Appetite Suppressants and Eating Disorders
Studies have shown that 64% of individuals with eating disorders also abuse over the counter and prescription diet pills. Diet pills, also known as appetite suppressants or weight loss pills, can increase unsafe physical symptoms and effects associated with eating disorders and further complicate already dangerous behaviors such as purging, over-exercise, or restrictive eating.
Many times people do not consider diet pills as a substance that can be addictive, but diet pills often contain chemicals, such as stimulants, which are known to increase alertness, attention, and energy. Stimulants can also elevate blood pressure, heart rate and respiration and are typically prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Diet pills include both prescription and over the counter supplements, which are used to typically reduce or control weight through suppressing appetite, increasing metabolism, reducing fat absorption, and increasing energy.
Prescription appetite suppressants on the market
There are several types of diet pills within these classifications, which include, benzphetamine, diethylpropion, mazindol, and phentermine.
