Prescription Appetite Suppressant
A short-term prescription treatment that reduces hunger signals, used under medical supervision as part of a wider weight management plan.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Prescription appetite suppressants are doctor-prescribed medicines that reduce hunger or increase fullness, helping you eat less while you build healthier habits. They are not "diet pills" sold online — in Singapore they require a prescription and medical monitoring.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Prescription appetite suppressants encompass several classes with distinct mechanisms: GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin agonists based on gut hormones, the naltrexone/bupropion combination acting on central reward and POMC pathways, and older agents that enhance central catecholamine signalling. They are indicated as an adjunct to lifestyle modification for patients who meet clinical criteria for pharmacotherapy — typically a BMI of 27–30 kg/m² or above, with or without weight-related comorbidities — and are contraindicated in various cardiovascular, psychiatric and endocrine conditions depending on class. Treatment requires baseline assessment, dose titration, monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate and mood, and periodic review of benefit; stopping some agents abruptly can cause rebound hunger.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
The phrase "appetite suppressant" covers very different medicines — some work on gut hormones, others on brain pathways. Choosing the right one needs a medical assessment, which is exactly what our consultations are for.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
