How do Weight Loss Drugs work?
Weight loss drugs regulate weight either by altering appetite, the metabolic rate or absorption.
- Suppression of appetite- Diet pills that suppress appetite, or transmit mock signals of satiety to the brain are known as appetite suppressants (anorectic drugs). They induce a person to eat less by sending signals to the brain that hunger has been satisfied. As a result, people eat less and so fewer calories are available to the body.
- Increasing the body's metabolism - Some diet pills increase the metabolic rate of the body and therefore help to burn more calories.
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- Interfering with the absorption process- Some diet pills interfere with the body's ability to absorb specific nutrients in food like fat. Eg: Orlistat (also known as Xenical and Alli) blocks fat breakdown and thereby prevents absorption of fat in the body. Over-the-counter fiber supplements like glucomannan or guar gum have been used for inhibiting digestion and lowering caloric absorption.
