Category: Weight Loss

Fat burners, calorie cutters, and appetite suppressants are just a few of the common claims made by the many weight-loss supplements on the market. It makes sense if you are hesitant to try them, especially if you are unsure about their success rates and side effects.

Fortunately, there are several FDA-approved, scientifically-proven prescription medications that can improve your chances of dropping those pounds — and keeping them off. Among them are two brands that are available in Singapore, Duromine and Panbesy.

So, what are their differences and which is better for weight loss? Read on to find out.

What Are The Similarities Between Duromine and Panbesy?

Duromine and Panbesy contain the same active ingredient, phentermine. 

Phentermine is an anorectic agent (an agent that suppresses appetite). It works by stimulating the release of chemical messengers or neurotransmitters (i.e. norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamineare) in the brain. With the increase in the levels of these chemicals in your brain, you feel full and therefore eat less. Over time, this can lead to weight loss, especially if accompanied by a proper diet and exercise.

Who Is Duromine/Panbesy Typically Prescribed To?

Like other prescription weight-loss drugs, Duromine/Panbesy is intended to be used as part of an overall weight-loss plan. Use of prescription weight-loss medications is typically reserved for people who:

• Have a BMI of 30 or greater (severe obesity); or
• Have a BMI of 27 or greater (moderate obesity) with the presence of a weight-related disease or complication such as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure

It is indicated for people who are obese, and who have failed to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone — not for people who want to lose just a few pounds.

How Much Weight Can You Lose On Duromine/Panbesy?

Several clinical studies have shown that Duromine/Panbesy can support meaningful weight loss.

One small study from South Korea showed that almost 86% of people who were overweight or obese taking phentermine for 14 weeks lost more than 5% of their body weight. Another South Korean study looked specifically at people who have obesity (not overweight) and used phentermine for a 12-week course. It found that almost 96% of them lost more than 5% of their body weight, and 62% of the same group lost more than 10% of their body weight.

While Duromine/Panbesy is FDA-approved for short-term use of fewer than 12 weeks, healthcare professionals often prescribe phentermine off-label for longer use. Doctors may prescribe it intermittently, meaning you take a break from the medication for a set period of time before resuming it.

What Are The Side Effects Of Duromine/Panbesy?

The most commonly reported side effects of Duromine/Panbesy are:

• dry mouth
• insomnia
• dizziness
• heart palpitations
• skin flushing
• fatigue
• constipation
• irritability
• nausea
• vomiting

Just like all other medications, not everyone will experience side effects after taking Duromine/Panbesy. The severity of the side effects differs among individuals as well.

What Is The Difference Between Duromine and Panbesy?

The main difference lies in how phentermine is present in the two products.

Each Duromine capsule contains phentermine enclosed in a complex, released continuously over a 10 to 14 hour period. Meanwhile, phentermine in Panbesy exists as an ion and is absorbed over 3 to 4.4 hours.

There will be a longer-lasting and equal appetite suppression throughout the day with  Duromine as phentermine is released more slowly. On the other hand, all of the phentermine present in a Panbesy capsule is released at once and appetite suppression will subside gradually with time, therefore its effect is not as long-lasting.

Since phentermine is slowly absorbed into your bloodstream in smaller amounts after taking Duromine, the risk of side effects is lower. There will be higher levels of phentermine in the bloodstream initially with Panbesy as everything is released at once. This translates to a higher risk of side effects when taking Panbesy.

Which Is Better, Duromine vs Panbesy?

Ultimately, both medicines are approved for weight loss in obese people who have other risk factors like controlled hypertension. They are two of the most established weight loss pills frequently prescribed by doctors. Duromine and Panbesy, based on the same active ingredient used, have similar effectiveness – more than 5% body weight lost in 12 weeks on average.

If you are looking for a medicine that has a longer-lasting effect in curbing your appetite, Duromine is definitely the more outstanding candidate.

Where To Buy Duromine Or Panbesy In Singapore?

Being obese puts you at risk for more health complications, like diabetes and heart disease. When you don’t see the desired weight loss results despite efforts to change your diet or lifestyle, seeking professional help may be necessary as reducing the risk of more serious health complications as soon as possible is the top priority.

There are many websites selling Duromine, Panbesy and other anti-obesity medications which may not be scientifically proven to be safe or effective. However, do not fall into the trap of convenience of purchasing these medicines from unreliable sites and sellers! Remember that you can only obtain such medications if a qualified doctor prescribes them to you and you should only take them according to his instructions.

If you’re looking for convenience and getting approved medications for weight loss, turn to Siena instead! Gone are the days when you have to wait in line to visit the doctor. With us, you can speak to an SG-registered doctor about your weight loss issues online via a teleconsultation. We’ll deliver the medicines to your home if prescribed, in discreet packaging and at no additional cost. Simply complete this online questionnaire to get started today!

References

• Ding H (2016). Modified-release drug products and drug devices. Shargel L, & Yu A.C.(Eds.), Applied Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics, 7e. McGraw Hill. Accessed December 17, 2021.
• Kim, H. O., et al (2013, September). Postmarketing surveillance study of the efficacy and safety of phentermine in patients with obesity. Korean journal of family medicine, 34(5), 298–306. https://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2013.34.5.298 
• MIMS. Phentermine: Indication, Dosage, Side Effect, Precaution.https://www.mims.com/singapore/drug/info/phentermine

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. While eating a well-balanced, reduced-calorie diet and exercising regularly are the cornerstones of weight loss, certain drugs can serve as powerful adjuncts. Here is everything you need to know about obesity, prescription weight loss pills and where to get them in Singapore.

Importance Of Weight Management

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as:

• cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke);
• diabetes;
• musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis – a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints);
• some cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon).

On the social front, obesity can affect your self-esteem and body image, causing psychological stress. 

How Common Is Obesity?

Obesity is more common than you think. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described obesity as a global epidemic and one of today’s “most blatantly visible yet neglected public health problems”.

Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975 according to the WHO.

Based on the National Population Health Survey 2016/2017, findings have revealed that the rates of obese individuals in Singapore have steadily increased from 32.5% to 40.1% from 2004 to 2010. In 2019 and 2020, about two out of five are overweight according to the Based on the National Population Health Survey 2020, about two out of five Singaporeans are overweight in 2019 and 2020.

How Do I Know If I Am Overweight?

Body mass index (BMI) is a calculation that takes a person’s weight and height into account to measure body size and is often used to diagnose obesity.

Body mass index (BMI) = weight (kg) / [height(m)]²

According to WHO, the standard BMI interpretations are as follows:

BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 – 24.9	Normal weight
25 – 29.9	Overweight
30 and above	Obese

However, the following BMI interpretations are recommended for the Asian population which usually features relatively smaller people:

BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 – 22.9	Normal weight
23 – 27.5	Overweight
27.5 and above	Obese

Limitations of BMI

BMI has some limitations as a metric such as:

• Factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, and muscle mass can influence the relationship between BMI and body fat
• BMI does not distinguish between excess fat, muscle, or bone mass
• BMI does not provide any indication of the distribution of fat among individuals.

Despite these limitations, BMI continues to be widely used as a way to measure body size as they help to give your doctor an idea of the standard weight compared to your height.

How Is Obesity Treated?

Common treatments for overweight and obesity include weight loss through healthy eating, diet, taking part in some moderate physical activity, and making other lifestyle changes. 

Some people who have obesity are unable to lose enough weight to improve their health or are unable to keep from regaining weight. In such cases, a doctor may consider adding other treatments, including weight loss medications or even surgery.

Common Prescription Weight Loss Pills in Singapore

There are multiple FDA-approved prescription weight loss drugs in Singapore and some common ones include:

Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)

Orlistat promotes weight loss by decreasing the amount of dietary fat absorbed in your intestines. Lipase, an enzyme found in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fat into smaller components, so it can be used or stored for energy. Orlistat inhibits the work of lipase. When you take the drug with a meal, about 25% of the fat you consume isn’t broken down and is eliminated through bowel movements.

Phentermine (Duromine/Panbesy/Qsymia)

Phentermine helps weight loss by decreasing your hunger or making you feel full longer. The expected average weight loss with phentermine use is 5-10% of your initial body weight over 12 weeks.

Naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave)

Contrave contains 2 active ingredients – Naltrexone and Bupropionis and is the newest weight loss medicine available in Singapore.

It works by modifying 2 areas of the brain that control hunger and cravings.

It works especially well for people with a “hungry brain”. In other words, people who do not actually feel hungry but eat because their brains tell them to. Common symptoms of hungry brain include:

1. Addiction eating – Eating to feel good (medically speaking to get the endorphin hit)
2. Subconscious eating – Eating while distracted or tired
3. Emotional eating – Eating for comfort when stressed or in a low mood

Studies have found that the effects of Contrave can be seen after four weeks of using the medication. After 16 weeks, roughly 45% of study participants experienced a 5% or greater reduction in body weight.

Do I still need to go on diet and exercise if I am on a weight loss medication?

Weight loss medications are not magic bullets. They need to be used alongside calorie restriction, behavioural modification and exercise programs.

Who Is Suitable For Prescription Weight Loss Pills?

All medical weight loss treatments are only for people who are overweight or obese.

Your doctor may consider a weight-loss drug for you if:

• you haven’t been able to lose weight through diet and exercise; and
• your BMI is:
  • greater or equal to 30 kg/m²; or
  • greater or equal to 27 kg/m² with obesity-related risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes.

Where Can I Buy Orlistat/Xenical or Phentermine/Duromine/Panbesy or Contrave in Singapore?

Prescription weight loss pills as the name suggests, are only available with a prescription from a licensed doctor in Singapore. 

At Siena, our doctors are best equipped with the knowledge to determine if and which weight loss medication is best suited for you. Connect with one of our doctors via an online video consultation and if prescribed, we deliver your treatment plan right to your door in a discreet packaging at $0.