Statistics from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicate that more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight and over one-third are obese. Despite all the diet resources available weight gain continues to increase among men and women of all ages, regardless of race and education. Obesity ranks as a top prerequisite to serious health conditions prevalent today. Prescription medication maybe helpful in losing weight.
Prescription Appetite Suppressants
Phentermine has been the most widely FDA approved prescribed weight loss drug to regulate appetite for over 40 years. These medications are chemically similar to amphetamines and are usually recognized by the appearance of "phen" or "phed" somewhere in their generic names. There are five most commonly used types of phentermine: Fastin, Ionoman, Adipex, Bontril and Tenuate.
How Phentermine Medication Works
Phentermine medications are stimulants referred to as noradrenergic, meaning they stimulate the adrenal glands to release epinephrine and norepinephrine, the "fight or flight" hormones in a stressful situation so a person can respond quickly and effectively. These chemical messengers react to any kind of stress and are released by the central nervous system, interrupting the brain's signal to the body when it feels hungry.
Eligibility to Qualify for Appetite Control Medication
Most doctors usually determine health risk factors for eligibility for phentermine usage by body mass index, the "BMI" of weight to height ratio, heart disease factors, waist circumference, blood glucose and a thorough intake of medical health history. Some people are not eligible due to specific health conditions. Ideally, this drug should only be used for a short duration of 12 weeks. It usually becomes less effective over time although some doctors increase dosage for extended usage and continue to monitor the patient.
Side Effects
Although phentermine may be effective for hunger control it is not a magic pill. The drug poses potential side effects to consider, the most common ones being elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, and constipation.
When monitored by a doctor experienced in weight control, side effects can be minimized or even eliminated. A patient should also be supervised with a low- calorie, well-balanced food plan and lifestyle modification with a qualified nutritionist.
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Dosage
Different types of phentermine frequently determine dosage. It comes in tablet or capsule form and is usually time-released over a four to 8 hour time frame, depending on the specific form of phentermine prescribed.
Appetite control is most effective when dosing is taken on an empty stomach, one to 2 hours before or after a meal that sometimes requires some creative planning between patient and doctor due to lifestyle habits.
Permanent Weight Loss
A comprehensive approach for appetite control and long term weight loss still requires healthy eating habits, behavior modification, addressing emotional eating, regular exercise and a strong maintenance program. Reducing hunger is only part of the problem of obesity.
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