What Are Appetite Suppressants?
Appetite suppressants work to control your body’s appetite, but not in the way you may think. They work with the central nervous system to essentially fool your body into thinking it isn’t hungry. This is meant to keep you from overeating, which helps control your weight.
Appetite suppressants work best in the short-term, meaning they aren’t effective for long-term weight loss. You will still need to incorporate a practical weight loss plan that involves a healthy diet and exercise to achieve long-term results. However, in the short term, appetite suppressants can work to help your body adjust to eating less.
Are Appetite Suppressants Safe?
Appetite suppressants can be safe for many people, but in some cases, they can be harmful. To avoid potentially fatal side effects, it is important to consult with your physician first, follow all recommendations on the bottle, and keep an eye out for serious side effects.
If you notice any of the following side effects, seek medical assistance immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the legs or feet
- Chest pain
- Reduced ability to exercise
What Are the Benefits of Appetite Suppressant Supplements?
Appetite suppressants serve the primary purpose of helping you curb your hunger, which should, in turn, eventually help you lose weight. But there are a few other benefits to taking appetite suppressant supplements, such as:
- Healthier Diet. Fad diets that promise fast weight loss are often devoid of basic nutritional principles. A diet that promises to help you lose weight fast by cutting out a particular group of foods is really just starving your body of essential nutrients. For example, not all carbs are bad, especially in moderation. There are benefits to eating carbs on a daily basis. Instead of cutting out essential nutrients, appetite suppressants urge you to eat less often by calming your hunger. You may consume less without compromising the variety of your diet.
- Helps Burn Fat. Through the process of thermogenesis, appetite suppressants help your body burn fat, as well. It stimulates the release of fat cells. So, in addition to helping you eat less, it also burns away that stubborn fat you may be having trouble getting rid of.
- Increases Energy. A common side effect of overeating is a lack of energy throughout the day. If you are eating too much, you may notice your body feels weakened or tired more often. By reducing your food intake slightly, appetite suppressants help you avoid that low energy feeling from overeating. You may feel more energized when consuming a healthy amount of food per meal per day.
- They Help Kick Start Your Weight Loss Plan. Sometimes, the hardest part of any plan is taking the first step. Appetite suppressants may give you the small positive boos you need to get moving. It can be frustrating to start exercising and working hard, only to see little to no progress. By cutting your food intake, you will notice that you feel more energized, and you’re losing weight. This can make it easier for you to go ahead with the exercise and lifestyle changes needed to turn your life around.
Do Appetite Suppressants Have Side Effects?
Yes. In fact, nearly every medication on the market may cause some side effects in certain people. Here are a few minor side effects you may notice with appetite suppressant pills or appetite suppressant supplements or foods:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Digestive distress
- Sweating
Common Misconceptions About Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressants have been on the market for many years. Major strides in research have led to safer and more effective medications, which is what we have today. Here are some common appetite suppressant myths that are either no longer true, or have never been true, to begin with:
Myth: Appetite Suppressants Make You Lose Weight Fast
While it may seem like the perfect solution, there is no magic pill that will transform your life. Appetite suppressants help those looking to lose weight pass the initial hump in the weight loss game. However, to see dramatic and long-term results, you need to change your lifestyle by incorporating healthy habits.
This means you need to eat a healthier and more balanced diet. You also need to get plenty of exercise – at least 150 minutes of low-intensity training each week.
Myth: Appetite Suppressant Pills Can Kill You
The truth is, a lot of things can kill you if you abuse or misuse them, especially when it comes to medications. Taking appetite suppressants is not a ticket to the afterlife. If you take the proper precautions, you can safely use appetite suppressant supplements and pills.
Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Meet with your physician and discuss appetite suppressants before taking anything.
- Mention to your doctor if you suffer from any other health conditions that he or she may be unaware of – no matter how insignificant they may seem.
- Never exceed the recommended dosage.
- Do not take appetite suppressants supplements or medications any longer than prescribed.
- Discontinue use as soon as you see any of the symptoms previously discussed that may require immediate medical assistance.
What Are the Best Natural Appetite Suppressants?
You don’t necessarily need to turn to medications you are unsure of. There are several natural appetite suppressants that you can turn to for the same results:
Fenugreek
This natural herb is a product often used by breastfeeding mothers to boost milk supply. But there are several other benefits to consuming Fenugreek. One of those benefits is appetite control, thanks to its high fiber content. Without turning to prescription medications, you can get the appetite control you want in an all-natural herb.
Gymnema Sylvestre
This natural herb can help reduce the taste of sugar in your mouth. It has actually been linked to reducing cravings for sweet foods.
Caralluma Fimbriata
By increasing the circulation of serotonin throughout the body, this natural supplement can suppress appetite for short periods.
Green Tea Extract
This natural remedy has been linked to burning more fat and suppressing appetite due to its caffeine properties. Plus, it can help you shed stubborn fat you can’t seem to get rid of on your own.
Garcinia Cambogia
Preliminary studies show this natural supplement may block fat production, reduce fat storage, and reduce appetite.
What Are the Best Over-the-Counter Appetite Suppressants?
There are a wide variety of over-the-counter appetite suppressants available, in addition to the natural supplements mentioned above. Here are some of the best ones to try:
Green Coffee Bean Extract
Its high levels of caffeine help suppress appetite, while high levels of chlorogenic acid prevent fat storage.
Guarana
This supplement is actually the highest in caffeine. The elevated caffeine levels are attributed to reducing appetite, as well as boosting metabolism.
Acacia Fiber
Because this fiber is very difficult to digest, it can reduce the appetite, slow down digestion, and make you feel fuller, longer.
Saffron Extract
A few of the elements in saffron lead experts to believe it can help suppress appetite. In fact, studies have shown women snack less when taking a saffron extract.
Prescription Appetite Suppressants
Belviq
This medication affects the receptors in the brain to make your body feel fuller longer and to reduce appetite.
Saxenda
Given in the form of an injection, this medication acts on the hormones in the gut rather than the brain receptors. It diminishes and controls appetite.
Qsymia
This medication works in two ways: the stimulant part makes you feel less hungry, and the Topiramate (a medication initially developed to control seizures), can also make you feel fuller, longer.
Which Appetite Suppressants to Avoid
The issue isn’t that there are appetite suppressants to avoid, but rather individuals with certain conditions who should avoid them. If you suffer from certain health conditions, appetite suppressants – whether natural or prescription – may not be right for you.
In fact, they may interact with your other medications or your illness and cause serious damage to your health. Here are some medical conditions that may make you an unfit candidate for appetite suppressant medications:
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid irregularities
- Current or history of substance abuse
- High blood pressure
Who Shouldn’t Take Appetite Suppressants?
In addition to individuals suffering from the above-mentioned health conditions, anyone who has not consulted with their physician first should not be taking appetite suppressants.
Understanding Overdose of Appetite Suppressants
At no point should you ever take more than the recommended amount of appetite suppressants as advised by your physician or the bottle. Taking too much or too often may lead to serious and even potentially fatal health complications. If you wish to increase the reduction in your appetite, taking more pills is not the solution.
Instead, speak to your doctor to see what you can do to maximize your results. Remember, once you get started, the results will trigger a healthier and more efficient lifestyle change that will yield the amazing long-term results you are yearning for. Just be patient and don’t try to put your health at risk to get something done quicker.
A lifestyle change that results in a significant change to your body’s look and condition cannot and will not happen overnight.
The Big Picture
There are both pros and cons of taking appetite suppressants. The key is to make sure you do it safely. This should apply when it comes to taking any medication or making any changes to your health. While the risks of obesity can be severe as well, it is important to understand that appetite suppressants may be harmful to your health if you abuse them or do not follow your doctor’s orders.
Appetite suppressants can have significant benefits for some people, providing they are respected and used accordingly. Meet with your physician and explain your wishes to use appetite suppressants. Be sure to disclose any and all medical conditions that come to mind – whether they be past or present. Your doctor can only help you make a safe decision with all of the necessary information.
It is also very important to understand that although appetite suppressants are safe for many people and can yield positive results, they are not a miracle in a bottle. To achieve significant, long-term results, it is crucial to implement a healthy regimen in your life.
Healthy eating and exercise habits will not only maximize your use of appetite suppressants but will help you achieve the best results you can. The bottom line should always be your health. What can you do to better your life today and lead a longer, happier, and healthier life?
