What are Appetite Suppressants and How do They Work?

Last updated 11 months ago

One of the main challenges of weight loss is eating healthier while still feeling satisfied. Controlling your diet often means controlling portion sizes and mindless snacking, both of which can lead to feelings of hunger or deprivation. If you struggle with controlling your appetite, talk to your weight loss clinic about appetite suppressants. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, appetite suppressants can help you to overcome the hurdle of hunger in your weight loss plan.

What is an Appetite Suppressant?

Appetite suppressants are medications, either prescription or over-the-counter, that help to curb hunger and promote a feeling of fullness. The most common medical weight loss appetite suppressant is phentermine. Phentermine can be appropriate for patients who are severely overweight or who have underlying medical conditions that make weight loss more challenging than usual. The supplement is meant only to be used on a short-term basis and in conjunction with other healthy weight loss methods.

While a number of over-the-counter appetite suppressants are available, their effectiveness may not be clinically proven. Talk to your weight loss doctor or medical weight loss clinic about the supplements and medications that are the best fit for you and your weight loss goals.

How Do Appetite Suppressants Work?

Most appetite suppressants work by stimulating the brain to release certain chemicals like serotonin and catecholamine that influence the body’s appetite levels. An increase in either of these chemicals can make you feel full, even when you have not eaten, making it easier to manage the amount of calories you consume each day. Not allowing hunger or cravings to dictate your food choices can also help you to make healthier, more nutritious choices at mealtimes.

Serving the Phoenix area, Valley Medical Weight Control combines fat-burning injections and appetite suppressants with exercise and a healthier lifestyle to maximize our patients’ weight loss results. Visit us online or call us today at (888) 502-5405.