Obesity affects millions of people in the United States, posing serious health risks for those who carry extra weight. Those who are obese face inflated risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and skeletal problems, as well as many other serious medical conditions. Appetite-suppressant medications are sometimes prescribed for those have a body mass index --- a measure of your weight relative to your height --- of 30 or greater. Doctors may also prescribe appetite suppressants to those who have a BMI of 27 or higher if they also have an obesity-related condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Types
Medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as appetite suppressants include sibutramine, which has been approved for long-term use up to one year; and phentermine, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine, which are approved for short-term use up to 12 weeks. Doctors may prescribe these medications for "off label" use, meaning they prescribe them for longer periods of time than has been specifically approved by the FDA. The FDA regulates how the medication is advertised or promoted by the drug company and does not restrict how doctors prescribe the medication. The FDA classifies all appetite suppressants as controlled substances.
How They Work
Appetite suppressants make you not feel hungry and also fool your body into thinking it is full. Appetite suppressants work by increasing the presence of two neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, called catecholamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters tell your brain that you're full, which quells your appetite and signals you to stop eating.
Side Effects
Side effects of these medications can include increased blood pressure and heart rate, dizziness, headaches, nervousness, sleeplessness and gastrointestinal issues such as cramping and diarrhea. The long-term effects and side-effects of the prolonged use of appetite suppressant medications have not been evaluated by research, reports the Weight-control Information Network. These medications should be used by people with high blood pressure or heart disease. Though appetite suppressants are not usually abused like some other weight-loss medication such as stimulants, the Weight-control Information Network advises caution for use by people with a history of substance abuse.
How Much You Lose
The amount of weight loss varies by person but generally falls within the range of five percent to 10 percent of your body weight. If you weigh 200 pounds, for example, you can expect to lose 10 to 20 pounds on average, according to The Diet Channel. Success with these medications requires that you actively participate in the weight loss process. You must strive to alter your lifestyle to reduce your calories and increase your activity. Typically, weight loss associated with taking appetite suppressants trails off after six months or so and weight gain reoccurs if you don't change your diet and exercise habits.
Limits
Speak with your doctor to explore the potential risks and benefits of appetite suppressants. Go into this discussion with the understanding that the most effective strategy for losing weight and keeping it off will involve permanent changes in your eating and exercise patterns. Appetite suppressants should not be taken long term, tend to lose effectiveness after some period of time anyhow and present unknown risks themselves. So, if you decide to try them, use the period of appetite suppressant use as a means to create enduring lifestyles changes.
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