Phen Diet

Obesity affects many of our citizens and their health on a daily basis. It puts approximately 15 percent of the population at risk for health concerns such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, according to eScholarship.org. Although the traditional approach of a healthy diet combined with exercise will often give the best results, this method alone has been ineffective for some. A renewed interest in pharmacological interventions introduces the "Phen Diet."

The Drug

Phentermine, a prescription drug in tablet or capsule form approved by the Food and Drug Administration, produces short-term effects in controlling obesity. The medication stimulates the hypothalamus and blocks the re-uptake of dopamine, suppressing the appetite. The drug comes in strengths of 15, 30, and 37.5 mg and takes about 8 to 12 hours to be released into the body.

The Diet

The use of Phentermine should be a short-term method alongside a routine of exercise and healthy eating. The drug helps patients initially lose weight while they undergoes permanent changes in lifestyle. The body develops resistance to the drug after a few weeks. By this time, a patient should already feel familiar with the new lifestyle and find it easy to quit taking Phentermine as an aid to weight loss, according to HealthyWeightForum.org.

Contraindications

There are some contraindications while taking the medication. Diabetes patients must keep a careful eye on their blood sugar and urine tests, as Phentermine may affect these. It may also worsen hypothyroidism and increase the chances of kidney disease. The drug can cause some people to experience dizziness or drowsiness. Patients are warned to become familiar with the medication before driving and to limit their alcohol intake, as symptoms may increase with use.

Effectiveness

Phentermine provides an effective form of therapy to counter obesity, The drug helps patients lose weight, to decrease obesity-related disease. Treatment produces an initial weight loss of 8 to 10 percent with the drug, according to L.D. Whigham, et al., in their 2006 article in the "International Journal of Obesity." However, the extent of weight loss will primarily depend on reduced caloric intake, along with the use of an effective exercise program.

Warnings/Side Effects

Although Phentermine may treat obesity when taken properly, there are warnings issued with the medication. Side effects such as central nervous system stimulation, headaches, an increase in blood pressure and insomnia may arise, according to Klonoff and Greenway in their 2008 article in the "Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology." In addition, some signs of physical or mental dependence may appear if the drug is taken for a longer than needed time.

References

• California Digital Library: Phen/Fen
• Phentermine: What Is Phentermine?
• "Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology"; Drugs in the Pipeline for the Obesity Market; Klonoff, D. C. & Greenway, F.; 2008
• "International Journal of Obesity"; Comparison of combinations of drugs for treatment of obesity: body weight and echocardiographic status; Whigham, L.D., Dhurandhar, N.V., Rakho, P.S., & Atkinson, R.L.; 2006
• Healthy Weight Forum: Phentermine for Weight Loss