While many diet and weight loss aids are easy to obtain over the Internet or through your local grocery store, some medications require a prescription. Phentermine is one of these medications. Your doctor may prescribe phentermine to speed up your rate of weight loss for a short period of time. In addition to losing excess fat, rapid weight loss may result in a loss of muscle tissue.
Phentermine
Although your individual course of treatment may vary, most doctors prescribe phentermine for a period of three to six weeks. This medication can increase the amount of weight you lose during this time by suppressing your appetite, making it easier for you to avoid fattening snacks and sugary beverages. Phentermine may cause unpleasant side effects, such as restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea and insomnia.
Rate of Fat Loss
To lose weight, you must eat fewer calories than you tend to burn on a regular basis. Weight loss often includes the loss of water weight and muscle tissue, in addition to a reduction in body fat. The University of Illinois recommends cutting back just enough calories to result in an average weight loss between 1 and 2 lbs. each week. This equals a daily calorie deficit between 500 and 1,000 calories. Although there is no evidence that taking phentermine directly causes muscle loss, strictly reducing your intake of calories and nutrients can encourage your body to burn muscle tissue, instead of stored fat.
Muscle Loss
A menu plan or nutritional guidelines can help you select healthy foods that help protect your muscles during your diet. While taking phentermine to promote fast weight loss, continue to consume adequate amounts of protein, according to the recommendations of your doctor or nutritionist. Maintaining an adequate intake of protein can help prevent muscle loss during dieting. Lean meats, fish and beans provide a low-fat source of protein. Regular exercise can also help protect your muscles against unnecessary tissue loss during dieting.
Precautions
Depending on your health and weight loss requirements, your doctor may prescribe phentermine to kick-start your diet. Let your doctor know immediately if you experience any serious side effects while taking this drug, including shortness of breath, chest pain, increased blood pressure or tremors. Although exercise may help decrease your risk of muscle loss, seek medical approval before beginning a new exercise program, especially if you are obese or are not used to being physically active.
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