8 popular drugs for obesity

Updated: 01/31/2021 21:22:51
Share:
Author of the article: Pogrebnoy Stanislav Leonidovich

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

What's easier: gaining weight or losing weight? Of course, it is much more difficult to recover, and sometimes it is simply impossible. It is easier to increase your weight after a serious illness, for example, after pneumonia or tuberculosis, if, of course, the person had a higher weight before that. After all, the body has genetic memory. But if a person was initially of a thin build, and all his relatives were too, then it is sometimes very difficult for him to gain weight. The body, according to the second law of thermodynamics, as an open system, tries to move to a state with the lowest energy. Therefore, he tries to get rid of excess energy without converting it into mass and without expending his own strength. This can be done by increasing metabolism, slightly increasing body temperature, activating thyroid hormones, and finally by reducing absorption in the intestines.

Therefore, in comparison with those who want to gain weight, those who want to lose weight, and cure obesity, in general, from the point of view of physics, nothing needs to be done. Losing weight is much easier than gaining weight. You only need to follow one very important but simple principle. Daily energy consumption should be slightly less than its costs

But, alas, obesity is a social scourge of humanity. Obesity is not just a disease or addiction, but a global epidemic. Thus, by 2010, about one and a half billion adults were overweight. More than 200 million men and 300 million women have been clinically obese, and there is a constant and alarming trend towards an increase in the incidence of this pathological condition in the civilized population.

Obesity needs to be treated, but, as in many cases of metabolic disorders, the use of drugs and tablets should be in last place, after all non-drug methods have been tried. Naturally, you need to start with diet and lifestyle modifications, then increase physical activity, and only then turn to medications and drugs for obesity.

As a matter of fact, excess body weight has been converted into energy in a natural, physiological way throughout the history of human civilization. However, the development of medical science has constantly offered improved ways to combat obesity, because it is human nature not to work on oneself, not to test one’s willpower, but to simply use certain medications, following the path of “least resistance.” Therefore, the doctors met halfway

, laxatives gradually began to be used, and then the use of thyroid hormones.

This method of treatment was very crude and consisted of increasing the basal metabolism, but there were significant side effects associated with the appearance of the clinic of hyperthyroidism. In the thirties of the 20th century, amphetamines appeared, which are prohibited in our country, but perfectly suppress appetite and increase physical activity, causing euphoria. However, the use of amphetamines is fraught with subsequent serious disorders, which, first of all, are expressed in a complete loss of strength, the development of depression and the formation of addiction.

Research into the effect of various drugs on lipid metabolism in order to find a safe and effective drug for weight loss is ongoing. There are already medications that can enhance metabolism, prevent fat absorption, stimulate insulin production, and improve mood. But so far, all these drugs can reduce food consumption, or make its energy intake less profitable. But still, the cornerstone remains the creation of a substance that would control weight by reducing appetite, and would not cause side effects associated with metabolic changes.

Appetite is not just a feeling or a desire.

Satisfying the feeling of hunger is a deep and ancient instinct, which, along with satisfying the feeling of thirst, comes first among all aspirations and interests, except the instinct of self-preservation. In order to get enough and survive, a person must take a number of certain actions. Therefore, the neural mechanism underlying appetite and its satisfaction is extremely complex. In clinical practice, drugs were tested and used that reduced and even completely suppressed appetite, but all of them had a high risk, including mortality, and could not be used to treat obesity.

The situation is further aggravated by the fact that the reserves of fat in the human body, accumulated with great difficulty, are protected from irrational use and stored in reserve. Our fat reserves are protected by hormones, enzymes, and behavioral changes.

Therefore, at present there is still no single and complete medicine that is guaranteed to allow you to lose weight without changing your lifestyle and diet, and would not have any contraindications for use. Perhaps the closest thing to this is RDT, or therapeutic fasting. However, there are a number of medications that can be used in short courses strictly according to doctor’s indications, along with gymnastics, diet, increased physical activity and other known methods of weight loss. Very few products can be safely used for a long time, for a year or longer. Let's consider some groups of medications that are used in our country, as well as abroad, to reduce body weight.

Effect on the body

If your doctor has prescribed you an anti-obesity medication, you need to understand that it will only help you achieve short-term, and not sustainable, long-term weight loss.

The patient should be warned that after he stops taking it, to maintain the achieved effect, he will have to change his lifestyle and adhere to dietary restrictions, otherwise the lost body weight will return again. This is explained by the fact that excess weight causes irreversible processes in the hypothalamus. They seriously disrupt the regulation of adipose tissue in the body, which is chronic.

Each drug for the treatment of obesity is selected by the doctor individually, despite the fact that they all act approximately the same:

or block appetite by affecting certain areas of the brain (satiety centers) or the nervous system (like antidepressants);
increase thermogenesis, which, in turn, accelerates metabolism and lipolysis;
or reduce the absorption of fats, affecting the intestines.

Unlike numerous herbal supplements, anti-obesity medications are not laxatives or diuretics. They do not have fat-burning properties and will not remove excess fluid and toxins from your body. But you need to understand that they contain very powerful synthetic formulas that directly affect such important organs as the brain, nerve cells and intestines. And accordingly, the consequences of such influence cannot be avoided.

Useful tips for losing weight at home

Experts advise following these rules to get rid of extra pounds at home:

set a realistic goal - to lose weight per week from 0.5 to 1.5 kg (depending on the initial weight);
create a menu for several days;
remove harmful foods from the refrigerator and kitchen;
prepare your own food;
monitor your drinking regime;
include as many fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet as possible;
do not starve yourself;
include fiber in the menu;
reduce portions;
There should be snacks between main meals.

In addition, you need to lead an active lifestyle and get enough sleep.

One of the fastest ways to get rid of excess weight is diet pills. They really help achieve the desired result, but only if you take them correctly and follow the advice of a fitness trainer or nutritionist.

Kinds

All medications prescribed for obesity are divided into 2 groups according to their effect on the body.

Group 1. Peripheral drugs

Reduces the activity of gastrointestinal lipases. These are enzymes of the digestive tract, the main purpose of which is the breakdown of fats. In obesity, they usually do not work at full capacity or do not function at all. Under the influence of the tablets, these substances begin to intensively destroy fat cells. This ultimately leads to weight loss and a reduction in subcutaneous fat.

The undeniable advantage of such tablets is that they act exclusively on the gastrointestinal tract and do not affect other organs in any way. On the other hand, digestion is closely connected with the excretory systems and the liver - accordingly, intensive breakdown and elimination of fats will affect their work too.

The disadvantages include primarily side effects from taking such tablets. They irritate the intestinal walls and relax the stomach. As a result, towards the end of treatment or even earlier, unpleasant bowel movements begin - frequent, liquid, foul-smelling, which are sometimes difficult to contain. You will also have to get used to flatulence and discomfort.

This list includes Orlistat and Xenical.

Group 2. Centrally acting drugs

Are more powerful than the previous group. They affect a vital organ on which the functioning of all systems depends. The cerebral cortex contains inhibitors that can block the feeling of hunger. It is they who are attacked by medicinal substances. The result is that a person does not want to eat even after abstaining from food for a long time. The process of losing weight proceeds naturally: you can calmly follow a diet, not feel discomfort, and easily give up everything harmful.

The advantage of such tablets is that they are very effective if other methods of treating obesity are carried out in parallel.

However, among the most significant disadvantages are numerous contraindications, as well as a powerful effect on the nervous system and brain function. Therefore, the consequences of treatment can be very undesirable for health: irritability, depression, decreased mental activity, etc.

Names: Phentermine, Sibutramine, Fepranon, Regenon, Fluoxetine, Mirapont, Desopimon and others.

Is it possible to lose weight quickly at home?

The formation of excess weight is a short process and takes more than one day. As a result, the body is rebuilt and habits change. Everyone wants to get rid of fat deposits quickly and easily. But this approach cannot be called useful, because it can provoke health problems.

On the other hand, you can lose weight at home in a week. As a result, you will be able to get rid of 1-2 kg, improve skin condition, and reduce cellulite. To do this, you will need to introduce new rules and habits.

Harm

Many drugs that were previously actively promoted and even used to treat obesity are now banned. This is due to the harmful effects they have on the body. Moreover, side effects after long-term use are not always caused by non-compliance with contraindications. They often appear even when one is in poor health. Therefore, all the risks of such therapy should be assessed in advance.

Contraindications:

pregnancy;
kidney and liver diseases;
age under 16 and after 60 years;
gastrointestinal diseases;
lactation;
impaired cerebral circulation;
recent surgical interventions (if no more than a month has passed since them);
simultaneous use of other powerful medications;
tumors of any origin;
high blood pressure;
mental and nervous disorders, ranging from common chronic fatigue syndrome to epilepsy;
regular migraine attacks;
cardiovascular diseases;
serious vision problems, in particular glaucoma;
tendency to allergic reactions;
thyrotoxicosis is a hormonal imbalance caused by improper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Side effects:

insomnia;
hallucinations;
hypertension;
hypothyroidism;
discomfort and pain in the stomach;
intoxication;
migraine;
allergic reactions were so strong that there were cases of anaphylactic shock;
numbness of different parts of the body;
loss of appetite;
problems with stool;
severe dizziness;
from the nervous system: causeless fear, anxiety, depression, sudden mood swings, lethargy and weakness;
dry mouth;
tachycardia, which can result in a heart attack;
nausea and vomiting;
tremor of the limbs;
noise in ears.

Such tablets are especially carefully prescribed for the treatment of obesity in women who initially have hormonal disorders. In this case, the menstrual cycle often fails and various problems with the thyroid gland begin. Complications can also affect the reproductive system, and then among them may be infertility and the inability to bear a child.

Orlistat (Alli)

Orlistat is a drug (over-the-counter analogue - Alli, prescription - Xenical).

Intended Result: The Fat Breaker Pill works by inhibiting the breakdown of fat in the intestines, causing the body to absorb fewer calories from fatty foods.

Effectiveness: According to a large review of 11 studies, Orlistat promotes weight loss, the result is minus 2.7 kg compared with dummy substitutes.

Additional benefits: Orlistat slightly lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 37% (one study).

Cons: This drug has many additional effects, including loose, greasy stools, flatulence, and uncontrollable bowel movements. It can contribute to deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Orlistat is most effective with a low-calorie diet.

It is interesting to note that a low-carbohydrate diet (without additional drugs) was found to be as effective as Orlistat in combination with a low-fat diet.

Bottom line: Orlistat, known as Alli or Xenical, may reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs from food, which may help you lose weight. The disadvantage is a large number of side effects.

Features of application

You need to understand that anti-obesity pills are not just used for weight loss. These are powerful medicines to eliminate a serious and dangerous disease. Therefore, their independent use is strongly not recommended - only as prescribed by a doctor.

Buy tablets exclusively from pharmacies, where all medications undergo appropriate certification. Online resources and intermediaries are not the best ways to purchase them.
Don't just use them for weight loss, because shedding a few extra pounds and treating obesity are two different processes. And tablets are part of complex therapy.
Before use, carefully read the instructions for use. Try to follow it exactly. If the dosages indicated in it do not coincide with those that the doctor prescribed for you, do not hesitate to ask him about the reasons for this.
To prevent intoxication of the body, drink up to 2 liters of water a day.
Throughout the course, you need to track changes: measure body volume, weigh yourself. If there are no results within a month, the drug is discontinued and another one is prescribed. Or a decision is made on surgical treatment methods.
It is not recommended to take medications of this kind before bedtime. Peripheral ones can provoke severe turbulence and flatulence, and centrally acting drugs can cause insomnia.
Without dietary restrictions, treating obesity with pills is a failure in advance. You definitely need a special diet recommended by an endocrinologist or nutritionist.
Regular sports and physical activity are another element of complex therapy.

And remember that there are no harmless pills. Even the most effective ones have contraindications, provoke the development of complications and are fraught with side effects. All these risks must be assessed in advance.

Calculating your daily calorie intake

Each person can roughly say whether he eats a lot or a little. But this is not enough, because you need to understand how many calories you should ideally consume, taking into account your daily consumption. This is not difficult to do: just register on any fitness website or download applications to your smartphone and enter your parameters (age, weight, height, activity, etc.). As a result, the program will produce the finished result.

For example, it became known that you consume 3000 kcal daily, but you need 2200 kcal. Therefore, you need to change your diet, but do it gradually - reduce 200 kcal every day.

Attention!
Chronic exercise may require more calories.

Taking these aspects into account, consulting a fitness trainer or nutritionist will not be superfluous.

Rating of the best

A small rating includes the best anti-obesity pills, according to doctors and patients. They are effective and allow you to achieve the desired results. The first under each rating number is the main active ingredient, and in brackets next to it are the drug options.

Phentermine (Fastin, adipex-P, ionamine - amphetamine group) - reduces appetite, but at the same time provokes nervousness, leads to severe headaches and insomnia.
Orlistat (Xenical) - activates pancreatic lipase, which reduces fat absorption by 30% without suppressing hunger, but it has a very unpleasant side effect - stool incontinence.
Sibutramine (Meridia) - directly affects the hypothalamus, which contains the centers of saturation and thermogenesis. Contraindicated in arterial hypertension. Infamous pills that were believed to have hallucinogenic effects.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an antidepressant that suppresses appetite, but after you stop taking it, body fat and weight return very quickly.
Lorcaserin (Belviq) - suppresses appetite.
Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin) - blocks hunger.
Ephedrine with caffeine - stimulates adrenergic receptors and the production of norepinephrine.
Topiramate is prescribed for epilepsy, but its side effects include rapid weight loss. Scientists still cannot establish the mechanism of such weight loss.
Naltrexone - suppresses cravings for sweets and other tasty foods.
Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda) - enhances the effect of the satiety hormone.

A separate list should include scandalous medications containing sibutramine:

Meridia.
Reduxin.
Lindax.
Slimia.
Lida.

For the treatment of abdominal obesity and elimination of visceral fat, the following are most often prescribed:

Adiposine;
Xenical;
Meridia;
Glucophage;
Pramlintide (Symlin);
Rimonabant (Acomplia);
Fepranon, Regenon, Mirapont, Desopimon;
Fluoxetine;
Exenatide Byeta.

The tablets are selected by the doctor according to the severity of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient.

Garcinia cambogia extract

Garcinia Cambogia extract is a popular natural remedy for weight loss. Garcinia Cambogia is a fruit that contains hydroxycitric acid, which is believed to promote weight loss.

Garcinia Cambogia extract contains the juices from this small fruit and comes in the form of a diet pill. Garcinia Cambogia may inhibit or prevent fat production by an enzyme called citric acid lyase.

There is little scientific evidence to support the use of this extract to help with weight loss. According to one report, the extract's effectiveness has not been proven in long-term clinical trials or large-scale studies.

Although garcinia cambogia extract may not help with weight loss, it does not cause many side effects when taken in reasonable doses. The post above also stated that no side effects occurred at dosages up to 2800 milligrams (mg) per day.

About prohibitions

Many pills are banned by the US Food and Drug Administration due to the side effects being too dangerous. Currently approved drugs:

Orlistat.
Lorcaserin.
Phentermine-topiramate.
Bupropion-naltrexone.
Liraglutide.

Since January 2008, sibutramine has been declared a potent drug approved by the Russian government. Since that time, the sale of drugs containing it is permitted strictly according to a special, approved prescription. Such tablets should be sold exclusively in pharmacies, although they can be found in the public domain and on Internet resources.

Despite the fact that anti-obesity pills are a necessary part of the treatment of this disease, their use should be treated with caution. Compliance with dosages, instructions and doctor’s recommendations cannot be violated, since most drugs do not have a very positive effect on the state of the nervous system. So, if you happen to have the treasured box in your hands, first weigh the pros and cons of such treatment, which must take place under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Caffeine

Caffeine is the most popular psychotropic drug in the world.

Naturally found in coffee, green tea, dark chocolate, and added to many dishes and drinks.

Caffeine serves as an active stimulant of metabolism and reduces body weight.

Expected result: tests have proven that caffeine can boost metabolism by 3-11%, which increases fat burning by up to 29%.

Effectiveness: According to tests, caffeine can cause moderate weight loss in people.

Cons: Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, insomnia, sensitivity, irritability, nausea, diarrhea and other symptoms. In addition, addiction and sleep disturbances.

When it comes to pills or caffeine supplements, their effectiveness is minimal. The leader in caffeine content is green tea, which contains antioxidants, among other beneficial elements.

Conclusions: Caffeine increases metabolism and can lead to the burning of fat deposits. Minus - the resulting effect is short-term.

Chitosan

"Chitosan" is a dietary supplement with a general strengthening effect. Chitosan is obtained from crustacean shells. The drug has gained great popularity due to its wide range of properties: it lowers blood cholesterol levels, improves digestion and blocks the deposition of fatty tissue. As a means for weight loss, “Chitosan”: enhances intestinal motility, prevents the absorption of fats and their accumulation in tissues, normalizes intestinal microflora, accelerates the elimination of waste and toxins, and causes a feeling of satiety. For quick and effective results in losing weight, it is recommended to combine a course of taking Chitosan with additional physical activity and a rational nutrition system.

Squeezing green coffee beans

Coffee beans that have not been pre-roasted contain caffeine and chlorogenic acid.

Expected result: caffeine promotes the breakdown of fat, chlorogenic acid inhibits the breakdown of carbohydrates in the intestines.

Effectiveness: A few tests have shown that squeezing green coffee beans may help with weight loss.

According to nutritionists, weight loss in people who consumed green coffee beans was 2.5 kg more than in those who consumed the useless analogue.

Other benefits: Squeezing green coffee beans minimizes sugar levels and lowers blood pressure. It contains a lot of antioxidants.

Cons: Similar to those that occur when consuming excessive amounts of caffeine. The chlorogenic acid contained in green coffee beans provokes diarrhea, in addition, the patient should be checked for an allergy to the bean extract.

Bottom Line: Squeezing green coffee beans may cause moderate weight loss, but keep in mind that the tests were sponsored by the companies that make and sell these nutritional supplements.

Pharmacy herbal preparations to reduce appetite

Herbs for reducing appetite are divided into: suppressing appetite and accelerating metabolism. The former fill the stomach, causing a feeling of fullness, and the latter promote rapid digestion of food. Herbal medicine has many advantages. It has no contraindications and is even useful due to its natural composition.

Below are the plants that are used in herbal medicine for weight loss:

Flax seeds. A decoction of them coats the stomach and relieves hunger.
Corn silk has a complex effect and is useful not only in the process of losing weight. When following a diet, they normalize mineral balance and have a positive effect on blood composition.
Alfalfa starts digestion.
Fennel reduces appetite.

Pharmaceutical products from which decoctions are made are excellent for suppressing hunger. Take 1 tbsp. l of powder, brew in 0.5 l of boiling water and leave for half an hour. The decoction is taken 2-3 times a day before meals.

The following decoctions are effective:

spirullina decoction;
decoction with burdock and nettle;
kelp infusion;
sage tea;
decoction of corn silk.

It is difficult to say what the result will be from taking medications to reduce appetite and weight. The result is influenced by diet, body characteristics, and physical activity.

Article design: Oleg Lozinsky

Green tea squeeze

Squeezing green tea actively burns fat deposits. Nutritionists believe that the antioxidant EGCG contained in green tea helps burn fat.

Suggested Result: Green tea's norepinephrine juice is believed to help burn fat.

Effectiveness: Numerous studies have shown that squeezing green tea increases fat burning and causes fat loss, especially in the abdominal area.

Cons: contains caffeine, not suitable for patients with hypersensitivity.

Additionally, all the health benefits of drinking green tea extend to drinking green tea extract.

Conclusions: Green tea and its juice effectively break down fat in the waist area.

Foods that reduce appetite

If you remove harmful fats and carbohydrates from a person’s diet, he will face a feeling of hunger.

Foods that act on appetite hormones and prolong the feeling of fullness will help you get rid of snacking:

Group	Name
Squirrels	cottage cheese; fish; meat; Greek yogurt.
Nuts	almond; sunflower kernels; Chia seeds.
Fruits and vegetables	avocado; apples; beans; prunes; leafy vegetables.
Seasonings	Apple vinegar; red pepper; mint.
Carbohydrates	flax-seed; buckwheat; oatmeal.
Chocolate and coffee	Increases the formation of the satiety hormone PYY.

In the photo above there are 10 foods that tame hunger.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, has long been popular.

It is one of the “healthiest” trans fats, and the most popular foods containing it are cheese and butter.

Intended result: CLA reduces appetite, increases metabolism and stimulates the breakdown of sebaceous deposits.

Effectiveness: The results of 18 different studies have proven that CLA causes systematic but small weight loss. The result is about 0.1 kg per week for 6 months (40).

According to a 2012 study, CLA can lead to 1.3 kg of weight loss when compared to dummy substitutes.

Cons: CLA potentially contributes to fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, and inflammation activation.

Conclusions: CLA is an effective supplement for the breakdown of fat deposits; systematic use is not recommended. The minimal result is not worth the potential risk.

Homeopathic medicines to reduce appetite

Homeopathic medications to reduce appetite and weight do not have a miraculous effect. They just start the metabolism. In homeopathy, 180 active ingredients are used that are aimed at losing weight; several of the most effective ones can be identified.

Calcarea

Homeopathic remedy used for children from 1 year. The main symptom of using the drug is a lack of calcium in children. Modern medicine has more effective ways to detect calcium deficiency.

It is still prescribed by homeopaths today. The preparation contains small pieces of oysters, water, sugar. The product is available in drops, powders for dilution and tablets.

Indications:

diseases of bones and joints;
childhood rickets;
epilepsy;
eating disorders.

The course of therapy and its dosage should be prescribed by a homeopath. On average, 2-3 doses are prescribed every day, the course duration is 2 weeks. The product is sold without a prescription, and its price starts from 90 rubles.

Antimonium crudum

Homeopathic remedy based on antimony sulfide - products with a chemical formula. The basis for use is a combination of mental factors, which are expressed by a decadent mood with irritability. The product is available in granules and drops for dilution.

The drug suppresses the mucous membrane and affects the vagus nerve. The etiology of the remedy is expressed by a tendency to gluttony, as well as aggravation from the use of acidic foods.