Okay, there’s a lot of conversation going around about appetite suppressants, and there are a lot of conflicting views. I thought I’d share with you an article I wrote on my opinion of the topic. Here it is…
Most people eat for reasons that go beyond simple hunger. Some turn to food for comfort when they’re upset and lonely while others eat when they’re happy. It’s common for people to eat when they’re not really hungry, and excessive eating can lead to more problems than weight gain: There are numerous health consequences, from high blood pressure to the risk of diabetes, that often plague those who are overweight.
While diet and exercise is often touted as the best way to lose weight, some people often also turn to appetite suppressants to help curb their hunger. But, are appetite suppressants the weight loss miracle that some people claim? The quick answer, well, not really.
The fact is there is no simple way to weight loss. The best way to lose weight, and maintain your ideal weight, is to incorporate lifestyle changes, including eating healthier and consuming fewer calories and exercising on a regular basis. But, what about appetite suppressants; they may not be a miracle way to lose weight, but do they really stop the hunger?
Unfortunately, appetite suppressants can’t always be trusted because they are not monitored and approved, like other prescription and over-the-counter medications by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means the manufacturer of the appetite suppressants can market their products without solid proof that it works or that it’s safe. Generally, the only time the FDA acts is if an appetite suppressant has proven to be unsafe for those who take it.
Appetite suppressants have received a great deal of attention in recent years. As a result, the world renowned Mayo Clinic rated some of the most popular appetite suppressants – from Bitter orange and Chitosan to Ephedra and Hoodia – and found that most were “not likely to cause weight loss.”
In fact, the side effects of some of these appetite suppressants can be extremely dangerous, if not fatal. The FDA banned Ephedra, and any diet drugs that contained Ephedra, in 2004 after the dangerous side effects of the drug came to light. Some of those side effects include irregular heartbeat/heart rate, seizures, heart attack, stroke, and death. Still, the internet is awash with people selling Ephedra. Ephedra can only legally be sold in one form: Tea.
Bitter orange, one of the newest appetite suppressants, has been lauded as the best alternative to Ephedra. Unfortunately, according to the Mayo Clinic, those who use Bitter orange may suffer from the same side effects as those who use Ephedra. Additionally, there have yet to be studies conducted to determine what long-term effects, if any, are caused by Bitter orange.
Ultimately, do appetite suppressants work? While some, like Bitter orange and Hoodia, do seem to curb the appetites in some of those who take it, the risks of appetite suppressants often far outweigh the benefits. In addition to most appetite suppressants having side effects ranging from annoying problems like constipation with Chitosan to seizure and even death with Ephedra, there is simply no guarantee that an appetite suppressant alone is going to ensure you lose weight. The best way to ensure you lose weight and maintain your ideal weight is to eat right and exercise.
Want to lose weight without having to worry about taking pills? Then be sure to checkout our top weight loss program.