Appetite suppressants can be a powerful tool in the fight against weight gain. But with so many different appetite suppressants on the market, it’s important to know how they work and what side effects you might experience if you use them.
The two most common types of appetite suppressants are prescription medications like orlistat (also known as Xenical) and over-the-counter supplements like Phentermine. Let’s take a closer look at how each works and which one is right for you.
What Is Orlistat?
Orlistat, also known by its generic name as Xenical, is an FDA-approved medication that helps people lose weight. It does this by blocking some of the enzymes in your body from breaking down fat cells, making them less likely to break down and release their contents into your bloodstream. This means there isn’t any food going through your digestive system that would normally be processed and turned into energy.
Choosing the best appetite suppressant pills is little bit difficult because there are millions of options available. Basically, these suppressants are available as per the need of the client. If you want to consume a very basic supplement then you can go for it. A person who is consuming appetite suppressant from a longer time will see a drastic change in their health within 12 months.
Orlistat comes in pill form, but it’s not taken orally; instead, it goes directly into your stomach via a tube called a gastrojejunostomy tube. You have to ingest a certain amount of liquid every day while taking your pills. The liquid contains fats that will trigger the enzyme action, and when combined with your pills, the fats will be broken down and absorbed into your bloodstream. In effect, the fat is “poisoned” before it gets to your intestines where it could otherwise be digested.
Orlistat has been shown to help people lose about 7% of their starting body weight in 12 weeks, although results vary depending on the person using it.
While orlistat is highly effective, it isn’t without its drawbacks. Most notably, it can cause fatty stools that may make you feel uncomfortable. You should also watch out for liver problems and other serious health issues because of all the extra calories you’re ingesting.
How Does Phentermine Work?
Phentermine is another popular type of appetite suppressant that’s found in both prescription and nonprescription forms. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which sends signals to your body to decrease hunger and increase metabolism. So rather than storing those unused calories as fat, your body uses them to burn more calories. As a result, you can expect to lose about 1–3 pounds per week on average.
In addition to orlistat, phentermine is often prescribed along with other diet and lifestyle changes such as exercise and behavioral counseling. While phentermine is helpful, it can cause side effects including dizziness, nausea, headaches, sleep disorders, anxiety, and high blood pressure. If you want to try this type of medication, talk to your doctor first.
What Are Other Types of Appetite Suppressants?
There are two other types of appetite suppressants:
1. Prokinetic agents, such as propranolol (Inderal), are commonly used to treat heart conditions. They work by slowing down the movement of food in your intestines, causing you to feel full longer and stop eating.
2. Antidepressant drugs are designed to target specific neurotransmitters in your brain. This makes it easier for you to control your appetite, which leads to healthier weight management. Some examples include bupropion (Wellbutrin), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), venlafaxine (Effexor).
Which Type of Appetite Suppressant Is Right for Me?
If you’re looking for a safe way to reduce your appetite, you can choose between the prescription drug orlistat and the over-the-counter supplement phentermine. Both options come with risks but offer distinct benefits.
If you’re interested in trying orlistat first, ask your physician if it’s right for you. While it may be available as a prescription drug, it’s most commonly sold over-the-counter. Be aware though, that some states require prescriptions for this kind of medication.
On the other hand, if you prefer to start with over-the-counter options, you can buy it as a pill, liquid, or capsule. For example, PhenQ is one of the best appetite suppressant supplements out there. It includes ingredients like caffeine, L-carnitine, and chromium picolinate, all of which improve your metabolic rate. Another option is Hoodia, which comes in powder, capsule, and liquid form. Studies show that Hoodia promotes satiety and decreases food cravings.
It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone responds well to these supplements. If you experience no change in your appetite after several weeks or months of using either type of medication, you should consult your doctor. He or she may recommend switching to another appetite suppressant.
