Been using Phentermine but curious about how it helps you in weight loss?
As a U.S. FDA approved weight loss medication used to suppress the craving for food, Phentermine is meant for people with a body mass index (BMI) that fit the standards for obesity. It has been known to efficiently control people’s need to eat and eat, at the same time, spikes up metabolism. Such capabilities are its reason why it is a popular drug for shedding pounds.
Obtained only by prescription, Phentermine requires people to have a Physician checking it. This is labeled a “controlled substance,” meaning a government controls the use; hence prescription is needed.
For everybody’s information, Phentermine is not some magical substance that, once taken, the results will immediately show up. It merely is a tool utilized for losing weight. Phentermine works because it causes the brain to release norepinephrine or adrenaline, a neurotransmitter found naturally in the body. Such chemical releases when people get nervous, afraid, exercise, et cetera. There are also times that when norepinephrine is released, it helps people suppress their appetite, spike up metabolism, heighten their attention span and awareness, improve oxygen circulation in the body, and enhance distribution of nutrients in the body – fight or flight response. The increase of oxygen circulating in the body also means an increase in oxygen supply transported to the brain. This allows people to do rapid decision-making, which also triggers a large part of the skeletal muscles to run from potential danger or risk if necessary.
Hunger Suppression
Additionally, aside from its (norepinephrine) prowess to control hunger, it also can reduce the intense obsession and desire to eat food. Hence, people taking Phentermine may forget to eat because having food is not in their thoughts anymore. The increase in metabolism from norepinephrine triggers the stored body fat being used. An increase in calorie uptake even at rest in 24 hours is also triggered.
Understanding how norepinephrine works equates to understanding how Phentermine functions, too. The release of norepinephrine is triggered, consequently, allows fat burning, which results in weight loss.
Phentermine and Weight Loss
People would ask, “how much weight would one lose by taking phentermine?”
Results vary. Generally, people taking such a drug are expected to lose twice the amount of weight they would lose from cropping foods and exercise. For a better picture, if 8-10 pounds is the average rate of weight loss in a month, people taking Phentermine may lose twice, approximately 16-20 lbs. This happens when only people take it to have no medical conditions or are not taking counteractive drugs.
In the first few weeks of taking Phentermine, losing weight at a steadier pace is normal. For people closer to their ideal weight, such would be most likely to happen even more. Evidence and significant outcomes are experienced by people who are having trouble losing weight. These are people who fail in shedding pounds despite several attempts for a long period. Such can be a tool for people who are weight loss resistant.
Phentermine as Metabolism Booster
Like other weight loss pills, Phentermine contains thermogenic ingredients that increase resting metabolic rate (RMR) and facilitates fat loss. Recent studies have identified that Phentermine can increase RMR in healthy subjects and elicit favorable body composition changes when taken chronically.
How is this metabolism booster abused?
Phentermine is prescribed as a valuable part of an eating disorder rehab program. For instance, binge disorder can leave patients overweight or morbidly obese. In this case, doctors promote Phentermine to help in weight reduction by suppressing food intake and reducing the desire, thoughts, obsessions, and preoccupations with food. Those with binge eating disorders can make healthier food choices and perform physical activity without hunger and fatigue. Accordingly, Phentermine is most effective when combined with a comprehensive weight management plan that includes routine medical monitoring or medical oversight.
However, in many cases, Phentermine is being abused by adults and teens alike who have no medical reason to lose weight. The use of Phentermine in such cases is dangerous, even life-threatening. Unless a weight-loss doctor recommends Phentermine, it is generally not a part of a healthy recovery plan for those with eating disorders.
Those who are desperate to speed up weight loss may not be concerned about the dangers of going beyond the recommended dose and recommended span of taking Phentermine. They may be so preoccupied with losing weight and boosting metabolism that they do not care about its ill-effects on their health. In desperation to lose weight, people are likely to abuse Phentermine in ways such as:
- taking more than the suggested dose of Phentermine;
- taking Phentermine without a weight loss doctor’s supervision;
- taking Phentermine with several weight loss medications;
- taking Phentermine with laxatives and diuretics; and
- taking Phentermine with illegal drugs like cocaine or meth.
Having an extreme dose of Phentermine or combining it with other medicines is extremely risky. An overdose of Phentermine and other stimulants can raise the blood pressure to dangerously high levels, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Additionally, taking Phentermine along with laxatives or diuretics can result in fluid loss, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance.
Remember the don’ts
- Do not immediately expect the result.
- Do not skip meals.
- Do not avoid calories and nutrition.
- Do not neglect exercising.
- Do not ignore your physician’s advice.
As advised, do not skip meals, especially foods with calories, while taking the medication even though the desired weight loss is achieved; otherwise, it would fail long term. Moreover, do not rush the process of losing weight while taking the medication. Always remember that Phentermine is only a tool or an aid for weight loss, again, not some magical substance that in just one drink, results will immediately show up.
Is it safe, though?
Any medicine is safe when being utilized and prescribed to the right patient. Phentermine is not like any medicines that do not require check-ins with a Physician for refills. Put in mind that such medicine demands people to do physical examinations and monitoring. A regular doctor visit is highly recommended to discuss crucial concerns concerning taking it.
Is it addictive?
It is not. Such is under the classification called amphetamines for its chemical form and brain actions. People may develop a psychological dependence on taking Phentermine when they successfully lost some pounds, which means people may be feeling fearful of regaining the unwanted weight, or people might think that everything will be useless without taking Phentermine. People who are no longer taking it may even notice an increased hunger and cravings.
Does it stop working in the long run?
Some would say yes, and some would say not. There is no absolute yes and no answer for it. After months of using it, hunger suppression will diminish; for others, will remain for a longer period. Just keep in mind that this medicine is not 100% effective for all. If there’s no weight loss while taking it for a long time, people should discontinue the usage.
Planning while taking Phentermine
Phentermine works in helping to shed some pounds by giving energy, concentration, and appetite suppression. One who is following a weight-loss plan can make safer and healthier options when choosing what to eat. They are also able to pursue exercising without the terror of hunger and, worst, fatigue. Takers should always note that Phentermine is most effective when done with a proper management plan in losing weight. Planning that does not exclude monitoring of physical activities, nutrition, and medical attention.