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Appetite suppressants: Do they really work?

Are you on, starting or thinking about starting your weight loss journey? Well, you have probably done your research and have read about a ton of different aids in helping you along the way. One that you may be seeing frequently are appetite suppressants. With a lot of promising results, you might be questioning their integrity, and wondering if they actually work.

At Pro Health, our patients do find great success when using an appetite suppressant – and when used correctly, we believe you will too. Here’s how they work!

What is an appetite suppressant?

Appetite suppressants can be a helpful tool when losing weight. They work by blocking the brain’s hunger signals by increasing the body’s release of chemicals made by the adrenal glands. This further decreases your appetite, allowing you to feel fuller with smaller portions, inducing weight loss. At Pro Health, we prescribe the daily appetite suppressant known as Phentermine, as well as Topamax to our patients. When combined, patients find that they reach their weight loss goals.

However, like other weight-loss medications, these appetite suppressants are only meant to be a part of a plan. What we mean by that is that you should not solely rely on medication in order to lose weight. We highly recommend patients to make positive changes to their diet and exercise habits in order to keep the weight off. Here are some tips we have to maximize your results.

Follow a healthy diet

While it is proven that eating less than you are burning will allow you to lose weight, it is still extremely important that you follow a healthy diet when using medication. This is not only to speed up results, but also to allow you to form those habits needed to keep the weight off once you stop the medication. Following a diet that is nutrient rich and high in protein, as well as fiber will allow you to stay full, energized and just all-around healthy throughout your journey.

Keep hydrated

Make sure you stay adequately hydrated while taking an appetite suppressant. One of the frequent side effects of this weight loss medication, along with others, is constipation. Drinking 2 to 3 liters of water throughout the day will keep everything moving, as well as keep you feeling well.

Put exercise into your routine

While the medication and diet changes can provide you with positive results, adding in some movement can significantly enhance their effectiveness. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming or weight training are great choices. Just find something you enjoy and get moving!

So, do they work?

The simple answer to that is yes, they do! However, it is extremely important that you follow the tips above, and make positive changes to your lifestyle in order to enhance the effects, and keep the weight off long-term. If you are interested in getting started with an appetite suppressant, or have unanswered questions, please feel free to walk into any of our clinics located across the state of Tennessee. Our Nurse Practitioners would love to chat and guide you in the right direction!