Appetite Suppressants In The UK

Appetite suppressants work by changing the way your brain and body control hunger:

Affecting hunger hormones

Prescription appetite suppressants affect hunger hormones, including leptin (promotes satiety) and ghrelin (the hunger hormone), peptides (such as glucagon-like peptide-1, also known as GLP-1, which affects appetite regulation) and/or other similar neurotransmitters.

These hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters play a role in regulating hunger and satiety (fullness). Depending on the type of appetite suppressant, they work by increasing or blocking specific neurotransmitters, peptides, and/or hormones which will either help you feel full faster or make you less hungry. This makes you eat less, which likely results in weight loss.

Delaying digestion

Some appetite suppressants slow down digestion, so food stays in your stomach for longer, making you feel full after eating.

Reducing cravings

Many appetite suppressants also help manage cravings, especially for foods that are high in added sugars and trans-fat. This can help you stick to a healthier diet as you’re less tempted with food cravings.

There are three main types of appetite suppressants: prescription medications, over-the-counter supplements, and natural options.

 

• Prescription medications. Prescription appetite suppressants, such as Liraglutide (Saxenda), Semaglutide (Wegovy), and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), are used by people with a BMI over 30, or people with a BMI over 27 with related health issues such as type 2 diabetes. These medications are highly effective but there is a strict eligibility criteria and input from a clinician is required to make sure they’re safe for you.
• Over-the-counter supplements. Supplements such as green tea extract, caffeine, and glucomannan are sold in stores and online. While some people find them helpful, their effectiveness isn’t guaranteed, and they’re not as regulated, as with any supplement,  unlike prescription medications.
• Natural appetite suppressants. Foods such as lean proteins, high fibre fruits, and vegetables, and even just drinking more water may help to reduce hunger “naturally”. While they won’t work as quickly as weight loss medications, adding these foods to your diet can help control your appetite and might be preferred for a more sustainable approach.

Prescription medications

Prescription appetite suppressants, such as Mounjaro, have been shown to help people lose up to 26% of their body weight, depending on the dose, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. They work best when used alongside lifestyle and behaviour changes, because when you decide to stop the medication, it will be easier to transition back into your routine with the intended weight loss but without the effects of the medication.

Over-the-counter supplements

The results from over-the-counter appetite suppressants are mixed. Some people find that they reduce hunger, but they don’t tend to lead to large amounts of weight loss on their own. Furthermore, the supplement industry is not as tightly regulated compared to prescription medications.

Natural appetite suppressants

Natural options, like eating more fibre-rich foods, lean proteins, or drinking more water, may help with portion control and reduce snacking when not actually hungry. However, adhering to dietary changes may prove challenging, so it may take longer to achieve weight loss compared with the effects of prescription medications.

If you don’t want to take prescription medications, there are several natural ways to manage your appetite:

• Mindful eating. Mindful eating means slowing down and focusing solely on your food, which can help you recognise when you’re full. Chew slowly, savour every bite, eat away from your work station and without distractions (put your mobile away and turn off the TV) and pay attention to how your body feels.
• Hydration. Sometimes, what we think is hunger is actually thirst. Drinking water before meals can make you feel fuller and prevent overeating.
• Protein-rich foods. Eating foods high in protein, like fish, lean meats, or beans and pulses, may keep you full for longer and reduce your appetite naturally.

It might surprise you to learn that some common supplements or habits could actually increase your hunger:

 

• Caffeine. Caffeine (depending on the amount) found in coffee, high cocoa content chocolate, or energy drinks, may increase hunger for some people.
• Sugar substitutes. Most of the evidence suggests sugar substitutes do not lead to increased food intake, and an individual’s perception while using sugar substitutes is largely subjective. If you are using non-nutritive sweeteners, try healthier alternatives, as these will have more nutritional benefits.
• Ultra-processed foods. Eating lots of ultra-processed foods or highly refined carbs can cause blood sugars to rise rapidly, followed by a crash, which makes you feel hungrier than before.

Certain foods can help you manage your hunger without the need for medications:

Porridge oats

Porridge oats are rich in fibre and keep you full for longer after breakfast.

Avocados

Packed with healthy fats, avocados support your gut microbiome and help keep you satisfied.

Water

Drinking water, especially before meals, may help reduce the amount of food you need to feel full.

Almonds

A small handful of almonds provides fibre, healthy fats, and protein, which all help to keep hunger in check.

Every appetite suppressant has potential side effects, and it’s important to know what to expect:

• Prescription medications. Drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro may cause nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and vomiting. In rare cases, they can have serious side effects. Always consult a doctor before starting these medications to ensure they’re safe for you.
• Over-the-counter supplements. Supplements may contain stimulants such as caffeine, which can cause heart palpitations and/or insomnia. Since these products are less regulated, there’s also less certainty about their safety.

In the UK, you have access to several appetite suppressants:

Wegovy and Mounjaro

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescription medications that help with weight loss by reducing appetite and improving blood sugar control. Wegovy and Mounjaro are injected weekly, and have shown promising results in managing obesity.

Saxenda

Saxenda is another prescription medication that is injected daily. It helps you feel full faster and works for people with a high BMI.

How quickly do appetite suppressants work?

You’ll usually start feeling less hungry within a few days. Shifts in weight loss will take a few weeks, with more time needed for significant weight loss.

Are appetite suppressants safe?

Prescription appetite suppressants are generally safe when used under a doctor’s supervision. Supplements, however, are less regulated, so their safety isn’t guaranteed.

Can I use appetite suppressants if I have diabetes?

Some medications, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, are designed to help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight safely. Always talk to your doctor first.

Appetite suppressants might be a helpful part of your weight loss journey, especially when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Wegovy and Mounjaro are two of the most effective options for prescription medications, while natural options such as drinking more water, eating plenty of fibre, and practising mindful eating can also help.

Make sure to consult with your doctor before starting any appetite suppressant, and remember that no pill or supplement is a magic fix – it’s all about building healthier habits in the long run.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See our Terms of Service for more information.