Summer diet caution: Misuse of appetite suppressants can endanger health

As summer approaches, many are turning to appetite suppressants to shed weight, but health authorities are warning of the serious dangers associated with their misuse. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) emphasizes that these drugs are not for casual use and require a doctor's prescription.

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Appetite suppressants are not a drug that anyone can take. They can only be prescribed after a doctor's accurate diagnosis and prescription.

Appetite suppressants are classified as psychotropic substances, a category of narcotics, due to their potential to cause physical and psychological dependency. Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, heart palpitations, and nervousness. Long-term use can escalate to severe mental health issues like depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and even life-threatening cardiovascular problems such as pulmonary hypertension and heart disease.

These medications work by suppressing appetite, making individuals feel less hungry or more full. Prescriptions are typically limited to individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or those with a BMI of 27 or above who also suffer from conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. The MFDS strongly advises against their use in children and adolescents under 16, and pregnant women should also exercise caution.

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Because they regulate the central nervous system to suppress appetite, they can cause physical or psychological dependency.

To mitigate risks, the MFDS recommends that appetite suppressants be used only for obesity treatment and for a limited period, generally no longer than four weeks. While a physician may extend this under specific circumstances, it should not exceed three months. Furthermore, taking more than one type of appetite suppressant concurrently is strictly prohibited due to the heightened risk of adverse effects. Patients experiencing side effects are urged to consult their doctor or pharmacist immediately to adjust dosage, change medication, or discontinue use to prevent severe complications or addiction.

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If side effects occur, you must consult a pharmacist or the prescribing doctor to reduce the dosage or change to another medication, or stop taking it to prevent severe side effects or addiction.