills reduces the desire to eat by creating a feeling of early satiety.
- Increasing metabolism: These pills accelerate the body’s metabolism, contributing to more calorie burning.
- Decreasing fat intake: This type of pills prevents food fat intake by the intestine, and consequently helps to remove the fat from the body.
Natural side effects of weight-loss pills:
Taking each type of weight-loss pills can be accompanied by its own side effects:
- Appetite suppressant medications: These medications, which are mainly stimulants, can lead to nervousness, irritability, palpitation, raised blood pressure, and even death in rare cases.
- Metabolism boosters: The side effects of this type include mood and physiological changes, similar to those of appetite suppressants.
- Medications reducing fat intake: The use of these pills is associated with the risk of liver damage. Itchiness, pale stool, and brown urine, as well as the loss of appetite and yellowing of the skin and eyes are among the symptoms of liver damage.
Healthy ways to lose weight:
Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, there are other ways to lose weight safely and sustainably:
- Determining realistic goals: Weight loss of half to one kilogram in a week is considered a reasonable and achievable goal.
- Avoiding short-term and unprincipled diets: Meal skipping and excessive hunger not only fail to contribute to weight loss but also can be harmful.
- Controlling the amount of food: Do not continue to eat until you feel full.
- Drinking enough water: Drinking enough water increases the feeling of satiety and assists in eliminating toxins from the body.
- Daily physical activity: Regular exercise plays a key role in fitness and health.
- Selecting healthy foods: The processed foods high in fat and sugar should be replaced with healthy foods.
Who can use prescription weight-loss medications?
Your doctor may prescribe these medications in the following cases.
- Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30, revealing obesity.
- Your BMI is higher than 27 and you suffer from one of the obesity-related health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Before administering medication, your doctor thoroughly reviews your medical history and health challenges. Further, he/she talks to you about the pros and cons of taking these medications.
Highlight: These medications are not suitable for everyone. For example, you should not use prescription weight-loss medications if you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
How long should weight-loss medications be consumed?
The duration of taking these medications depends on whether they help you to lose weight and maintain your health. If you have lost enough weight, do not experience serious side effects, and your doctor deems it appropriate, you may continue to consume the medication long-term.
However, your doctor may alter your treatment if you have not lost at least 5% of your body weight after 3-6 months of taking the full dose. This change can include the prescription of another weight-loss medication.
Conclusion
Weight-loss medications can help individuals to lose weight although their use is not devoid of side effects. Being aware of these side effects and taking the medicines under the supervision of a doctor allow prevent the serious problems associated with these medications while benefiting from their effects. Remember, having a healthy lifestyle centered on physical activity and nutrition