Obesity is not only a common disease, but also very serious and costly. Between the years of 2017-2018, the United State’s obesity prevalence was 42.4% and of course has sky-rocketed since then. Being obese and overweight can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even certain types of cancers. Not to mention the medical costs of obesity was $147 billion in 2008 and has since increased.
In the past, we were often told that, “There is no magic pill for weight loss!” But it looks like there actually might be one on the market now. Approved in April of 2019, Plenity is the new FDA-approved product for weight loss!
How does Plenity work?
Although Plenity comes in a capsule form, it actually is not a drug as it is considered a medical device under the FDA because of how it mechanically works in the body.
Plenity is encapsulated in porcine gelatin capsules made from two natural ingredients, cellulose and citric acid, which works directly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and creates a sensation of fullness (satiety). The capsule disintegrates in the stomach and releases particles. These particles then hydrate and occupy a quarter of the average stomach’s volume. They then pass through the digestive tract, break down in the colon and are eliminated through normal bowel movements. The interesting part is, they are not absorbed in the body at all which is why they are considered a device more so than a drug. Plenity is used for those who are overweight or obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-40 kg/m2 when used with an appropriate diet and exercise program.
How is Plenity consumed?
The doses of Plenity are 2.25 grams per dose and three capsules are to be taken with water both before lunch and dinner. They are placed in blister packs which supply a single dose, or three capsules per pack.
Will it really help me to lose weight?
In the Gelesis Loss Of Weight (GLOW) study, 436 overweight and obese participants were given either Plenity or a placebo for 24 weeks along with all being on a caloric reduction diet and exercise program. Participants were between the ages of 22-65 with a BMI between 27-40 kg/m2 and also those with BMIs of <30 having at least one of the following comorbidities: type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Although the difference in weight reduction did not meet the super-superiority threshold of at least 3% total body weight between the two groups, almost 59% of the participants in the Plenity group did achieve more than 5% total body weight loss compared with placebo. In addition, more than 26% of the participants in the Plenity achieved at least 10% body weight loss. The Plenity group lost more excess body weight and a greater loss in waist circumference as well.
What are the side effects and contraindications of Plenity?
The most common side effects experienced while on this product were the following gastrointestinal effects:
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Abdominal distention
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
Rare side effects include:
- Nausea
- Nasopharyngitis
- Oropharyngeal pain
- Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorder
- Nervous system disorder
Plenity should be used in caution in patients who have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, or heartburn. This device should be avoided in patients with:
- History of any esophageal abnormality
- Suspected strictures (Crohn’s disease)
- Previous GI surgeries
Furthermore this device is contraindicated and should NOT be used at all in patients who are pregnant or allergic to any components of Plenity. Patients who have dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians or vegans should not consume this product since the capsules are made of gelatin which is an animal product.
Though there are medications that aid in weight loss, it is important to include a nutritious diet and exercise regimen to obtain your goals. Lifestyle modifications should always be top priority and though sometimes medications might be warranted, they should be used for a short amount of time with diet changes until weight loss goals are achieved. In addition, healthcare providers must also not be afraid to refer patients to nutritionist or even surgeons if patients are extremely obese because sometimes these measures are needed for weight loss.
So is there a magic pill for weight loss? Maybe. But unless you also put in the work of being consistent and dedicated to a lifestyle of eating nutritious foods, being in a caloric deficit and exercising at least three times a week, you will not achieve these goals and will be at higher risk of developing chronic conditions in the long run.
References:
- Giruzzi N. (2020). Plenity (Oral Superabsorbent Hydrogel). Clinical diabetes : a publication of the American Diabetes Association, 38(3), 313–314. https://doi.org/10.2337/cd20-0032
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