The topic about which weight loss drugs or supplements can provide the best weight loss results have always been a hot issue. And with the countless weight loss products available today, we can say that the debate is destined to never end.

One good example is the competition between the prescription appetite suppressant drug Phentermine and over-the-counter herbal alternatives. Phentermine has been in the market for decades already but a lot of new herbal options are getting the attention of health care providers and obese patients as well. These alternatives claim that they can provide the same benefits or even promise better results.

Are there Better Options for the Prescription Drug Phentermine?

Phentermine has been an ally of most obese people who are under weight loss treatment. Among the weight loss drugs available, this appetite suppressant is the usual pick of patients and doctors. It is not surprising since the drug is effective in treating obesity and overweight problems. Since it is prescribed as a short-term treatment for obesity, patients can already feel the positive results within weeks, which is not the case with other appetite suppressant drugs with slower weight loss effects.

Meanwhile, the herbal supplements contain ingredients that suppress appetite. These products can be purchased over the counter or in online health stores without the need for doctor’s prescriptions. Most of the supplements are made from plant extracts that are believed to be effective in curtailing hunger pangs or appetite. When taken for a certain period, they can help in weight reduction and treating obesity.

The downside, however, is that there are some herbal appetite suppressants without certification or approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Taking supplements without the agency’s approval is a risky thing to do since they did not passed safety tests and some lack proofs to back up their claims.

Common Ingredients of Phentermine-like Herbal Supplements

The herbal supplements that can mimic the effects of Phentermine are too many to mention. If you search the Internet for herbal Phentermine or appetite suppressant supplements, you’ll surely get a lot of products in the search results. All of them promise the same thing – guaranteed weight loss.

Some of the ingredients in most weight loss supplements include:

• Garcinia Cambogia
• Hoodia Gordinii
• Green Tea extract
• Safron extract
• Caralluma fimbriata
• Irvingia gabonensis
• Umiboshi Plums
• Ginger
• Flaxseeds

There are also some supplements that contain fruit and vegetable extracts and vitamins. They have properties that can suppress appetite and even boost energy and metabolism. However, too much reliance on these supplements may not be the best decision if your medical condition requires immediate care and treatment. In fact, most doctors still prefer the prescription ones to ensure fast and successful treatment. In most cases, these herbal options are used to supplement another mode of obesity treatment.

A Word of Caution

While there are appetite suppressant supplements that are generally safe to take, obese people should still be wary of just taking any herbal supplement. If there is no FDA approval and the product is relatively new in the market, you must think twice before taking any product.

It is still best to consult a health care professional to ensure that your chosen Phentermine alternative is safe and proven effective as a weight loss treatment. Or if you don’t want to take risks, stick to the proven and safe appetite suppressant drug.