The quest for effective weight management has led to the exploration of various medications, each with its own set of benefits and potential drawbacks. This article delves into the world of weight loss medications, focusing on both GLP-1 agonists and diethylpropion, examining their mechanisms, benefits, and, most importantly, the side effects and strategies to manage them.
GLP-1 Agonists: A Promising Avenue for Weight Loss
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists have emerged as a promising option for individuals seeking to manage their weight and lower blood sugar levels. These medications have demonstrated significant effectiveness in promoting weight loss. However, like many drugs, they can cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
Common GI Side Effects and Management Tips
Nearly half of individuals using GLP-1 weight management medications experience one or more GI side effects. The most frequently reported side effects include nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and/or constipation. While these symptoms are generally mild and temporary, they can affect treatment adherence.
Most GLP-1 medications are prescribed at a lower dose and gradually adjusted to allow the body to adapt. Symptoms usually decrease as the body adjusts and eating habits change. However, side effects may recur with dosage increases.
Here are some general tips for minimizing these side effects:
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- Food Choices: Dietary changes can minimize nausea and cramping. Limit high-fat and greasy foods that take longer to digest, as well as concentrated sweets and sugary beverages. To reduce acid reflux, limit spicy foods and choose bland foods. If constipation occurs, include high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also crucial.
- Portion Sizes: GLP-1 medications can cause you to feel full sooner. Start with smaller portions and listen to your body's fullness cues to avoid nausea. Use smaller plates and bowls to visualize smaller meals. When eating out, consider ordering healthy appetizers, soups, salads, or sides, or immediately setting aside a portion of your meal in a container.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signs of fullness and stop eating when you first feel full. Small, frequent meals can help you meet your protein and calorie needs. If you experience nausea, unsweetened ginger or peppermint tea may provide relief.
- Prioritize Adequate Nutrition: Consume healthy nutrients to preserve muscle mass and lean body mass, even if you're not hungry. Protein drinks can be an easy alternative for providing nutrients without causing nausea. Options include Ensure® Max Protein, Glucerna® Protein Smart, Premier Protein®, Muscle Milk®, and Fairlife® Protein.
It's important to track symptoms and share any concerns with your healthcare provider for dosage adjustments.
Diethylpropion: An Appetite Suppressant with Potential Risks
Diethylpropion, sold under brand names like Tepanil and Tenuate, is a short-term medication that reduces appetite and is typically prescribed alongside a meal and exercise plan.
Diethylpropion Side Effects and Health Risks
Taking diethylpropion can lead to various health consequences and adverse effects. Common side effects include:
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth
- Thirst
- Increased urination
- Depression
- Tremors
In rare instances, diethylpropion use can lead to severe health risks, such as:
- Psychosis
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
Other concerning side effects may include blurred vision, skin rashes, problems breathing, fainting, feet or ankle swelling, and painful urination.
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It is possible to overdose on diethylpropion. Signs and symptoms of an overdose may include tremors, confusion, aggression, hallucinations, panic attacks, circulatory collapse, irregular heart rate, convulsion, and coma. If an overdose is suspected, call 911 immediately.
The Problem with Using Diethylpropion for Weight Loss
Research indicates that taking medications like Tepanil is strongly associated with other disordered eating behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting and other forms of purging, like laxative use or compulsive exercise. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa were significantly associated with diet pill misuse.
Engaging in disordered eating, including using a “diet pill” like diethylpropion, increases the risk of developing an eating disorder, which is a complex medical and mental health disorder that severely affects a person’s ability to function. Those with an eating disorder might experience obsessive thoughts about food, eating, and weight, experience a pathological desire for thinness or weight loss, and are unable to function due to disordered eating behaviors and thoughts.
The Connection Between Diethylpropion Use, Fatphobia, and Diet Culture
One of the many problems with diethylpropion use is that it is prescribed to treat people living at a higher body weight, which is harmful because it pathologizes fatness. The truth is that people can be healthy at different sizes and weights. Pathologizing people living in larger bodies influences weight stigma, fatphobia, diet culture, distorted body image, and so much more. The reason people may take medication to try and lose weight is because of a desire for thinness, influenced by society, food labels, advertising, and everything around us. False beliefs about so-called “body ideals” can have devastating effects, like low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, negative self-talk, disordered eating, and even eating disorders.
What is diethylpropion used for?
Diethylpropion is commonly used to help people with obesity lose weight.
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Diethylpropion may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does diethylpropion work (mechanism of action)?
Diethylpropion is thought to help people lose weight by reducing appetite, which may help you want to eat less food.
How should I store diethylpropion?
Diethylpropion should be stored tightly closed at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and protect from excessive heat.
What are the serious side effects of diethylpropion?
While less common, the most serious side effects of diethylpropion are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Pulmonary Hypertension. Diethylpropion may increase your risk of having pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessels between your heart and your lungs), which can be life-threatening. The risk may be higher in those taking the medicine for longer periods. Stop taking diethylpropion and get help right away If you have any of the following symptoms.
Trouble breathing
Chest pain
Fainting
Swelling in your legs
Heart Valve Problems. Diethylpropion or medicines like it may rarely cause problems with your heart valves, which can be serious. Stop taking diethylpropion and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
Unusual shortness of breath
Feeling of skipped heartbeats
Chest pain
Swelling in the legs
Fainting or feeling dizzy
Severe Allergic Reactions. Diethylpropion may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking diethylpropion and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain
Who should not use diethylpropion?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take diethylpropion.
Tenuate
Tepanil
Diethylpropion
Any other medicine known as a sympathomimetic
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific diethylpropion products they stock.
Heart Disease. Diethylpropion should not be used by those with severely hardened arteries, also known as arteriosclerosis.
High Blood Pressure. Diethylpropion should not be used by those with moderate to severe high blood pressure.