# Validity of "hunger switch" and other diet products
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/validity-of-hunger-switch-and-other-diet-products/177196
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [May 24, 2003, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/validity-of-hunger-switch-and-other-diet-products/177196 "2003-05-24T06:38:28Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@bwk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bwk)
#### Post date: [May 24, 2003, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/validity-of-hunger-switch-and-other-diet-products/177196/1 "2003-05-24T06:38:28Z")
I’ve seen ads lately for the “hunger switch” pills that are supposed to help reduce your appetite and cravings. I looked online and searched the archives here for any info on this or on that super-expensive diet pill they advertise called ‘leptoprin’.
I haven’t seen any reports on them so far. I am a skeptic, I don’t believe they could work. But I am interested if there has been any research or proof or whatever about them.
The only way to lose weight is likely the old-fashioned way, eat less, do more, but you know how it is. When you try to do it that way and are hungry quite a bit, these new ‘miracle pills’ can’t help but catch your interest.
Any info would be nice.
Thanks,
bwk
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### Author:  [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)
#### Post date: [May 24, 2003, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/validity-of-hunger-switch-and-other-diet-products/177196/2 "2003-05-24T13:53:00Z")
I’ve always been told “if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is”. I apply this bit of wisdom to “no effort required” weight loss pills. AFAIK, the only OTC diet pill that actually did increase metabolism were the ones that contained ephedrine. And, of course, that can kill you. That being said, there **are** supplements that can help curb cravings. L-Glutamine and chromium picolonate are two that come to mind. But if that’s what’s in these pills, you can put it together much more cheaply for yourself, at Wal-Mart.
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### Author:  [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)
#### Post date: [May 24, 2003, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/validity-of-hunger-switch-and-other-diet-products/177196/3 "2003-05-24T14:11:02Z")
I found nothing on ‘leptoprin’ on drkoop, MEDLINE, the AMA site, or WebMD. But when I typed ‘leptoprin’ into Google, the first entry noted that it was ‘leptoprin (anorex).’
Entering ‘anorex’ into WebMD gave me this page:
> **[WebMD - Better information. Better health.](https://www.webmd.com?lastselectedguid=%7B5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348%7D)**
>
> The leading source for trustworthy and timely health and medical news and information. Providing credible health information, supportive community, and educational services by blending award-winning expertise in content, community services, expert...
(hope that link works…)
Anorex is listed as one of the brand names for the drug.
> [@](#):
>
> What is phendimetrazine?
> • Phendimetrazine is a sympathomimetic amine, which is similar to an amphetamine. It is also known as an “anorectic” or “anorexigenic” drug. Phendimetrazine stimulates the central nervous system (nerves and brain), which increases your heart rate and blood pressure and decreases your appetite.
> • Phendimetrazine is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity.
> • Phendimetrazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
It sounds like what you’re looking for, but I’m not positive.
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### Author:  [@occ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/occ)
#### Post date: [May 25, 2003, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/validity-of-hunger-switch-and-other-diet-products/177196/4 "2003-05-25T01:10:37Z")
I believe (though can’t find a good cite) that Anorex/Leptoprin is simply a scam. I’m not sure what this “sympathomimetic amine” that they’re referring to is, but as this stuff is sold OTC, I doubt that its “similar to amphetamines” in terms of effects. Apparently, “sympathomimetic” simply means “tending to stimulate the central nervous system”, which can refer to a huge variety of things. Most likely, its something like ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, or even caffeine, plus a bunch of your typical herbal crap. A more intense web search could surely turn up the ingredients.