Disclaimers:
- There are no drugs or supplements that have been shown to reduce fat cells in humans permanently.
- Some drugs and supplements may help to reduce fat cells temporarily, but they will not eliminate them completely.
- These drugs and supplements can help to reduce appetite and boost metabolism, which can lead to weight loss.
- However, they are not a magic bullet and they will not work for everyone.
- They can also have side effects, so it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any of them.
SECTION 1: Hormones involved in weight loss for humans:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body and helps to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. GLP-1 is released after eating and helps to regulate appetite, increase insulin secretion, and decrease glucagon secretion. GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, which can lead to a reduction in appetite and an increase in feelings of fullness.
- Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body and helps to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. GIP receptor agonists work by mimicking the effects of GIP, which can lead to a reduction in appetite and an increase in feelings of fullness.
- Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) is an enzyme that breaks down GLP-1, so if DPP-4 is blocked it increases the levels of GLP-1 in the body.
SECTION 2: Naturally occurring fat-loss supplements in common food:
- Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can help to increase metabolism and burn calories. However, it does not specifically target fat cells.
- Omega-3 fatty acids from seafood: Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation and promote fat loss.
- Curcumin: Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also help to promote fat loss.
- Green tea extract contains a compound called EGCG, which has been shown to increase the metabolic rate and help to burn fat.
SECTION 3: Plant-derived fat-loss supplements not present in common foods:
- Yohimbine: Yohimbine is a plant extract that is thought to block the effects of a hormone that helps to store fat. However, it can also have side effects, such as anxiety and high blood pressure.
- Trans-Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a compound found in red wine and grapes. It has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including promoting fat loss.
- Raspberry ketones are a natural compound found in raspberries. They have been shown to increase the levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the brain, which can lead to weight loss.
- Garcinia cambogia is a fruit that contains a compound called hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA has been shown to suppress appetite and increase the metabolic rate.
SECTION 4: Prescription based GLP-1 receptor agonists that directly reduce fat in humans:
| Drug | Brand Name | Dosage | Frequency | Onset of Action | Weight Loss | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exenatide | Byetta, Bydureon | 5 mcg or 10 mcg | Twice daily | 30 minutes | 5-10% | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity | 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, or 3.0 mg | Once weekly | 1-2 hours | 4-7% | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness |
| Tirzepatide | Mounjaro | 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg | Once weekly injection | 30 minutes | 7-10% | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness |
| Liraglutide | Victoza, Saxenda | 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg | Once daily | 30 minutes | 3-5% | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness |
| Semaglutide | Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy | 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1 mg | Once weekly injection or oral daily | 30 minutes | 5-10% | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness |
Types of semaglutide are:
- Wegovy has full FDA approval for weight loss. Wegovy is injected via something that looks more like an epipen, patients typically start a dose of 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks before upping the dose in intervals, reaching 2.4 mg.
- Ozempic is FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes treatment. Just like Wegovy it is injected via something that looks more like an epipen
- Rybelsus is a once-daily oral semaglutide approved for Type 2 diabetes treatment.
SECTION 5: Other Prescription medications that indirectly reduce fat in humans:
- Orlistat (Xenical) is a lipase inhibitor, which means it blocks the absorption of fat from food. This results in about 30% of the fat in a meal being excreted in the stool. It is a saturated derivative of endogenous lipstatin isolated from Streptomyces toxytricini.
- Phentermine (Fastin) is an appetite suppressant that works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
- Diethylpropion (Tenuate) is another appetite suppressant that works in a similar way to phentermine.
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant that can also be used to help people lose weight. It is thought to work by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is a medication used to treat alcohol and opioid addiction. It can also be used to help people lose weight by blocking the effects of the opioid neurotransmitter endorphins.