One of the biggest mistakes we see patients make is to choose weight loss solutions that are sold over the counter that have little-to-no research to back them up. They are not as safe as buying pain medication over the counter and can have a detrimental effect on your health.
Why OTC Weight Loss Products are Dangerous
It can be so appealing to "lose the weight fast" and take the seemingly cheaper route to do so. The truth is that there is no magic way to lose weight fast, and any product that claims it can do that is a fraud.
To be specific, it is very unhealthy to lose more than a couple of pounds a week. This is where things can get dicey, and you run the extremely high risk of hurting your body and compromise your health. The truth of the matter is that there is little-to-no research done on the effects of over-the-counter weight loss products.
OTC Vs. Prescriptions
Prescription weight-loss drugs such as appetite suppressants have been studied and approved by the FDA. By choosing OTC weight-loss products, you are actually putting yourself at risk of spending exorbitant amounts of money on your health in the future if they are to go awry.
Many weight loss supplements claim to be "clinically proven," and it's always a good practice to question such claims. Evaluate the clinical evidence that is used to support these claims, and you'll likely find that clinical research is minimal and unsatisfactory details are provided. This makes it difficult to judge the safety of such products, making them a high-risk choice for serious health problems. Whenever in doubt, talk to your doctor!
Healthy Use of Prescription Appetite Suppressants
It's important to understand that prescription weight loss options like appetite suppressants are simply meant to aid you in your weight loss journey. Appetite suppressants are helpful for patients that struggle with food cravings even after they just ate. This constant eating (depending on your metabolism, body type, DNA factors, etc.) can cause you to gain unwanted weight.
Appetite suppressants help curb the constant hunger and keep you from gaining those pesky pounds that you may have had otherwise. They work best with a healthy lifestyle that includes controlled eating habits, exercise, and additional self-care. Sitting on the couch, continuing to eat potato chips while taking prescription weight loss products won't produce the results anyone desires.
The ultimate goal is to have clinically meaningful weight loss, and prescription appetite suppressants can aid this. They can assist you in losing enough weight at a healthy rate to lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health concerns you may have. There are specific prescription appetite suppressants that have been approved by the FDA, and we offer at TransformYou, including:
- Phentermine (Adipex)
- Phendimetrazine (Bontril)
- Benzphetamine (Didrex)
- Diethylproprion (Tenuate)
- Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia)
All of these options suppress the feeling of hunger by affecting certain neurotransmitters and stimulating the hypothalamus gland. None of these are meant to serve as a substitute for proper diet or exercise, and all of them require a prescription from your doctor. Any modifications to your diet, activity level, and behavior must be developed and continued long-term in order to continue losing weight and prevent the lost weight from returning.
To learn more about which appetite suppressant may be right for you, schedule a consultation with us!