Friendswood Weight Loss Clinic

Appetite SuppressantFriendswood, TX

Appetite suppressants have long been popular as weight loss aids. Taking them while eating a healthy diet and exercising helps patients lose weight and keep it off. However, these weight loss medications are best taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. This helps to ensure the safest use of the medication and allows the provider to help manage any unwanted side effects.

At Reset Medical, we help patients reach their goal weight with the help of appetite suppressants. Dr. Hethcox can discuss medication options as part of a personalized medical weight loss plan. Contact our Friendswood office at 1-281-816-4707 today for an appointment.

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    What Is an Appetite Suppressant?

    As their name suggests, appetite suppressants are medications that suppress hunger cues in the body, making it easier for patients to diet successfully and lose weight with less of a struggle. For this reason, appetite suppressants are often referred to as diet pills.

    There are several types of appetite suppressants with the two main types being prescription and over-the-counter (OTC). As a weight loss clinic, we can prescribe the appetite suppressants, but patients must have that prescription filled at a pharmacy. While this requires an extra step over OTC options, which can be bought at most drug stores or grocery stores, it is also safer. Visiting a health clinic for appetite suppressants means that the patient will be evaluated and prescribed the safest drug for them. We will consider preexisting conditions, the patient’s medical history, and current medications to help patients safely supress their appetite and begin their weight loss journey.

    Common Prescription Appetite Suppressants

    Prescription appetite suppressants may be taken short- or long-term. Generally, losing weight over a longer period of time is considered safer than rapid weight loss. Further, while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both short-term and long-term appetite suppressants, short-term options are classified as controlled substances due to their addictive qualities. As a result, long-term appetite suppressants are the preferred recommendation among healthcare providers.

    Long-term FDA-approved appetite suppressants come in pill form (like bupropion-naltrexone or phentermine-topiramate) or via an injection under the skin (such as liraglutide and liraglutide). Alternatively, the FDA has approved short-term appetite suppressants benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, and phentermine. Each is designed to be taken for a maximum of three months. We can discuss other FDA-approved appetite suppressants during an appointment.

    Benefits of Appetite Suppressants

    According to the Mayo Clinic, appetite suppressants allow patients to lose up to 12% of their body weight in 12 months. While gaining back some of that weight is normal upon coming off the suppressant, patients are generally satisfied with their net weight loss. Continuing a healthy lifestyle (regular exercise and a nutritious diet) helps maintain results and turn weight loss-related health benefits into long-term ones.

    Healthy weight loss with appetite suppressants can lead to health benefits such as improved confidence, mental wellness, and cardiovascular and joint health. While certain appetite suppressants may increase blood pressure in the short term, lower blood pressure is a long-term symptom of maintaining a healthy weight. Blood sugar and cholesterol levels should also even out over time.

    Who Is a Candidate?

    Patients who qualify for medical weight loss programs likely qualify for appetite suppressants. In determining candidacy, we will also consider medical history, current medications, and known allergies. Other eligibility criteria include difficulty losing weight through traditional methods and a high body mass index (BMI).

    A high BMI can be 27-30, depending on the patient’s height, age, pre-existing conditions, and more. Weight-related health conditions range from type 2 diabetes to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. It is possible to have these conditions and be a healthy weight. Therefore, simply having these conditions does not make someone a candidate for appetite suppressants.

    Other Factors To Consider

    Since appetite suppressants are medications, they can interact with other medications. Phentermine, for example, has been found to interact with prescription drugs and OTC alternative medicines, from certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) to eucalyptus and American ginseng. To avoid drug interactions, tell us about all medications or dietary supplements when discussing appetite suppressants.

    Further, like any medication, appetite suppressants have side effects. The most common are nausea, gastrointestinal issues, and trouble sleeping. We will discuss the specific side effects of an appetite suppressant before prescribing it.

    See if You Could Benefit From an Appetite Suppressant

    Appetite suppressants are a helpful weight loss tool. At Reset Medical, we can prescribe appetite suppressants to qualifying patients for convenient pickup at their local Friendswood pharmacy. Call us at 1-281-816-4707, and our team will work to find an appointment that fits your schedule.

    Contact Us

    Reset Medical is located at
    121 W Parkwood Ave
    Friendswood, TX
    77546

    (281) 816-4707