How it works: Though the mechanism by which Hoodia gordonii suppresses hunger is unknown, some scientists link it to a compound called P57, or glycoside, which may impact your central nervous system and decrease appetite Effectiveness: There is little evidence to support the use of Hoodia gordonii to promote weight loss, and few human studies have examined the plant.

A day study in 49 overweight women found that 2. Side effects: Hoodia gordonii may lead to headaches, nausea, increased heart rate, high blood pressure and impaired liver function Summary Currently, no evidence supports the use of Hoodia gordonii for weight loss or reduced appetite.

Green coffee bean extract is a substance derived from the raw seeds of the coffee plant and is popularly used as a weight loss supplement.

How it works: Green coffee beans contain high levels of chlorogenic acid, which may inhibit fat accumulation.

The extract also contains caffeine , which decreases appetite Effectiveness: A recent study in people with metabolic syndrome showed that those taking mg of green coffee bean extract per day experienced a significant decrease in waist circumference and appetite compared to a placebo group An analysis of three studies found that overweight participants who took either or mg per day of green coffee extract for up to 12 weeks experienced an average weight loss of 6 pounds 2.

Side effects: Though green coffee bean extract is generally well tolerated, it may cause headaches and increased heart rate in some people. Summary Several research studies have demonstrated that green coffee bean extract may reduce appetite and promote weight loss.

The guarana plant has been used for hundreds of years for various purposes, including appetite suppression How it works: Guarana contains more caffeine than any other plant in the world. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system and has been shown to decrease appetite and boost metabolism Effectiveness: Insufficient evidence exists to support the use of guarana to suppress appetite and promote weight loss.

However, test-tube and animal studies show that guarana extract may boost metabolism and limit fat cell production by suppressing certain genes Side effects: Because guarana is high in caffeine, it may cause insomnia, headaches, nervousness and increased heart rate and anxiety, especially when taken in high doses Summary Guarana — which is especially high in caffeine — may boost metabolism, but more research is needed to determine whether it suppresses appetite or promotes weight loss.

Acacia fiber, also known as gum arabic, is a type of indigestible fiber promoted as a means of suppressing appetite and promoting fullness. How it works: Acacia fiber slows digestion, suppresses appetite, increases fullness and inhibits glucose absorption in your gut, which can all help manage weight Effectiveness: One six-week study in women found that those taking 30 grams of acacia fiber per day lost significantly more body fat than those on a placebo Similarly, a study in 92 people with diabetes showed that 30 grams of acacia fiber daily for three months significantly reduced belly fat Side effects: Potential side effects of consuming acacia fiber include gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Summary Acacia fiber may encourage weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and suppressing appetite. Saffron extract is a substance derived from the stigma — or the female part of flowers where pollen is collected — of the saffron flower.

How it works: Saffron extract is believed to contain several substances that may increase feelings of fullness by boosting mood. Effectiveness: One study in 60 overweight women demonstrated that those taking mg of saffron extract per day experienced a significant reduction in snacking and lost more weight than women on a placebo pill Side effects: Saffron extract is generally well tolerated but may cause dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety, nausea and headache in some people Summary Some evidence supports the use of saffron extract as a way to reduce hunger and lose weight.

Guar gum is a type of fiber derived from the Indian cluster bean, or Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. How it works: Guar gum acts as a bulking agent in your gut. It suppresses appetite by slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness Other studies demonstrate similar results, indicating that guar gum may be effective in reducing cravings and overall calorie intake However, guar gum has not been proven as an effective tool for weight loss Side effects: Guar gum may cause adverse side effects, such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, cramping, gas and bloating Summary Guar gum is a type of fiber that may be effective in reducing snacking between meals and decreasing overall calorie intake.

How it works: Forskolin is purported to aid weight loss by reducing appetite, enhancing metabolism and increasing the breakdown of fat in your body Effectiveness: Human studies researching the effect of forskolin on weight loss and appetite suppression in humans are limited. However, several studies demonstrate that doses of up to mg of forskolin per day failed to reduce appetite, decrease food intake or encourage weight loss in overweight individuals 42 , Side effects: Little is known about the potential side effects of Coleus forskohlii , though one study reported diarrhea and increased bowel movements Summary Forskolin seems to have little impact on appetite or weight loss.

However, research on this supplement is ongoing. Chromium is a commonly used mineral for blood sugar control, hunger reduction and decreased cravings.

How it works: Chromium picolinate is a highly absorbable form of chromium that helps reduce appetite and cravings by impacting neurotransmitters involved in regulating mood and eating behavior Effectiveness: A review of 11 studies in overweight or obese people found that supplementing daily with —1, mcg of chromium for 8—26 weeks led to reductions in body weight by 1.

Side effects: Potential side effects related to chromium picolinate include loose stools, vertigo, dizziness, headaches and hives Summary Some research has shown that chromium picolinate may be effective in reducing appetite and encouraging weight loss. Many supplements on the market claim to suppress appetite and boost weight loss.

However, very few of the dietary supplements listed above have sufficient evidence to suggest effectiveness in reducing appetite. While certain supplements — such as acacia fiber, guar gum and chromium picolinate — have been reliably shown to decrease appetite , they may cause adverse side effects, such as headaches, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

There are many more effective, evidence-based ways to control appetite, reduce snacking and lose weight without relying on dietary supplements. Cutting out processed foods, reducing your overall calorie intake and increasing your activity levels are tried-and-true methods that will put you on the path to weight loss.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. You may be hungry all the time for several reasons, including diet, stress, or medical conditions.

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Appetite suppressants act on neurotransmitters in the brain. These transmitters are natural chemicals found in nerve cells, which are released from the nerve cells when a neural message is transmitted. Neurotransmitters are then reabsorbed into the nerve cells upon the successful transmission of the message.

Appetite suppressants block two of these neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed into the nerve cell. These are noradrenaline and serotonin. These chemicals are responsible for regulating mood and various other processes. Preventing these chemicals from being reabsorbed, results in more noradrenaline and serotonin acting in the brain.

This has the effect of enhancing the feeling of being full post-eating. This allows you to feel satisfied for longer after actually consuming less food.

However, none of these are medicines, and there is no proof that they actually work. Appetite suppressants can potentially cause side effects.

Medicines and their side effects affect different people in different ways. The following side effects are known to be associated with appetite suppressants. However, because a side effect is listed here, it does not mean that everyone who takes appetite suppressants will experience all, if any, of these side effects:.

Before you start any new treatment, you should always inform your doctor or pharmacist of the medicines you are currently taking, including those bought over-the-counter and any herbal treatments.

Appetite suppressants can interact with other medicines, making them potentially ineffective, even dangerous. They should not be taken at the same time as, or within 2 weeks of any of the following medications:. Appetite suppressants should not be used at the same time as other medicines that increase serotonin levels in the brain.

Doing so may result in a side effect called serotonin syndrome, which can be serious. The following medicines can increase the risk of experiencing the side effects associated with appetite suppressants:. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any cough, cold or allergy treatments whilst considering taking appetite suppressants.

Some ingredients found in these remedies can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Any cold, cough or allergy treatments should be used with caution when taken in conjunction with an appetite suppressant. Rather than risk your health with unregulated and potentially harmful appetite suppressants, try other weight loss pills that have been proven to be effective and are still prescribed by doctors in the UK.

You can buy mg Orlistat weight loss capsules that need to be prescribed by a doctor. Orlistat is not an appetite suppressant. It works in a completely different way and does not impact the brain or appetite at all.

Orlistat actually binds to dietary fat and therefore must only be taken under certain conditions. You must always follow a low-fat diet plan and exercise regime when taking Orlistat.

Scott is one of the two founders of The Independent Pharmacy. He is a registered pharmacist and the registered manager of our service with the CQC.