Losing weight can be a significant struggle for some people. There are people who work hard on their diet and exercise but still don’t see the results that they are hoping for on the scale. Appetite suppressants can be the tool that you need to get your weight loss journey on track and achieve your goals to become healthier. But are appetite suppressants suitable for you? This article will help you understand everything that you need to know about appetite suppressants to make an informed decision about this option.
What Are Appetite Suppressants?
Appetite suppressants is the term used to describe prescription medication that can make you feel less hungry, which means that you will eat less. Appetite suppressants can be effective, but these products are not made for everyone. People who use this medication in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise will notice between a 3% and 9% loss from their starting weight within a year.
You may see a lot of advertisements for appetite suppressants, but it’s best to stick to items that have been prescribed by a medical professional. This is to ensure the highest level of safety when taking these supplements.
Everyone is different, as are their reasons for gaining weight and being unable to lose weight. It might not just be about how much you exercise or what you eat. For that reason, these medications are not for everyone.
You may be prescribed appetite suppressants if you are in one of these categories:
- If you are obese, with a BMI of over 30.
- If you have a BMI of 27 or higher and have a condition like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.
You should avoid taking appetite suppressants in these cases:
- On certain medications (like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Glaucoma
Different Types of Appetite Suppressants
The FDA has approved a few different options for appetite suppressants, which require a prescription from a doctor. These medications include:
Phentermine
This medication is a combination of two other drugs. Phentermine is a stimulant, which can make you feel less hungry. This is often combined with topiramate, which is typically used for headaches and seizures. When combined with phentermine, this medication can make you feel fuller and less hungry. Phentermine is one of the oldest options for appetite suppressants.
Naltrexone
This medication contains two medications, which can impact the reward system in your brain. This means that eating certain foods that would typically make you feel happy and good no longer will. It can also impact the hypothalamus, which is the brain area responsible for regulating appetite.
Liraglutide
Typically used as a diabetes treatment, this medication can impact your hunger levels by acting on a hormone found in the gut. This is especially important for those who may be facing a hormonal imbalance that’s affecting their weight.
How Do Appetite Suppressants Work?
Appetite suppressants work in a variety of different ways. Some appetite suppressants can make you feel less hungry or make you feel fuller faster. Other appetite suppressants make it so that your body has issues with absorbing dietary fat. Whatever the case may be for the specific appetite suppressant that you’re taking, it cannot replace making the necessary lifestyle changes to achieve your weight loss goals.
You will get the best results when you use these medications in addition to lifestyle interventions. The diet and lifestyle changes can be challenging to make, but you must make these necessary changes to maintain your hard work. Otherwise, you will risk going back to old habits when you are done with this medication.
Important Information About Appetite Suppressants
Before you start taking appetite suppressants, it’s always a good idea to talk about these options with your doctor. Your doctor may not want you to take these medications because of your current medications or any other factor in your health history. They will let you know if this is a safe option for you, as well as which type of appetite suppression they think would work best for your needs.
There are some side effects that you should consider when taking this medication:
- Constipation
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Raised pulse
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Trouble sleeping/insomnia
- Nausea
- Headaches
If you are experiencing any side effects that you find concerning, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
There are some natural supplements available on the market, but you may be better off sticking to the medications prescribed to you by your medical professional. You may have luck with options like fiber, but you should never take anything without consulting your doctor first.
Various items on the market claim to be appetite suppressants, but these products are not FDA approved. You need to be sure that you are as safe as possible, and products that are not FDA approved can be potentially risky for you to take.
Appetite suppressants can be highly effective when used as prescribed and used with the necessary lifestyle changes. It’s important to know that these aren’t miracle drugs and will require you to change your eating habits and exercise routine. You need to keep your expectations realistic, but know that these medications can work well.
Conclusion
If you have decided to get healthy but are struggling with losing weight or making the lifestyle changes that you need to, then appetite suppressant could be precisely the solution you are looking for. Working with your doctor’s advice and following their treatment plan, you can achieve your goals of becoming a healthier you with the use of appetite suppressants. If you have any concerns or questions about this option, you should talk to your medical professional or a qualified telemedicine provider such as EVOLVE.
Contact EVOLVE patient care to get started with a safe and effective weight loss treatment plan!
