Is there a pill to help with food cravings?

October 24, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, obesity is a chronic disease that affects more than four in 10 adults in the United States, often complicated by persistent food cravings. Many individuals find themselves asking, 'Is there a pill to help with food cravings?' The short answer is yes, with both prescription medications and some supplements shown to help manage appetite and reduce cravings as part of a broader weight management strategy.

Quick Summary

Prescription appetite suppressants and some supplements can assist with managing food cravings, though they are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. These medications influence hormones and brain signals to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. Natural options and behavioral strategies also play a crucial role in controlling cravings.

Key Points

Prescription Pills Exist: Yes, medications like Contrave and Qsymia are FDA-approved to help manage food cravings and are part of a broader weight management plan.
Injections are Also an Option: Popular GLP-1 and GIP agonist injections, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, mimic gut hormones to suppress appetite and reduce food cravings.
Supplements Have Mixed Results: While natural supplements like fiber (glucomannan, psyllium) and protein can assist with fullness, many have limited evidence and are not strictly regulated by the FDA.
Behavioral Changes Are Key: Mindful eating, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated are essential, sustainable strategies for controlling cravings, with or without medication.
Consult a Doctor Before Starting: Due to potential side effects and health interactions, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.
The Best Approach is Comprehensive: Weight management is most successful when prescription medications, if needed, are combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and behavioral adjustments.

Prescription Medications for Food Cravings

For individuals with overweight or obesity who have struggled to manage cravings through lifestyle changes alone, several prescription medications are approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. These drugs target different pathways in the brain and gut to help reduce appetite and control food intake. They must be used under a doctor's supervision due to potential side effects and health conditions.

Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave): This combination pill uses an opioid receptor antagonist and an antidepressant to target the reward center of the brain, reducing food cravings and the 'pleasure' associated with certain foods. It is taken one to two times per day.
Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia): This pill combines phentermine, a stimulant that suppresses appetite, with topiramate, an anti-seizure medication that enhances feelings of fullness. It is a controlled substance and is typically taken once daily.
GLP-1 and GIP Receptor Agonists: This class of injectable medications mimics gut hormones that regulate appetite. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are weekly injections that help people feel full sooner and reduce food noise. Liraglutide (Saxenda) is another option, taken daily by injection.
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse): Primarily approved to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults, this stimulant can help control the impulsive behavior leading to binge eating and may reduce food cravings.

Over-the-Counter Supplements and Natural Approaches

While not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription drugs, some dietary supplements and natural ingredients are marketed to help curb appetite and cravings. Scientific evidence for their effectiveness varies, and some can pose health risks.

High-Fiber Foods and Supplements: Soluble fiber, found in foods and supplements like glucomannan and psyllium, absorbs water and forms a gel in the stomach, promoting feelings of fullness. This can lead to lower calorie intake by reducing hunger signals.
Protein-Rich Foods: Consuming enough protein can influence appetite-regulating hormones, increasing satiety and reducing cravings. Lean proteins like poultry, fish, and legumes are effective options.
Inositol: Sometimes referred to as Vitamin B8, inositol may improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar, indirectly helping to manage appetite and reduce cravings. It is particularly studied for its effects in individuals with PCOS and metabolic syndrome.
Water: Staying well-hydrated is a simple yet powerful strategy. Thirst signals can often be mistaken for hunger or a craving. Drinking a large glass of water can help determine if the urge to eat is due to dehydration.

Table: Comparison of Craving Management Approaches


Feature	Prescription Medications	Natural Supplements	Behavioral Strategies
Mechanism	Manipulate brain neurochemistry and gut hormones to suppress appetite and cravings.	Primarily use fiber, nutrients, or plant extracts to promote fullness, regulate blood sugar, or affect hormones.	Focus on psychological and routine changes to manage eating triggers and impulse control.
Efficacy	Clinically proven and often more potent for severe cases, but results vary per individual.	Variable and generally less potent. Evidence ranges from promising (fiber) to inconclusive.	Long-term, sustainable, and empowering, but may be more challenging to implement consistently.
Regulation	FDA-approved and rigorously tested for safety and efficacy.	Less stringent regulation by the FDA; quality and purity can vary greatly.	Self-regulated; success depends on individual commitment and consistency.
Side Effects	Range from common (nausea, insomnia, dry mouth) to serious (cardiovascular risks, birth defects).	Generally milder, but some supplements can cause stomach upset or have risks like liver injury.	None, though can lead to frustration if not approached with proper guidance.
Best For	Individuals with obesity or weight-related health issues, especially when lifestyle changes have been insufficient.	Complementing a healthy diet and exercise plan for mild craving management.	Sustainable, long-term habit formation for everyone, often used in combination with other approaches.

Behavioral Strategies for Managing Cravings

Addressing food cravings is not just about biochemistry; psychological and behavioral factors play a significant role. Incorporating these strategies can strengthen your ability to manage cravings, with or without medication.

Mindful Eating Practices

Mindful eating is a powerful tool for distinguishing between actual hunger and cravings driven by emotion or external cues.

Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body's signals of hunger and fullness, and eat only when you are truly hungry.
Savor each bite: Eat slowly and focus on the tastes, textures, and smells of your food. This can increase satisfaction and make you more aware of when you are full.
Eliminate distractions: Avoid eating while watching TV, using your phone, or working, as this can lead to overeating.

Lifestyle and Environmental Changes

Sometimes, the simplest changes can have the biggest impact on managing cravings.

Prioritize Sleep: Poor sleep can disrupt appetite-regulating hormones, leading to increased cravings. Aim for consistent, quality sleep each night.
Manage Stress: High stress levels increase cortisol, a hormone linked to food cravings. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Distance Yourself: When a craving strikes, change your environment. Take a walk, call a friend, or engage in a distracting activity to shift your focus.
Plan Ahead: Knowing what you will eat for meals and having healthy snacks available can prevent impulsive choices when hunger or cravings strike.

The Role of Medical Supervision

It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any treatment for food cravings, particularly involving prescription medications. A doctor can help determine if weight management medication is appropriate based on your body mass index (BMI) and overall health. They can also monitor for potential side effects and interactions with other medications. For example, certain medications like Contrave should be avoided in patients with a history of seizures or those on opioids. Additionally, a healthcare professional can refer you to a registered dietitian to develop a sustainable eating plan that complements any medical interventions.

Conclusion

While the search for a simple solution to food cravings is understandable, the landscape of appetite management is complex. Yes, there are pills and other medical treatments available, including oral medications like Qsymia and Contrave, which are approved for long-term weight management. These tools can be highly effective, especially for individuals dealing with obesity or binge eating disorder. However, they are not magic bullets and work best when combined with comprehensive lifestyle changes. For those with less severe cravings, behavioral strategies, dietary adjustments, and some natural supplements can offer significant support. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the safest and most effective approach for your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'best' medication depends on the individual's health and specific needs. Options include combination pills like Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion) and Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate), which affect brain pathways to reduce appetite and cravings. A doctor can help determine the most suitable option.

The only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight-loss pill is Alli (orlistat), but it works by blocking fat absorption, not by suppressing appetite or cravings directly. Many supplements are sold claiming to reduce cravings, but evidence is often limited, and they are not as strictly regulated.

Prescription medications help with cravings by influencing hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate appetite and hunger signals in the brain and gut. Some, like GLP-1 agonists, mimic hormones to increase satiety, while others, like Contrave, target the brain's reward system to make cravings less rewarding.

Some natural supplements, especially fiber sources like glucomannan and psyllium, can help reduce cravings by promoting a feeling of fullness. Ingredients like protein, inositol, and staying hydrated can also help manage appetite. However, a healthcare professional should always be consulted before starting any new supplement.

Some FDA-approved medications, such as Contrave and Qsymia, are intended for long-term use under medical supervision. However, some older stimulant-based diet pills are only approved for short-term use due to risks of dependency. Long-term use should always be managed with a doctor.

Side effects vary depending on the specific medication. Common issues can include nausea, headache, dry mouth, and insomnia. More serious side effects can also occur, particularly with certain drug classes, which is why medical supervision is essential.

Numerous non-medication strategies can be effective. These include practicing mindful eating, ensuring adequate sleep, managing stress, eating a diet rich in protein and fiber, and drinking plenty of water. Sometimes, behavioral counseling or working with a dietitian can also provide structure and support.