Did you know Americans spend about $2 billion a year on weight loss dietary supplements in pill form? Approximately 15% of US adults have used them. Unfortunately, the profitability (and limited oversight) of the diet pill industry means that there are plenty of unscrupulous companies out there creating formulas that either don’t work or are actually harmful – all in the name of making a buck.

At Medarts Weight Loss Specialists in San Diego, we are not against the use of diet pills – in fact, we have used them to help countless people jumpstart their weight loss programs. But as medical professionals, we use only safe and effective medications, and we carefully monitor each of our patients, supporting them in making the healthy lifestyle changes that support their weight loss goals.

If you’re struggling to lose weight, diet pills can help, but we recommend using them only under the care of a medical weight loss professional.  In the meantime, take a look below at our frequently asked questions about appetite suppressants and diet pills.

What is an appetite suppressant?

Appetite suppressants fall under the “anorectic” class of drugs, which actually means “without appetite.” They reduce the appetite by tricking the brain into thinking you’re full, thus diminishing hunger and decreasing caloric intake. In addition to helping you feel less hungry, when you do eat, they also help you feel full sooner. This too will decrease your caloric intake and lead to weight loss.

If I take appetite Suppresant, can I eat whatever I want?

Diet pills are meant to supplement a healthy diet and exercise program, not to replace it. No doctor or medical professional who cares about your health would even suggest that diet pills or appetite suppressants are a good substitute for healthy eating and an active lifestyle. It’s also important to remember that the only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume. In other words, eating donuts for breakfast, lunch, and dinner will directly work against your weight loss goals, even if you are taking a diet pill.  

Can’t I just buy some appetite suppressants on Amazon?

You could, but we certainly wouldn’t recommend it. For one, unless you work with a medical professional to find the right prescription for your body and your needs, you may end up 1) wasting your money on something that doesn’t work, or 2) risking your health with unsafe medications. The best way to lose weight safely – and keep it off – is to work with a medical professional who will not only provide you with safe medication, but also help you make the lifestyle changes that support your weight loss program.

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is the most widely prescribed weight loss drug on the market. And for good reason: it works! It stimulates your brain’s hypothalamus, preventing it from absorbing the hormones norepinephrine and serotonin and causing you to feel fuller for a longer period of time. When used for a few weeks at a time under the guidance of a medical professional, it’s a great tool to jumpstart your weight loss program.

Are Appetite Suppressants the best way to lose weight?

There is no best way to lose weight that works for everyone. Although all successful weight loss is based on more calories burned than consumed, as well as a healthy diet and exercise program, different things work for different people. For some, suppressing the appetite with medications such as Phentermine, Bontril, or Tenuate is the perfect solution. For others, vitamin injections provide the energy they need to live an active lifestyle that burns calories and leads to weight loss. And for people whose diet and exercise routine just isn’t working, lipotropic injections can give their workouts a boost so they lose weight by burning more.

Everyone is different. That’s why we recommend working with a medical weight loss specialist who can help determine the best way for you to reach your weight loss goals.

Medarts Can help you shed those stubborn pounds!

At Medarts in San Diego, we’ve helped countless people lose weight safely – and keep it off. We can do the same for you. Give us a call at 619-866-3333 and schedule a consultation today.