Table of contents

• What Are Diet Pills?
• Best Clinics in Korea for Diet Pills
• Diet Pills in Korea
• Cost of Diet Pills in Korea
• Alternatives to Diet Pills
• Conclusion

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Are you aware of the rising trend in Korea, where diet pills have become a sought-after solution for quick weight loss? In a nation renowned for its beauty standards, this phenomenon has led to an in-depth exploration of diet pills, their effectiveness, safety, and alternatives, as detailed in our latest article.

What Are Diet Pills?

Diet pills, also known as weight-loss pills or anti-obesity medications, include prescription drugs and selected over-the-counter diet supplements designed to support weight management. They work through mechanisms such as appetite regulation, reduced fat absorption, improved insulin signaling, delayed gastric emptying, or modest increases in energy expenditure.

Who Are Diet Pills For?

Diet pills are typically considered for adults who:

• Have a BMI ≥30, or

• Have a BMI ≥27 with obesity-related conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia), and

• Have not achieved adequate results with nutrition and physical activity alone.

Medication choice should reflect medical history, cardiometabolic risk, and patient preferences. GLP-1/dual-incretin injectables (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide) are now widely used globally due to superior average weight-loss outcomes versus older options, while safety monitoring and access vary by country. 

Types of Diet Pills

There are several categories of diet therapies, each acting differently to reduce body fat and support weight management:

1. Appetite Regulators / Centrally Acting Agents

• Phentermine (short-term use): Sympathomimetic that suppresses appetite; in Korea, phentermine and related agents are treated as restricted ingredients because of abuse and safety concerns, so prescribing is controlled and monitored. 

• Naltrexone/Bupropion (brand often “Contrave”): Targets reward pathways and appetite; produces ~5–10% weight loss when paired with diet and exercise. 

• Important update: Lorcaserin (Belviq) was withdrawn from the market in 2020 due to a cancer-risk signal and is no longer recommended. 

2. Fat-Absorption Inhibitors

• Orlistat (Xenical/alli): Inhibits gastrointestinal lipases and reduces fat absorption by ~25–30%. Expect gastrointestinal side effects if meals are high in fat; take with a multivitamin at a different time. Evidence supports modest weight loss when combined with lifestyle change. 

3. Incretin-Based Injectables (Weekly)

• Semaglutide (Wegovy): GLP-1 receptor agonist; approved for chronic weight management in many countries and approved in South Korea in 2023, with local launch announced/underway from October 2024. Typical weight loss averages ~15% in clinical programs. Supply and pricing have evolved with periodic shortages and recent local price cuts.   

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound): Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist; Korea expanded approval to include obesity in 2024, with local launch/pricing updates in 2025. Trials report ~20% mean weight loss at 72 weeks. 

4. Thermogenic “Fat Burners” (Stimulant-Containing)

Caffeine-based products may slightly increase energy expenditure, but effects are generally modest and can cause jitteriness or insomnia. Non-prescription stimulants should be used with caution and medical guidance, especially in those with cardiovascular risk. (Avoid ephedrine/ephedra products; they carry safety concerns and are tightly restricted in many jurisdictions.)

5. Herbal & Over-the-Counter Options

• Green tea / tea extract (EGCG-rich): Small but measurable effects on fat oxidation and body composition have been reported, especially when combined with exercise; however, concentrated green tea extract capsules (high EGCG doses) have been linked to rare liver injury. Choosing brewed green tea (2–4 cups/day) or food-based catechins is generally safer than high-dose pills. 

Procedure and Administration

• Prescription medicines come with dose-escalation schedules (e.g., weekly titration for GLP-1/GIP agents) and monitoring plans to maximize efficacy and reduce side effects.

• OTC options/diet supplements vary widely in quality and dose; discuss any tea extract, caffeine, or multi-ingredient products with a clinician to avoid interactions.

• Typical regimens are taken with meals (e.g., orlistat) or weekly (e.g., semaglutide/tirzepatide). Ongoing follow-up ensures healthy weight loss and helps manage gastrointestinal or neuropsychiatric side effects.

Efficacy and Safety

Medications work best alongside nutrition, sleep, stress management, and activity. Common effects include gastrointestinal symptoms (orlistat: oily stools; GLP-1s: nausea), and rare risks require individualized counseling. In Korea, misuse of aesthetic “slimming” drugs is actively monitored by regulators—GLP-1 class obesity treatments are priority surveillance targets—so expect clinics to require proper indications and follow-up. 

Best Clinics in Korea for Diet Pills

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for diet pills:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Three Wishes Clinic - Myeongdong	Personalized, advanced medical beauty care where safety and satisfaction come first; ideal partner for anyone exploring diet pills as part of a comprehensive, medically guided approach; located in the heart of Myeongdong; careful consultation with minimally invasive technologies to contour, tighten, and refine while maintaining a natural, healthy appearance; safety-first ethos with careful assessment, informed decision-making, and ongoing follow-up; personalized care plans aligned with goals, timeline, and downtime; complementary body-contouring options for areas diet pills may not address; aesthetic refinement to support confidence during and after weight loss; skin solutions to keep you looking clear and refreshed; practical, low-downtime treatments that fit busy schedules; trusted, comprehensive environment in Myeongdong.	Fat Dissolving Injections; Shurink ultrasound tightening; Thread lifting; Botox; Filler; Rejuran Healer; CO2 Laser resurfacing; PDT Acne Treatment; customized Skin Care Treatments; Facial Peels; Laser Hair Removal; Semi-permanent makeup (Eyebrow, Hairline & Scalp, Lip Microblading).
365mc Hospital	Specialized obesity-only focus dedicated to body contouring and fat reduction; hospital-level safety and oversight recognized by the Korean Health Ministry Seal; over 20 years in the field, 18 clinics, 22 main doctors, more than 3,000 successful surgical liposuctions, and 5 million treatments; accepts complex cases; comprehensive body-area expertise; structured recovery ecosystem with 1:1 intensive care on the day of surgery and an approximately 7-week post-op program including hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy and personalized dietary consultations; nutrition and lifestyle integration with individualized dietary counseling, tailored prescriptions, and a meal diary app; education and outreach (seminars, special lectures, university collaborations, published resources); ideal for those exploring diet pills; signature sculpting programs including the Hourglass Hip program; superior surgical environment; community-minded care.	Motion-Capture and Artificial-Intelligence Assisted Liposuction System (M.A.I.L.) developed in collaboration with Microsoft for real-time surgical feedback; targeted liposuction for the stomach, back, chest, hips, neck, thighs, and arms with a focus on leaving essential fat for natural proportions and cell balance; minimally invasive alternative LAMS (Local Anesthetic Minimal-Invasive Liposuction) blending fat extraction and fat-dissolving injections for immediate, visible results with minimal downtime and no scarring.
365mc Hospital - Sinsa	Stands out as the best clinic in Korea for individuals considering diet pills; higher standard of medically guided obesity care; state-of-the-art, targeted treatments that go beyond what medication alone can address; minimal downtime; every procedure performed by highly trained professionals using the latest technology to ensure safety, responsibility, and client satisfaction; trusted, results-focused pathway to effective, personalized body shaping.	Abdomen, arm, thigh, love-handle, and facial liposuction; minimally invasive LAMS (Liposuction Assisted Morphological Surgery).

Three Wishes Clinic - Myeongdong

Three Wishes Clinic – Myeongdong delivers personalized, advanced medical beauty care where safety and satisfaction come first—making it an ideal partner for anyone exploring diet pills as part of a comprehensive, medically guided approach to weight and body confidence. Located in the heart of Myeongdong, the clinic pairs careful consultation with minimally invasive technologies to help you contour, tighten, and refine your look while maintaining a natural, healthy appearance.

• Safety-first ethos for patients considering diet pills, emphasizing careful assessment, informed decision-making, and ongoing follow-up to protect your health.
• Personalized care plans that align medication decisions with your unique goals, timeline, and tolerance for downtime.
• Complementary body-contouring options to target stubborn areas that diet pills alone may not address, such as Fat Dissolving Injections for localized reduction without surgery.
• Shurink ultrasound tightening to improve skin elasticity on the face or body—useful for firming and refining results alongside weight-management efforts.
• Thread lifting for subtle lift and collagen stimulation, helping address early laxity that can accompany weight changes.
• Aesthetic refinement that supports confidence during and after weight loss, including Botox, Filler, and Rejuran Healer to smooth lines, restore volume, and enhance skin quality.
• Skin solutions to keep you looking clear and refreshed throughout your journey, from CO2 Laser resurfacing and PDT Acne Treatment to customized Skin Care Treatments and Facial Peels.
• Practical, low-downtime treatments and Laser Hair Removal that fit busy schedules, so you can maintain momentum while pursuing your health goals.
• Semi-permanent makeup options—Eyebrow, Hairline & Scalp, and Lip Microblading—to streamline your routine and highlight natural features as your look evolves.
• A trusted, comprehensive environment in Myeongdong where medical-grade aesthetics and patient-centered service come together to support safe, effective, and confidence-building results.

You can check out their website here: Three Wishes Clinic - Myeongdong Website

365mc Hospital

365mc Hospital is Korea’s specialized obesity treatment hospital dedicated solely to body contouring and fat reduction, widely recognized as a preeminent leader in liposuction and advanced body sculpting. Backed by 20+ years of innovation, an 18-clinic nationwide network, and outcomes refined across 5 million treatments, 365mc delivers hospital-level safety that meets—and exceeds—large medical school surgery center standards, a commitment acknowledged by the Korean Health Ministry Seal. For individuals considering or already using diet pills, 365mc stands out by surrounding pharmacologic weight-loss journeys with comprehensive, evidence-informed care—combining AI-assisted precision procedures, minimally invasive options, and structured nutrition programs—to help patients achieve sustainable, natural-looking results with confidence.

• Specialized obesity-only focus: a dedicated institution for body contouring and fat reduction, not a general cosmetic clinic.
• Hospital-level safety and oversight: liposuction performed with stringent protocols recognized by the Korean Health Ministry Seal.
• Proven scale and experience: over 20 years in the field, 18 clinics, 22 main doctors, more than 3,000 successful surgical liposuctions, and 5 million treatments.
• Accepts complex cases: a track record of tackling challenging scenarios with a commitment to patient satisfaction.
• Precision powered by innovation: Motion-Capture and Artificial-Intelligence Assisted Liposuction System (M.A.I.L.), developed in collaboration with Microsoft, provides real-time surgical feedback for refined outcomes.
• Comprehensive body-area expertise: targeted liposuction for the stomach, back, chest, hips, neck, thighs, and arms, with a focus on leaving essential fat for natural proportions and cell balance.
• Minimally invasive alternative (LAMS): Local Anesthetic Minimal-Invasive Liposuction blends fat extraction and fat-dissolving injections for immediate, visible results with minimal downtime and no scarring.
• Structured recovery ecosystem: 1:1 intensive care on the day of surgery at a dedicated Recovery Center, followed by a multi-week (approximately 7-week) post-op program that includes hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy and personalized dietary consultations for faster, more comfortable healing and a more sculpted body line.
• Nutrition and lifestyle integration: individualized dietary counseling, tailored prescriptions based on personal habits and needs, and a meal diary app for continuous monitoring and real-world, sustainable diet solutions.
• Education and outreach: regular seminars on healthy eating, special lectures on child obesity and postpartum management, university collaborations for counselor training, and published resources to support long-term success.
• Ideal for those exploring diet pills: rather than relying on medication alone, 365mc surrounds pharmacologic approaches with expert nutrition, behavior support, and precise body contouring options—helping address stubborn areas that pills may not target while promoting sustainable habits.
• Signature sculpting programs: including the Hourglass Hip program, designed to harmonize proportions and enhance natural curves.
• Superior surgical environment: systems and protocols refined through specialization in liposuction to support consistent, high-quality outcomes.
• Community-minded care: contributions such as clothing donations reflect a broader commitment to social responsibility.

You can check out their website here: 365mc Hospital Website

365mc Hospital - Sinsa

365mc Hospital – Sinsa stands out as the best clinic in Korea for individuals considering diet pills because it delivers a higher standard of medically guided obesity care with state-of-the-art, targeted treatments that go beyond what medication alone can address. As a leader in obesity treatment, the Sinsa branch offers advanced options—including abdomen, arm, thigh, love-handle, and facial liposuction, as well as the minimally invasive LAMS (Liposuction Assisted Morphological Surgery)—to precisely contour areas that are resistant to diet and exercise, with minimal downtime. Every procedure is performed by highly trained professionals using the latest technology to ensure safety, responsibility, and client satisfaction. For those weighing their options, 365mc Sinsa provides a trusted, results-focused pathway to effective, personalized body shaping.

You can check out their website here: 365mc Hospital - Sinsa Website

Diet Pills in Korea

In South Korea, interest in weight management is high, but treatment is structured and medicalized:

Initial Consultation

You’ll typically meet an internal-medicine, endocrinology, family-medicine, or obesity-medicine physician. The visit covers medical history, medications, sleep, diet, labs (e.g., lipids, A1c), and goal-setting.

Prescription and Regulations

Korea emphasizes prescription-based therapies to enhance safety. GLP-1/dual-incretin injectables (semaglutide, tirzepatide) are now available locally; phentermine and similar sympathomimetics are tightly controlled; and clinicians will screen for contraindications (e.g., pregnancy, certain endocrine or psychiatric conditions). 

Follow-Up Visits

Expect dose titration, side-effect management (e.g., anti-nausea strategies for GLP-1s), and periodic labs. Visits are typically every 4–8 weeks initially.

Diet and Lifestyle Counseling

Most clinics provide or refer to dietitians/exercise programs. Emphasis is on sustainable calorie balance, protein adequacy, resistance training, and cardio to preserve lean mass and maximize body fat reduction.

Safety and Side Effects

Providers review pancreatitis history, gallbladder disease risk, thyroid issues, and mental health. Report severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of liver issues promptly—especially if taking concentrated diet supplements like high-dose green tea extract.

Integration with Traditional Methods

Some clinics integrate Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM)—such as acupuncture and herbal formulations—as adjuncts. Evidence quality varies, so these are typically additive to (not replacements for) evidence-based pharmacotherapy.

Costs and Insurance

For aesthetic/obesity indications, most medicines (including GLP-1s) are not covered by NHIS, so patients pay out-of-pocket. Pricing can change quickly due to supply and competition (see ranges below). 

Cost of Diet Pills in Korea

Costs vary by medication, dose, clinic, and recent pricing updates:

• • Wegovy (semaglutide): After 2025 price cuts, starter doses have been reported around ₩220,000 per month, with higher doses historically ranging ~₩400,000–₩600,000+; actual retail depends on pharmacy/clinic. Expect separate consultation fees. 

  • Mounjaro/tirzepatide (obesity indication): Early local reports suggest supply prices for low doses around ₩278,000; retail to patients varies by markup and dose. 

• • Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave): List prices can be high but may be reduced via programs; confirm local availability and clinic pricing. 

  • Orlistat: Generally less expensive than GLP-1s; exact KRW pricing varies by brand and pharmacy.

• Clinic fees: Typical initial consult ₩50,000–₩150,000, with lower follow-ups (varies by clinic). 

Traveling to Korea solely to buy medication is not recommended. Import rules are strict, and many prescription obesity drugs require local evaluation. Always verify personal import/visa and medication rules before travel. (General import restrictions and narcotics rules are strictly enforced.) 

Flight & Stay (if combining with broader care)

Typical flight and lodging costs fluctuate by season and origin; if you plan broader medical care, budget for additional consults, labs, and follow-ups.

Alternatives to Diet Pills

Medication is only one tool. Evidence-based non-drug approaches can deliver meaningful, sustainable results and often improve response to medication:

1. Dietary Modifications

Adopt a protein-forward, fiber-rich pattern emphasizing minimally processed foods. This supports satiety and preserves lean mass while reducing body fat.

Examples:

• Optimize protein (≈1.2–1.6 g/kg/day if feasible).

• Choose whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts/seeds; limit ultra-processed snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages.

• Consider swapping sugary drinks for green tea to add catechins without excess calories.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Combine resistance training (2–3×/week) with moderate-to-vigorous cardio (150–300 min/week). Exercise improves cardiometabolic health and helps maintain weight loss; pairing training with catechin-rich beverages (like green tea) has shown small additional body-composition benefits in some studies. 

3. Behavioral Therapy

Use structured goal-setting, food/activity tracking, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction. Cognitive-behavioral strategies help maintain habits long-term.

Note on “natural” products: Some diet supplements (e.g., concentrated tea extract) can interact with medications or stress the liver at high doses. Favor food-first strategies and discuss supplements with your clinician. 

Conclusion

Diet pills in Korea are part of a medical, stepwise approach to weight management—with increased use of GLP-1 and dual-incretin therapies for durable reductions in body fat, and tighter monitoring of misuse. Older agents (e.g., orlistat, naltrexone/bupropion, short-term phentermine) still play targeted roles based on patient profile and access, while green tea and other lifestyle habits remain foundational.

If you’re considering treatment, start with a medical evaluation, align on realistic goals, and layer medication onto nutrition, activity, sleep, and behavioral support. Be cautious with over-the-counter diet supplements (including concentrated green tea extract) and verify local regulations, costs, and follow-up availability before you begin.