32.4 Other Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Remedies
3 min read•june 18, 2024
Weight loss and prescription drugs offer potential solutions for those struggling with obesity. From over-the-counter herbal remedies to FDA-approved medications, these products aim to suppress appetite, block fat absorption, or boost metabolism.
However, efficacy and safety concerns exist. Many supplements lack strong scientific evidence, while prescription drugs can cause side effects. Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about proper use, monitoring for interactions, and promoting healthy lifestyle changes alongside medication.
Weight Loss Supplements and Herbal Remedies
Efficacy and safety of over-the-counter weight loss supplements and herbal remedies
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- Over-the-counter weight loss supplements and herbal remedies often lack strong scientific evidence supporting their efficacy may lead to modest short-term weight loss (, ) but long-term effectiveness is not well-established
- Safety concerns exist with certain weight loss supplements and herbal remedies some products contain stimulants or other ingredients that can cause adverse effects increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, digestive issues (bloating, diarrhea), anxiety and irritability herbal remedies may interact with prescription medications (warfarin, antidepressants) or exacerbate underlying health conditions (hypertension, diabetes)
- Regulation of is less stringent than prescription drugs supplements do not require FDA approval before marketing quality control and consistency of ingredients may vary between products
Mechanisms of action and side effects of prescription weight management drugs
- Prescription weight management drugs work through various mechanisms to promote weight loss
- Appetite suppression phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira) and diethylpropion (Tenuate) stimulate the release of norepinephrine, reducing hunger
- Nutrient absorption inhibition orlistat (Xenical, Alli) blocks the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines by inhibiting pancreatic lipase
- Combination therapies phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia) suppresses appetite and increases feelings of fullness naltrexone/bupropion () reduces appetite and food cravings by acting on brain reward systems
- Potential side effects of prescription weight management drugs include gastrointestinal issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation), dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, headache, increased heart rate and blood pressure (with stimulant-based medications)
Nursing Interventions and Patient Education
Nursing interventions and client education for patients using weight loss medications or supplements
- Assess patient's medical history, current medications, and lifestyle habits before recommending weight loss products
- Educate patients on the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity in conjunction with weight loss medications or supplements
- Instruct patients to follow dosage instructions carefully and report any adverse effects to their healthcare provider
- Monitor patients for potential side effects and drug interactions regularly check vital signs, especially in patients taking stimulant-based medications assess for signs of nutrient deficiencies (vitamin A, D, E, and K) in patients taking orlistat
- Encourage patients to set realistic weight loss goals (0.5-1 kg per week) and maintain a positive body image
- Provide resources for long-term weight management and behavior modification strategies (meal planning, stress management)
- Emphasize the importance of regular follow-up visits to assess progress and adjust treatment plans as needed
Interactions between weight management products and other medications or health conditions
- Weight loss medications and supplements can interact with other drugs, altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse effects stimulant-based weight loss drugs may interact with antidepressants (, SNRIs), leading to serotonin syndrome orlistat can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and certain medications (cyclosporine, levothyroxine)
- Certain health conditions may contraindicate the use of specific weight loss products
- Cardiovascular disease stimulant-based medications may exacerbate hypertension and arrhythmias
- Diabetes weight loss drugs may affect blood glucose levels and require adjustments to antidiabetic medications (insulin, metformin)
- Thyroid disorders stimulant-based medications may worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms
- Gastrointestinal conditions (inflammatory bowel disease, gallbladder disease) orlistat may exacerbate these conditions or increase the risk of complications
- Consult with a pharmacist or physician to identify potential drug interactions and contraindications before starting weight loss medications or supplements
Key Terms to Review (32)
Antidepressant: Antidepressants are medications primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and certain chronic pain conditions. They work by altering neurotransmitter levels in the brain to improve mood and emotional state.
BMI: BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measure of body fat based on a person's weight and height. It is a widely used screening tool to assess overall health and the risk of developing certain medical conditions related to weight.
Bupropion naltrexone: Bupropion naltrexone is a combination medication used for weight management. It combines an antidepressant (bupropion) and an opioid antagonist (naltrexone) to help reduce appetite and control cravings.
Chromium picolinate: Chromium picolinate is a chemical compound often used as a dietary supplement to aid in weight loss and improve glucose metabolism. It combines chromium with picolinic acid to enhance absorption in the body.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to a diverse group of medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not considered part of conventional or mainstream Western medicine. CAM approaches are often used alongside or in place of traditional medical treatments, with the goal of promoting overall health and well-being.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. It is often used as a dietary supplement for its potential benefits in weight management.
Contrave: Contrave is a prescription medication used for weight management. It combines two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, to help reduce appetite and control cravings.
Dietary Supplements: Dietary supplements are products that are intended to supplement the diet and provide additional nutrients, vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other substances to improve overall health and well-being. These products are not considered drugs and are regulated differently than pharmaceutical medications.
Drug-Herb Interactions: Drug-herb interactions refer to the potential for herbal supplements or remedies to interfere with the intended effects or safety of prescription and over-the-counter medications. These interactions can alter the absorption, metabolism, or excretion of drugs, leading to changes in the drug's concentration and effectiveness, or potentially causing adverse reactions.
EGCG: EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, is a powerful antioxidant compound found primarily in green tea. It is one of the most extensively studied and biologically active catechins, a class of plant-derived polyphenols known for their potential health benefits.
Garcinia cambogia: Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia that has gained popularity as a weight loss supplement. It contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a compound that may inhibit fat production and suppress appetite.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that enhances insulin secretion in response to meals. It also slows gastric emptying and promotes satiety.
Glucomannan: Glucomannan is a natural, water-soluble dietary fiber extracted from the root of the konjac plant. It is commonly used as a supplement for weight management due to its ability to absorb water and expand in the stomach.
Green Tea Extract: Green Tea Extract is a concentrated form of the bioactive compounds found in green tea, commonly used as a dietary supplement for its potential health benefits. It is often utilized in weight management and metabolic health due to its high levels of catechins and caffeine.
Guarana: Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon basin, known for its seeds which contain high levels of caffeine. It is often used in weight management supplements for its stimulant and thermogenic effects.
Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine, also known as phytotherapy, refers to the use of plants or plant extracts for medicinal purposes. It is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that has been practiced for centuries across various cultures to prevent, manage, and treat a wide range of health conditions.
Hoodia gordonii: Hoodia gordonii is a succulent plant native to the Kalahari Desert, traditionally used by indigenous populations to suppress appetite during long hunts. It has gained popularity as a weight management supplement in modern herbal medicine.
Incretin mimetic: Incretin mimetics are a class of medications that mimic the effects of incretin hormones to stimulate insulin secretion and inhibit glucagon release in response to food intake. They are primarily used in the management of type 2 diabetes but also have roles in weight management.
Liraglutide: Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. It helps control blood sugar levels and promote weight loss by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing appetite.
MAOIs: MAOIs, or Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, are a class of medications primarily used to treat depression. They work by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. By preventing this breakdown, MAOIs can lead to an increase in the availability of these neurotransmitters, helping to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
MyPlate: MyPlate is a visual nutrition guide developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote healthy eating habits. It serves as a simple and accessible tool to help individuals make informed choices about their dietary intake, particularly in the context of other drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies.
Nutraceuticals: Nutraceuticals are products derived from foods that are marketed as having health or medical benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. They are a broad category that encompasses dietary supplements, functional foods, and other products that fall outside the traditional pharmaceutical industry.
Opioid antagonist: An opioid antagonist is a drug that binds to opioid receptors without activating them, effectively blocking the effects of opioids. They are used to reverse opioid overdose and treat addiction.
OTC Weight Supplements: OTC (Over-the-Counter) weight supplements are non-prescription products that claim to aid in weight loss, boost metabolism, or enhance weight management. These supplements are readily available to consumers without the need for a doctor's prescription.
Pharmacognosy: Pharmacognosy is the study of natural, plant-derived substances and their medicinal applications. It encompasses the identification, extraction, and utilization of bioactive compounds from natural sources, particularly plants, for the development of therapeutic drugs and herbal remedies.
Raspberry Ketones: Raspberry ketones are natural compounds found in red raspberries that are believed to have potential weight loss and fat-burning properties. They are often marketed as a dietary supplement for their purported ability to enhance metabolism and promote fat reduction.
Saxenda: Saxenda is an injectable prescription medication used for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight conditions. It contains liraglutide, which mimics a hormone that regulates appetite and food intake.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs used primarily to treat depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. They work by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons, making more serotonin available.
Semaglutide: Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed for chronic weight management in certain individuals.
SSRIs: SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, are a class of medications primarily used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. They work by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is believed to play a crucial role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other physiological processes.
Supplements: Supplements are products taken orally that contain dietary ingredients intended to supplement the diet. They can include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes.
Wegovy: Wegovy is a prescription medication containing semaglutide, used for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight conditions. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite and caloric intake.