Obesity has become an epidemic in our nation. And while diet, exercise and living a healthy lifestyle are the most effective ways to maintain a healthy body weight, many turn to appetite suppressants to jump start their diet or make it easier to avoid excess calories.
Appetite suppressants are drugs that alter how your body responds to hormonal and brain signals and are designed to work just as the name implies, by suppressing your appetite. But do appetite suppressants really work and if so, what are the benefits?
Why Diets Fail
The one thing that all diets have in common is that each requires commitment to the plan. Unfortunately, only five percent of dieters in the United States stay with their weight loss regimen, failing to reach their goal and ideal weight or achieving it, only to gain it all back. There are many reasons why people quit too soon. It could be a will power, which drives them to stop trying to shake off the pounds, it could be there isn’t enough time in the day to focus on truly healthy eating and exercise. But let’s face it; hunger is also an issue.
We eat because we’re hungry or because we crave certain foods that have been eliminated from our diet. On top of that the brain receives signals that indicate the dieter is starving and needs to eat. No wonder dieters give up. It seems as if everything works against, rather than for us. However, appetite suppressants can turn the tables on a failing diet.
Why appetite suppressants?
Appetite suppressants satisfy or suppress hunger by tricking the brain into believing your stomach is full. Appetite suppressants do this by triggering a response from our hormones that interrupts signals from the brain that it’s time to eat. It’s a ruse, but also a strategy that works.
Moderation and Supervision
Appetite suppressants prescribed to a dieting patient can be beneficial, but it is unsafe to take suppressants on your own; that’s why they shouldn’t be taken without a doctor’s direction or consent. As with any other diet plan or medical treatment plan, balance and moderation is key, as is following directions. Do not supplement your diet with appetite suppressants without first consulting your health care provider. In fact, before implementing any weight loss plan, it’s crucial to discuss that plan with your doctor. He or she may have advice regarding your weight loss regimen as it relates to your specific health history.
SC Internal Medicine Associates understands the challenges that are presented to those of us who want to lose weight. Appetite management is one of the areas addressed at our Center for Medical Weight Loss. We work with you to create a safe, comprehensive medical weight loss program that is designed especially for you. We can assist you to lose weight so that you can live your best life. Call 803-749-1111 for more information today.
