Phentermine is a medication approved for weight loss as part of a regimen of physical activity, calorie restriction, and behavior change. It initially was used as part of the weight loss combination “fen-phen”, which included fenfluramine and phentermine. However, phentermine remained available as a standalone medication and is now one of the most commonly prescribed weight loss drugs in the United States. The drug is indicated for short-term use as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for the treatment of obesity. It is typically prescribed to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or with a BMI of 27 or higher in the presence of weight-related comorbidities such as diabetes or high blood pressure. As a sympathomimetic amine, phentermine works by suppressing appetite and increasing metabolism.
Safe Against Obesity-related Issues
Obesity is an intricate condition that raises the risk of a number of illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, some types of cancer, and joint difficulties. Phentermine assists in addressing the root cause of these health hazards associated with obesity by encouraging weight loss.
Phentermine works by suppressing appetite and boosting metabolism. It stimulates the release of certain chemicals in the brain that help reduce feelings of hunger, making it easier for individuals to adhere to a reduced-calorie diet. This appetite-suppressing effect can lead to weight loss and subsequent improvements in overall health.
The health benefits of phentermine-induced weight loss can be shown in a number of areas. Improving insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control, and lipid profiles—all essential for treating diabetes and lowering the risk of cardiovascular complications—can be accomplished by losing extra body weight. Additionally, losing weight can improve mobility, lessen pressure on the heart, and reduce stress on the joints.
Phentermine and Stimulated Natural Metabolism
Phentermine has been studied extensively, and research has shown that it functions as a sympathomimetic amine, activating the sympathetic nervous system responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response. By stimulating the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in metabolism regulation, phentermine can increase the metabolic rate and energy expenditure.
In a 2016 study that was published in the journal Obesity, the impact of phentermine on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition in obese people was examined. The results of the study showed that taking phentermine considerably increased RMR, which indicates an increased metabolic rate. This rise in metabolic rate encourages calorie burning, which helps people lose weight. A randomized controlled experiment investigating the effects of phentermine on fat metabolism was published in the American Journal of Physiology in 2018. Overweight and obese participants were administered phentermine, leading to increased lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat) and enhanced fat oxidation. These results suggest that phentermine facilitates the utilization of stored fat as an energy source, further supporting weight loss efforts. Another study, published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2019, focused on phentermine’s influence on appetite-regulating hormones. The researchers observed that phentermine treatment led to decreased levels of ghrelin, a hormone responsible for stimulating hunger while increasing levels of peptide YY (PYY), a hormone that induces satiety. These hormonal changes contribute to appetite suppression, facilitating adherence to a reduced-calorie diet.
Collectively, these research results show how phentermine’s effects on the sympathetic nervous system, metabolism, and hormones that control hunger all contribute to its effectiveness in aiding weight loss efforts.
Controlled Appetite Levels
Phentermine, a prescription weight loss medication, offers several benefits in managing food cravings, enhancing satiety, and contributing to weight loss. Its mechanism of action involves stimulating the release of norepinephrine in the brain, which activates the sympathetic nervous system and helps suppress appetite. By targeting hunger-regulating neurotransmitters like ghrelin and peptide YY, phentermine reduces the intensity and frequency of food cravings while promoting feelings of fullness.
Phentermine has a lot to offer in terms of controlling hunger pangs and improving fullness. People can more successfully follow a low-calorie diet and make healthier food choices if their cravings are less intense. Even with smaller meal portions, phentermine improves the feeling of satiety and fullness, which can reduce calorie intake and increase satisfaction after eating. Phentermine was found to cause significant weight loss over the course of 12 weeks, according to a study published in Obesity. It also decreased hunger. For people trying to lose weight, phentermine can be a useful tool because of its capacity to control food cravings, increase satiety, and encourage weight loss.
Improved Safety Profile of Phentermine
By understanding the limited adverse outcomes and improved safety profile associated with phentermine, individuals can make informed decisions about its use for weight loss. Phentermine has undergone significant research, and both clinical studies and real-world situations have been used to evaluate its safety profile. When taken as directed under a doctor’s supervision, the medicine is typically well tolerated. Increased blood pressure, an accelerated heart rate, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and anxiousness are some of the common phentermine adverse effects. These negative effects, albeit typically minor and short-lived, go away as the body gets used to the medication.