The amount of food we eat and the level of our physical activity are two main factors affecting the body weight. Whereas we can easily increase our physical activity levels, it is very hard sometimes to control our appetite. To solve the appetite and body weight problem, you may use some appetite suppressant.
Since ancient times, people used different methods to reduce their appetite. Many of natural appetite suppressants are still used. Modern pharmacology makes advances to everyone, who wants to reduce the body weight, offering various types of anorexigenic drugs.
How does appetite suppressant work?
Everybody, who is going to use any appetite suppressant, should know that these drugs contain substances that can trigger difficult reactions in the body. The body centers, responsible for appetite, are located in the brain. Namely these parts of the brain are targets of the effect of appetite suppressant drugs. The effect of the best appetite suppressants is aimed at:
- Inhibition of the hunger center
- Activation of the satiety center
Effective appetite suppressant drugs may become perfect helpers for those, who find it difficult to stick to low calorie diets. When person keeps such a diet, the brain sends ‘satiety’ signals even if a person ate just a small amount of food.
Appetite suppressant based on microcrystalline cellulose
To lose extra weight and treat obesity, people can use medications, based on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The principle of their action is based on appetite suppression due to filling of stomach by substances that contain no calories.
Unlike other appetite suppressants, MCC does not cause a direct impact on the central nervous system (CNS). Because MCC contains natural fiber, it provides a mechanic effect in the body.
Getting in the stomach, MCC fibers absorb liquid, increasing in the size and filling the major part of the stomach. Taking MCC before lunch, you will not be able to eat as much as you used to eat before.
Many appetite suppressants contain a certain amount of MCC. Fibers cleanse the stomach walls and normalize the work of all gastrointestinal tract. When swelling, MCC absorbs harmful substances and excretes them from the body in a natural way (for instance, heavy metals).
Side effects of appetite suppressant
Many producers of appetite suppressants claim that their products do not cause any side effects; in fact, this might be true. However, you should keep in mind that some appetite suppressants are stimulants of the CNS and their improper or excessive use may cause side effects.
Everything has its reverse side. For instance, scientists know that capsicum can reduce the appetite safely and effectively, but if you abuse this product, it may cause some side effects and changes in digestion.
Because anorexigenic drugs reduce the appetite by stimulating some certain parts of the brain, they may affect your health. Medications, containing MCC are not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Some appetite suppressant drugs increase the activity and excitation, which is a good effect for your mood and weight loss. On the other hand, if such pills are taken at the second half of the day, some people may have insomnia, resulting in irritability.
Intolerance to components is a common side effect of weight loss pills. Allergic reactions occur rarely and usually depend on people’s individual characteristics.
Typically, over-the-counter weight loss pills do not cause any dangerous side effects. Often, adverse reactions appear when using any prescription drugs.
Prescription appetite suppressant
People can buy prescription appetite suppressant only after medical examination. Appetite suppressant pills are prescribed to patients, who were diagnosed obesity (BMI above 30). In case overweight becomes a life-threatening issue, anti-obesity drugs can also be prescribed.
It is believed that natural appetite suppressant drugs are less effective than prescription drugs, but they have some advantages. Firstly, over-the-counter pills do not cause side effects and they can be used for a long period of time. Secondly, people can buy over-the-counter appetite suppressant drugs on any online pharmacy and they don’t have to undergo a medical examination for that.
Drugs containing Phentermine Hydrochloride (HCL) active substance are one of the most effective appetite suppressant pills. These drugs are available under international nonproprietary name – Phentermine, produced by different pharmaceutical companies. In some countries, these appetite suppressant drugs are sold under the original trade names, like:
- Adipex and Suprenza – in the USA
- Duromine and Metermine – in Australia
Phentermine-containing appetite suppressant drugs are not available in some countries of the world. This is caused by the fact that the Public Health Regulatory Authorities of certain countries believe the benefit of Phentermine is not much higher than the risks.
Phentermine appetite suppressant drug affects various areas of the brain and may cause the CNS side effects. The main disadvantage of Phentermine pills is cardiovascular side effects: high blood pressure and palpitation. Most obese people suffer from cardiovascular problems; therefore, such appetite suppressant drugs should be used with caution.
There are several types of appetite suppressant drugs, similar to Phentermine by the effect; these are Diethylpropion, Sibutramine, Methamphetamine and Lorcaserin. Some of them have appeared on pharmaceutical market quite recently, for example, Lorcaserin appeared in 2012; others like Diethylpropion were registered over 50 years ago.
Tablets, containing active substance called Methamphetamine are rarely used for obesity treatment. Drugs of this group have a high potential of abuse and drug addiction. Thus, they may cause psychosis, stroke or heart attack. Not so long ago, Sibutramine appetite suppressant was withdrawn from the pharmaceutical markets of most of the countries of the world.