If a person is fasting, they can try drinking water, going for a walk, or doing a meditation. Keeping oneself busy and distracted can also help. Restricting food consumption too much can lead to a relapse of overeating. Instead, eating a good amount of the right foods can reduce hunger and food cravings throughout the day.

A person can suppress their appetite by including more protein, fat, and fiber in their meals. Stocking up on vegetables and pulses can make a person feel fuller for longer. It might also help to try different spices, such as ginger and cayenne pepper, and drink tea to beat unwanted food cravings.

Many people wish to lose weight but find that trying one diet after another does not seem to work. Should they eat less food? Eat different food…. Losing belly fat is a common goal. In this article, we look at some natural ways of achieving it.

Various diet and exercise adjustments can help. Find out how to lose weight that is due to medication using 10 methods.

We also discuss why some medications sometimes cause weight gain. Researchers say bariatric surgery can help with weight loss, but it can also help improve cognitive functions including memory. Researchers say running can help with weight loss but only in the short term. This form of exercise does have other health benefits from maintaining….

My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Ten natural ways to suppress appetite. Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, Ph. How to suppress appetite Best foods FAQs Outlook.

How we vet brands and products Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? Natural appetite suppressants. Foods that minimize appetite. Frequently asked questions. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause. RSV vaccine errors in babies, pregnant people: Should you be worried? Scientists discover biological mechanism of hearing loss caused by loud noise — and find a way to prevent it.

How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. Related Coverage. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, RN. Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.

Bariatric surgery can affect brain structure, may improve cognitive function Researchers say bariatric surgery can help with weight loss, but it can also help improve cognitive functions including memory READ MORE.

Running has limited benefits for weight loss, but it can help prevent weight gain Researchers say running can help with weight loss but only in the short term.

This form of exercise does have other health benefits from maintaining… READ MORE. However, research shows mixed results. Made with an extract derived from the peel of the Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit, garcinia cambogia pills are used to suppress appetite and promote weight loss.

How it works: Garcinia cambogia extract contains hydroxycitric acid HCA , which may reduce appetite by increasing serotonin levels in your brain and reducing the metabolism of carbohydrates Effectiveness: A review of 12 studies found that participants who supplemented with garcinia cambogia containing 1,—2, mg of HCA per day for 2—12 weeks lost an average of 1.

Another study in 28 people demonstrated that garcinia cambogia was more effective at reducing appetite, increasing fullness and decreasing hunger than a placebo However, other studies have shown that garcinia cambogia has little to no effect on appetite or weight loss Side effects: Though generally considered safe, consuming garcinia cambogia may lead to side effects in some people, such as headaches, diarrhea, nausea, irritability and even liver failure in extreme cases Summary Some research shows that garcinia cambogia suppresses appetite and promotes weight loss.

Glucomannan is a type of soluble fiber derived from the edible roots of the konjac plant. How it works: Glucomannan is understood to encourage weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, slowing digestion and blocking the absorption of fat and protein A review of six studies found that 1.

However, researchers concluded that the results were not statistically significant and that larger and longer-term studies are needed Side effects: Glucomannan may cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea and abdominal discomfort Summary Glucomannan is a type of soluble fiber that may promote short-term weight loss.

However, results from studies are inconclusive. Hoodia gordonii is a type of succulent plant traditionally used by indigenous people in southern Africa as an appetite suppressant. Extracts from Hoodia gordonii are used in dietary supplements that claim to reduce appetite and boost weight loss.

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.

Dosage : The daily dose of psyllium is 3 to Side effects : Common side effects of psyllium include stomach discomfort and bloating. Precautions : Do not take psyllium if you have appendicitis or intestinal blockage. Interactions : Avoid taking the following medications within three hours of taking psyllium.

Glucomannan is a soluble fiber found in roots, tubers, and many plant bulbs. Dosage : The daily dose of glucomannan is 2—3 g by mouth. Side effects : No side effects were noted in the studies. Agar has been shown to reduce body weight and fat in a week study of 76 people with type 2 diabetes.

Dosage : The daily dose of agar is g by mouth. Side effects : No side effects were noted in the clinical studies. Getting enough protein from your diet is essential to help build and maintain muscle mass.

Uses : Protein consumption, such as whey protein , has had the following effects. Dosage : The International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends that exercising individuals consume at least 1.

Average adults need around 0. Precautions : Caution should be taken if you have kidney or liver problems. Consult your healthcare provider or registered dietitian to determine the appropriate protein intake if you have kidney or liver problems. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for the following:.

Getting calcium from foods is generally better than getting it from supplements. Good food sources of calcium include the following:.

Uses : One study examined the effect of milligrams mg of elemental calcium and vitamin D , using international units IU of vitamin D3, on people with the following characteristics. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation for 12 weeks helped with fat loss.

Moreover, researchers suggested that vitamin D deficiency increased appetite. Dosage : The recommended daily amounts of calcium are as follows. Interactions : Calcium can interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics, such as the following.

Medications used for an underactive thyroid, such as Synthroid levothyroxine , also interact with calcium. Consult your pharmacist about the appropriate timing of taking your medications and supplements.

Vitamin D is best absorbed when taken with a healthy fat. Dosage : The recommended daily amounts of vitamin D are as follows. Interactions : Certain medications, such as Alli orlistat , can block the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D.

Getting enough vitamin D is important, particularly during darker months or at higher latitudes. Probiotics are the beneficial gut bacteria or yeast. Prebiotics are nondigestible fibers that support the growth of those microorganisms.

Synbiotics refer to the combination of both probiotics and prebiotics. Uses : Supplementation with synbiotics for three months increased the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria in people who are overweight or obese.

Inulin , a type of fiber extracted from chicory, is a prebiotic that had the following effects in people with type 2 diabetes:. However, the effects of inulin on weight and satiety in people who are overweight or have obesity but do not have diabetes are unclear. Dosage : The following dosages have been used in clinical studies.

Side effects : Some side effects of probiotics and prebiotics include the following. Precautions : Some probiotics have caused infections in people with a compromised immune system.

Before taking probiotics, talk with your healthcare provider if you have a weakened immune system. Probiotics and prebiotics are safe during and after pregnancy and lactation.

Interactions : Antibiotics can decrease the effects of probiotics. As such, take probiotics at least two hours before or after antibiotics. Green tea contains the catechin potent antioxidant epigallocatechingallate EGCG and caffeine. Uses : Green tea has been shown to have the following effects.

The caffeine in green tea has been proposed to contribute to the following:. Dosage : Green tea extract doses range from to mg per day by mouth. As green tea contains caffeine, it is advised that you limit your caffeine intake to no more than about mg if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects : No side effects were reported in the studies. Precautions : Green tea may increase the risk of congenital disabilities caused by folic acid deficiency.

Tea can also decrease iron absorption. You may want to avoid drinking it with your meals. Liver problems have been reported with using green tea extract in pill form. If you have liver disease, consult a healthcare provider before taking products with green tea extract.

Interactions : Green tea and EGCG have decreased intestinal absorption—and thus, the therapeutic effects of—some of the following drugs. Animal studies indicate that green tea extract and EGCG increase the extent of absorption of the following drugs:.

However, human studies are needed to confirm these results. ALA is an antioxidant fatty acid that helps the body make energy from sugars. Uses : Preliminary evidence suggests ALA had the following effects. Dosage : The dose of ALA ranges from to 2, mg per day by mouth.

Side effects : Some of the side effects of ALA are as follows. Precautions should be taken in the following instances. Interactions : ALA may interact with the following medications. Conjugated linoleic acid CLA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in the following foods:.

Uses : A review suggested CLA had the following effects. While the effect of CLA on appetite is unclear, a review of a group of studies indicated that taking 3.

Overall, early evidence suggests that CLA could be used for treating obesity in addition to dietary modification. However, further research in humans is needed to confirm the results.

Dosage : The dose used in clinical trials ranges from 1. Side effects : Most reported side effects were gastrointestinal side effects. Precautions : Caution should be taken in people with the following conditions or characteristics.

Interactions : Until more research is done on the drug interactions with CLA, it is unclear how CLA interacts with prescription and nonprescription medications. Uses : Besides other amino acids in whey protein, tyrosine has had the following effects. However, outcomes from the study above are limited because it was conducted in only eight females with obesity.

Further studies with a larger sample size and a more diverse population are needed. Dosage : The specific amount of tyrosine was not explicitly stated in the study, but the dose of the whey protein powder was 45 g dissolved in milliliters mL of semi-skim milk.

More specifically, mL of the drink was given by mouth three times every five minutes. Interactions : Caution should be taken if you take the following medications. Uses : Bitter orange Citrus aurantium contains a chemical compound called p-synephrine, which is known to have the following effects.

Despite its popular use as an over-the-counter weight loss product, the quality of evidence is low to support the use of bitter orange for appetite control and weight loss in humans. Dosage : The commonly used doses of p-synephrine range from 25 to mg per day by mouth. Precautions : Some studies have shown that bitter orange increased blood pressure and heart rate with long-term use i.

Caution should be taken if you have high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, or other cardiovascular diseases. The safety of bitter orange is unknown in the context of pregnancy or breastfeeding. Interactions : Bitter orange contains furanocoumarins, compounds that block the activity of the drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P CYP 3A4.

Some studies show that bitter orange juice increases blood levels of drugs, such as Neoral cyclosporine and Invirase saquinavir , broken down by the CYP3A4 liver enzyme. DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and the liver. It serves as a precursor to sex hormones.

DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone and 7-keto-DHEA are related but different. A limited number of studies suggests that 7-keto-DHEA , a form of DHEA, decreased body fat in people who are overweight or obese. The mechanism behind the weight loss effect of 7-keto DHEA is due to its thermogenic effect, resulting in increased energy expenditure and increased metabolic rate.

The dose of 7-keto DHEA used in clinical trials is mg per day by mouth. Uses : One clinical study suggested DHEA favorably impacted body composition. Dosage : One study used mg per day of DHEA. Dosages may range between 25 mg and mg per day. Using DHEA at high doses i.

Precautions : Caution should be taken in the following situations. Interactions : DHEA may interact with some of the following medications. Some supplements that interact with DHEA include, but aren't limited to, the following:.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.

When choosing a supplement , look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist RD or RDN , or pharmacist. There are no miracle dietary supplements that help with weight loss. Furthermore, weight loss supplements have been found to be contaminated with dangerous substances.

Their use is generally not advised. A sustainable approach to weight management best involves a balanced diet and getting regular exercise that you enjoy. Ephedra also known as má huáng is a stimulant that promotes weight loss by increasing thermogenesis and suppressing appetite.

However, the Food and Drug Administration FDA banned the use of ephedra in dietary supplements due to safety concerns. With the removal of ephedra from the market, bitter orange is commonly used as a substitute for ephedra due to the structural similarity between p-synephrine and ephedrine, the main component in the herb ephedra.

Despite the similarity in structure, p-synephrine acts differently from ephedra. Weight loss supplements can have side effects and interact with prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and other dietary supplements. Additionally, some products might be adulterated or tainted with prescription-drug ingredients.

The best way to manage weight is to incorporate a healthy eating plan and moderate physical activity. A healthy dietary pattern includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and proteins and limits foods and beverages high in added sugars, sodium, and trans fats. Stress causes increased cortisol a stress hormone secretion which promotes increased food intake, especially intake of sweet and nutrient-poor foods.

Therefore, increased stress may increase the risk of obesity and other health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Some ways to manage stress include getting regular exercise , engaging in relaxing activities e.

Stuby J, Gravestock I, Wolfram E, et al. Appetite-suppressing and satiety-increasing bioactive phytochemicals: A systematic review. Mathews NM. Prohibited contaminants in dietary supplements. Sports Health. Commission on Dietetic Registration. CDR'S Interdisciplinary Obesity and Weight Management Certification.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Back to Basics for Healthy Weight Loss. Eat Right for Life. Food and Drug Administration. CFSAN Adverse event reporting system CAERS. Or F, Kim Y, Simms J, et al. Taking stock of dietary supplements' harmful effects on children, adolescents, and young adults.

J Adolesc Health. doi: Erdogan A, Rao SS, Thiruvaiyaru D, et al. psyllium for chronic constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. Watanabe M, Risi R, Masi D, et al. Current evidence to propose different food supplements for weight loss: A comprehensive review.

Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. Michos ED, Cainzos-Achirica M, Heravi AS, Appel LJ. Vitamin D, calcium supplements, and implications for cardiovascular health: JACC focus seminar.

J Am Coll Cardiol. Bikle DD. Vitamin D: Production, metabolism and mechanisms of action. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al.

South Dartmouth MA : MDText. com, Inc. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Food sources of calcium. Zhu W, Cai D, Wang Y, et al. Calcium plus vitamin D3 supplementation facilitated fat loss in overweight and obese college students with very-low calcium consumption: A randomized controlled trial [published correction appears in Nutr J.

Nutr J. National Institutes of Health Office Of Dietary Supplements. More research is needed to identify which sources of fiber are the most effective for suppressing appetite. A review based on 20 different studies found that appetite hormones are suppressed immediately after exercise, especially high-intensity workouts.

Research shows that a tea called Yerba Maté, which comes from the Ilex paraguariensis plant, can reduce appetite and improve mood when combined with high-intensity exercise. Yerba Maté is available for purchase online. Dark chocolate has been shown to suppresses appetite compared to milk chocolate.

One study showed that people ate less during their next meal after snacking on dark instead of milk chocolate. Consuming a small amount of ginger powder has been shown to reduce appetite and increase fullness , possibly because of its stimulating effect on the digestive system.

This was a small-scale study, so more research is needed to confirm this effect. Ginger powder is available for purchase online. Reducing general food intake while dieting can leave people with a ravenous appetite.

This can cause a relapse into binge eating. However, dieting does not have to mean going hungry. Some foods are high in non-caloric nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and water but remain relatively low in calories.

These include vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains. Eating a large volume of these foods will stop the stomach from growling and still allow a person to burn more calories than they consume.

Comfort eating due to stress , anger, or sadness is different from physical hunger. Research has linked stress with an increased desire to eat, binge eating, and eating non-nutritious food. Mindfulness practices and mindful eating may reduce stress-related binge eating and comfort eating, according to one review.

Regular sleep, social contact, and time spent relaxing can also help tackle stress. The brain is a major player in deciding what and when a person eats.

If a person pays attention to the food they are eating instead of watching TV during a meal, they may consume less. Research published in the journal Appetite found that eating a huge meal in the dark led people to consume 36 percent more. Paying attention to food during meals can help a person reduce overeating.

Another article showed that mindfulness might reduce binge eating and comfort eating, which are two significant factors that influence obesity. The National Institute of Health recommend using mind and body-based techniques, such as meditation and yoga , to curb appetite.

If a person wants to suppress their appetite, they can try drinking water, tea, or coffee. Chewing gum may also help. A key aspect of feeling full is eating balanced meals high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

This will prevent someone from getting hungry again quickly. If a person is fasting, they can try drinking water, going for a walk, or doing a meditation. Keeping oneself busy and distracted can also help. Restricting food consumption too much can lead to a relapse of overeating.

Instead, eating a good amount of the right foods can reduce hunger and food cravings throughout the day. A person can suppress their appetite by including more protein, fat, and fiber in their meals.

Stocking up on vegetables and pulses can make a person feel fuller for longer. It might also help to try different spices, such as ginger and cayenne pepper, and drink tea to beat unwanted food cravings.

Many people wish to lose weight but find that trying one diet after another does not seem to work. Should they eat less food? Eat different food…. Losing belly fat is a common goal. In this article, we look at some natural ways of achieving it. Various diet and exercise adjustments can help.

Find out how to lose weight that is due to medication using 10 methods. We also discuss why some medications sometimes cause weight gain. Researchers say bariatric surgery can help with weight loss, but it can also help improve cognitive functions including memory.

Researchers say running can help with weight loss but only in the short term. This form of exercise does have other health benefits from maintaining…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?

Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Ten natural ways to suppress appetite. Medically reviewed by Jared Meacham, Ph.