Appetite suppressants are prescription medications that can jump-start your weight loss or get you back on track when your progress has stalled.
When used appropriately as part of a medically supervised program, research shows that some people taking appetite suppressants lose 10% or more of their starting weight, a reduction that can improve most complications of obesity.
While an appetite suppressant can provide measurable results quickly, it’s not a stand-alone weight-loss solution. In fact, appetite suppressants work best when taken as part of a comprehensive weight-loss program that includes behavior modification.
The combination can help you lose up to 9% more of your starting body weight compared to people who attempt to lose weight without medication.
Our weight-loss specialists at NuvidaRx Weight Loss in Tallahassee, Florida, have helped many patients use appetite suppressants safely and effectively to achieve their weight-loss goals.
Patients who take appetite suppressants as part of our medically supervised weight-loss program are carefully monitored for progress and potential side effects.
Our staff has the experience and expertise necessary to find the right combination of medications, complementary treatments such as lipotropic injections (fat-burning shots), and lifestyle changes to help you reach and maintain the weight you desire.
There are several types of appetite suppressants. They work in different ways but are all intended for short-term use.
Some medications help you feel less hungry or fuller sooner. Other medications make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods you eat.
At NuvidaRx Weight Loss, our patients have had tremendous success using phendimetrazine and phentermine (ADIPEX-P®). These FDA-approved medications are amphetamine derivatives that work by reducing your urge to eat and increasing the rate at which your body burns fat.
By decreasing your body’s craving for food, appetite suppressants can help you eat less, become accustomed to smaller portions, and comfortably transition to a low-calorie diet for steady, healthy weight loss.
Your eligibility for an appetite suppressant depends on your body mass index (BMI), a number that represents the relation of your weight to your height. An adult with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is identified as having a normal weight.
People who have a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight. Having a BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obesity.
Appetite suppressants aren’t prescribed lightly. Their use is reserved for people who are classified as being obese or those who are overweight and have potentially life-threatening health problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
If you’re approved for using an appetite suppressant, the NuvidaRx Weight Loss team monitors your progress and possible side effects. Since the drugs in some appetite suppressants can be addictive, most are intended for short-term use.
The amount of time you continue to take the medication depends on how much weight you lose and whether any serious side effects develop. Most weight loss occurs within the first six months of using the medication.
If you don’t lose at least 5% of your starting weight after 12 weeks of taking the appetite suppressant, your medication and/or treatment plan may have to be changed.
Remember that appetite suppressants are just one piece of your weight-loss program, so changes to your physical activity or diet can also impact your overall results and help you transition through plateaus.
While appetite suppressants can help you achieve a healthy weight, they’re not the right solution for everyone.
During your initial consultation, the NuvidaRx team determines whether you’re an appropriate candidate for appetite suppressants. They consider your BMI, medical history, current medications, and family history.
The NuvidaRx team also considers the benefits of appetite suppressants versus the impact of potential side effects such as:
Given these potential outcomes, appetite suppressants are not appropriate if you have health issues such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart conditions such as abnormal heart rhythm, coronary artery disease, or a valve disorder. They are not advised if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Being 65 or older or having conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, or obstructive sleep apnea may also disqualify you from using these medications.
Find out if appetite suppressants are the right addition to your weight-loss program. Schedule an appointment through the online booking system or call our office today at 850-290-7307.
