In general, a suppressant is a prescription drug that makes you feel less hungry, allowing you to eat less and lose weight. However, some herbal and natural diet pill manufacturers use the word to denote plant-based, non-prescription medications that attempt to decrease hunger. Some are intended for short-term usage, while others are intended for long-term use.
Who Requires Appetite Suppressant & Does It Work?
These hunger suppressants work in a variety of ways. Some make you feel less hungry or fuller faster, while others make it more difficult for your body to absorb dietary fat. While taking an appetite suppressant may aid in weight loss for some people, the same may not work for everyone. There are numerous reasons why people maintain or gain weight, and the amount of food they consume is only one of them.
Just like some popular fat burning supplements, keep in mind that appetite suppressants help with weight loss when combined with regular workouts and a nutritious diet. Therefore, neither organic nor prescribed suppressants are a substitute for making certain lifestyle adjustments!
However, if you are overweight, a suppressant pill or injection may be beneficial. On the other hand, if you’ve tried a healthy diet and exercise but still can’t manage to lose weight, appetite suppressants could assist. If your body mass index, BMI, is 30 or greater, or if you have hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure or diabetes mellitus, your doctor will usually prescribe a suppressant.
Natural Appetite Suppressants
Garcinia Cambogia
The fruit tree Garcinia Cambogia is native to Asia, Africa, and the Polynesian islands. The rind of the tree’s fruit is high in hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which is thought to inhibit appetite and prevent weight gain. Mild side effects of Garcinia Cambogia and HCA include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal difficulties, and upper respiratory tract symptoms. The long-term safety, however, is unknown.
Although some persons who used Garcinia Cambogia supplements experienced liver damage, it couldn’t be directly blamed because the supplements also contained other substances.
Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a soluble fibre that is extracted from the root of the konjac plant. It’s supposed to increase fullness and lengthen the time food takes to leave the stomach. Taking glucomannan comes with some hazards.
Short-term adverse effects appear to be modest, such as burping, bloating, loose stools, abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation. However, little is known about the long-term safety of glucomannan. Although tablets were linked to oesophageal blockage in the mid-1980s powdered and capsule forms weren’t!
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a Mediterranean herb whose seeds smell and taste similar to maple syrup. The ground seeds and extracts are used in cooking, spice blends, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Fibre, which is abundant in fenugreek seeds, can work as a natural appetite suppressor by delaying fullness. Fenugreek is deemed safe at ordinary dietary levels, but its safety at high doses is uncertain.
There may be some side effects, including diarrhoea, nausea, and digestive system discomfort. Some people may develop allergic reactions to fenugreek. It can also produce dizziness and headaches in very uncommon circumstances.
Some people who took it alone or in combination with other herbs experienced liver damage. You might want to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing one of these. Some products are costly and may not be as effective as you would want.
Prescription Appetite Suppressants
Plenity
Plenity is an approved device that works in the same way as an appetite suppressant or anti-obesity medication. Gel particles interact with food, increasing the volume in the stomach and small intestine.
These generate sensations of fullness and meal satiety, which reduces hunger and, potentially, calorie intake. Plenity is licenced for weight control in people with a BMI of 25 to 40 who are overweight or obese. It should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.
Saxenda
Saxenda is an injectable medication that helps patients feel full faster, allowing them to eat less and reduce weight. People with obesity, defined as a BMI of 30 or higher, or people with a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related medical condition such as type two diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure can all use Saxenda.
Contrave
Contrave is a long-acting combination of two officially approved drugs such as naltrexone hydrochloride and bupropion hydrochloride. It works on the central nervous system to lower appetite and desires. To assist people with losing weight, this medication is administered in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and exercise programme.
Precautions
Before taking any suppressant supplement, whether prescription or over-the-counter, consult your doctor about any underlying medical conditions, recent medical emergencies, current medications, and general issues that may interfere with the suppressant.
Certain prescription appetite suppressants are not recommended for use by patients who have heart disease, high or uncontrolled blood pressure, glaucoma, a history of eating disorders, or hyperthyroidism.
As mentioned before, side effects vary with medicine and are frequently minor. However, certain cases can be more serious, so consult your doctor if adverse reactions persist. Some drugs may potentially raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or interact adversely with persons suffering from depression or other serious mental illnesses.
