The World Health Organization lists being overweight or obese as a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and certain types of cancer. Losing weight can not only reduce your disease risk, but it can also increase your self-esteem levels. Appetite suppressants are dietary supplements that come in over-the-counter and prescription form. They are used to help kick-start the weight loss process.
Identification
Weight is lost when you consume fewer calories than you expend. Maintaining your activity level while reducing your daily intake by 500 to 1,000 calories would ultimately cause 1 to 2 lbs. of weight loss a week, according to the National Institutes of Health. Appetite suppressants are used as aids to help make it easier to create this caloric restriction.
Features
Appetite suppressants come in pill or capsule form. These medications make you feel less hungry by increasing one or more brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite according to the Weight-control Information Network. Timing is an important factor with appetite suppressants. Using them at the same time, generally right before eating a meal, every day allows your body to adapt.
Healthy Diet
Appetite suppressants are used in conjunction with a healthy diet, even though calories are reduced. Foods like burgers, fries, cupcakes, chips, cookies and frozen dinners are typically high in saturated fat, sodium and sugar, and they should be avoided. A balanced diet is high in nutrient dense foods such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy products.
Side Effects
Any time you take a prescription drug or over-the-counter supplement, you are at risk of suffering side effects. Appetite suppressants can cause a number of side effects, such as sleeplessness, nervousness, rapid heart rate and headaches. This class of medications is contraindicated in people who have heart disease and high blood pressure, according to the Diet Channel's website.
Considerations
Cardiovascular exercise and weight training are both valuable to weight loss. Cardio burns a high amount of calories while you exercise, and weight training builds muscle which increases your caloric expenditure when you are resting. Three days a week of cardio and weight training on alternating days will be sufficient.
Hoodia
Hoodia is a popular over-the-counter appetite suppressant. Although it has been touted as a viable product to reduce hunger, the validity of this is in question. No solid evidence from scientifically sound clinical trials exists stating that hoodia is an effective tool for weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com. Hoodia is not regulated by the FDA for safety or efficacy.
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