Are appetite suppressants helpful for overweight people?

Question

Hi doctor,

I see a lot of patients, who are slightly overweight. I put them on an exercise regime, and tell them to restrict their diet. But sometimes, they are unable to control their appetite and have dinner at night. They ask me for any appetite suppressant to decrease their appetite. They prefer taking medicine and maintaining their weight at least. I know about tablet Phentermine and Methylphenidate, but they are not available easily. What medicine should I suggest for such patients? Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Yes, appetite suppressants are hard to find, as you must be aware that they have a low therapeutic index, habit former, and are difficult to discontinue once started. For obese patients with BMI (body mass index) over 30, why do not you try VLCD (very low calorie diet)? Here, the patient is allowed to eat proper meals at a proper time and thus able to control appetite. Complete dietary restriction always has its own set of effects like constipation, gallstones, and most commonly overeating. I do not prescribe appetite suppressants. I use tablet Orlistat though. Evaluating for the cause of overweight like overeating or low physical activity, familial or endocrine, and proceeding with a proper diet plan, which provides the patient with the required amount of food with low calories, a good workout, plenty of oral fluids, and good sleeping habits should work.