Jan 30 2016
Key Factors to Consider When Taking Appetite Suppressants
Losing weight is a problem that most people have in this current day and age. Fatty food and a not-so-active lifestyle have driven people to becoming overweight and obese. The result of this mass weight gain is the rise of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and heart problems.
Medical experts advise a balanced diet that stays within a restricted calorie count, as well as exercise. But most obese people who have been sedentary and binge eating for a long time find it difficult to start a weight loss regimen. To remedy this situation, doctors often prescribe appetite suppressants to help their patients get on the right track.
Appetite Suppressants for Weight Loss
Two of the popular appetite suppressants in the market today are Lorcaserin and Phentermine. They are prescribed to hasten weight loss and prevent the complications of the condition. Most of the patients who take appetite suppressants lose 5 to 10 % of their starting weight when they pair it with diet and moderate exercise.
Lorcaserin is a 10 mg tablet which must be taken twice a day. It works by tapping into the part of the brain that controls hunger. It was tested in at least three clinical trials which included about 8,000 overweight and obese participants. The trials lasted between 1 and 2 years, and during that period, patients lost 5% of their weight. This appetite suppressant should be discontinued if the patient does not exhibit at least 5% weight loss after 12 weeks of use.
Meanwhile, a brand that is also preferred by most doctors is Qsymia. This is a combination of Phentermine and Topiramate, a drug used to treat migraines and epilepsy. Qsymia is usually taken once daily, starting with the lowest dose. The doctor may increase the dosage depending on the response of the patient. The average weight loss from this Phentermine combination is 6.7 to 8.9 %.
Factors to Consider Before Taking Appetite Suppressants
Weight loss drugs is a necessary ingredient to jumpstarting your weight loss plan, but be careful to note that this isn’t for everyone. Most patients need to be over 200 pounds before being placed in a program using appetite suppressants. They are expected to lose 10 to 20% of their starting weight in order for the medication to start affecting blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Here are some factors to consider:
1. Pregnancy
Pregnant women or those who suspect they might be pregnant should not take appetite suppressants or any kind of diet pills. Be straightforward with your doctor because a lot of drugs can cause fetal harm, no matter how safe they may be.
2. Your Body Mass Index
Some patients want it easy and take appetite suppressants to stop gaining weight. However, as mentioned above, this is recommended for people who are really overweight and obese.
3. Health Condition
Patients with serious health conditions such as high cholesterol levels, diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure, among others, should only take this drug upon the advice of a health care professional. Their food intake and exercise should be monitored closely since a drastic drop in food intake might affect blood sugar levels. This is also one of the reasons why you should have a medical doctor monitoring your progress.
Can Appetite Suppressant Sustain Your Weight Loss?
Patients who have been on appetite suppressants have reported positive effects. Their weight went down consistently, and their overall health conditions improved. Once they have achieved their desired weight, they may be taken off the drug provided they continue their healthy lifestyle.