- Weight loss
What are appetite suppressants?
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Appetite suppressants can help with weight loss. They work to lessen your appetite or make you feel full faster. Appetite suppressants are often used to aid weight loss in people who are overweight or obese. Do you have a BMI of 30 or more? A BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obesity. Obesity can lead to a wide range of health problems. The risk goes down once you enter the healthy weight range. However, as any overweight person knows, losing weight is often easier said than done. Have you been struggling to lose weight or make lasting changes to your lifestyle? Then appetite suppressants could be a valuable aid on your weight loss journey.
Weight loss medications work by impacting the brain's hunger signals to reduce appetite, causing you to feel less hungry or full sooner. For optimal results, these medications should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Do you have weight issues? Tell your doctor about your attempts to lose weight. Perhaps they can help you with an eating plan or lifestyle programme. Are you struggling with obesity? Hunger and satiety signals are altered in people who are overweight or obese. This can make losing weight on your own difficult or even impossible.
What appetite suppressants are available and how do they work?
There are various types of appetite suppressants available for people who are overweight. A doctor can tell you what the options are and which treatment best suits your needs depending on your BMI and lifestyle. Natural remedies and weight loss medications can both be effective options to lose weight. Examples of weight loss medicines include:
- Saxenda. Saxenda is an injectable medication that regulates appetite by suppressing the feeling of hunger and enhancing feelings of fullness or satiety. It should be used in combination with a low-calorie diet and sufficient exercise.
- Wegovy. Wegovy is an injectable medicine and should be used as part of a lifestyle programme. It suppresses appetite and helps you feel full faster after eating.
- Mounjaro. This medicine is administered subcutaneously using an injection pen and should be used alongside a low-calorie diet and regular exercise. Mounjaro helps control appetite and food intake.
- Mysimba. Mysimba is a tablet that acts on the parts of the brain that control food intake and energy balance.
The above-listed weight loss medications are only available on prescription. Talk to our affiliated doctors to find the best treatment for you.
Weight loss can also be achieved naturally, without the use of medications. If you're trying to lose weight, taking a look at your eating habits is a good place to start. Here are some tips to make your diet healthier:
- Eat more protein. Studies show that protein increases and extends satiety. Good sources of protein include lean meat, eggs, yoghurt and beans.
- Incorporate more healthy fats in your diet. Healthy fats are found in fresh fish, nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil. They contain Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin E, and reduce appetite and help stabilise blood sugar levels.
- Drink water before meals. Drinking water helps you feel full and prevents you from overeating. Soup is also a good option. Also try to drink more water throughout the day. This will help to flush out toxins in your body.
- Eat more fibre. Fibre improves gut health and slows the rise of blood sugar. Good sources of fibre include fruit, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
Adding these nutrients to your diet will help control hunger. If the above tips and lifestyle modifications do not produce satisfactory results, consult a doctor about other options.
How can you get the most out of your weight loss medication?
Weight loss medications can support weight loss, but they are not a standalone solution or substitute for a healthy lifestyle. They are most effective in the long term when combined with increased physical activity and healthier food choices. This way, the body gets all the nutrients it needs and the risk of disease decreases and energy levels increase.
Can anyone take appetite suppressants?
Doctoronline works with a team of doctors to ensure people get the right treatments. What weight loss medication is best for you depends in part on your BMI. A person with a BMI higher than 26 is considered overweight. A BMI higher than 30 is classified as obese. However, other factors are also taken into consideration, such as your waist circumference. This is because your waist circumference is a good indicator of how much fat is deep inside your belly, around your organs. Internal fat deposits are more harmful to your health than fat around your buttocks and thighs. Please be aware that, like all medicines, appetite suppressants may cause side effects.
Side effects of appetite suppressants
Are you worried about the side effects? Talk to a doctor, so that the pros and cons of each medication are clear. Some side effects that you may experience are:
- Bowel problems
- Low blood sugar
- Dizziness
- Headache
Always read the package leaflet before starting treatment.
What medication is the right choice for you?
Appetite suppressants can be a useful tool to help you lose weight, but they should be used in conjunction with a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Struggling to lose weight? You’re not alone, we are here to help! Talk to a doctor if you have any questions, concerns or doubts. They can help you make the right choice. Perhaps lifestyle modifications alone can help you reach your goals, or maybe appetite suppressants are what you need to get your weight under control. Doctoronline can provide personalised support. Discuss your situation with a doctor and discover the possibilities. Take the first step on your weight loss journey today.