Home Fitness Weight Loss Approaches Suppress Appetite

Suppress Appetite


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One approach an individual can take to losing weight is to take an appetite suppressant. Appetite suppressors are designed to assist individuals in decreasing their food cravings.

By decreasing food cravings, an individual may be able to reduce the daily amount of food they consume, and hence decrease their total caloric intake. If the individual decreases their daily caloric intake to a level that is below their Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), then they will begin to lose weight.

Appetite suppressants decrease the body's craving for food by increasing serotonin levels within the brain. The role of serotonin and its effects on hunger have long been examined by scientists, who have determined through clinical studies that when an individual has a low serotonin level, they tend to be prone to overeating.

This being said, appetite suppressants trigger increases in serotonin production, thus, creating more of a balance within the body and shutting down overactive hunger cravings.

Hence, by reducing your daily calorie intake to a level below that of your daily caloric expenditure, you be begin to lose excess body weight in relation to the difference in calories between the two (a caloric deficit of 3,500 calories will result in 1 pound of weight loss).

Using Appetite Suppressants as Part of your Weight Loss Plan


Appetite suppressants can produce substantial benefits when used as a short-term weight loss solution. However, appetite suppressants tend to lose their effectiveness over time, which is why some individuals that use them state that their appetites come back strongly over the course of prolonged use. It should be noted that this scenario is fairly uncommon among individuals that take appetite suppressants correctly.

In fact, the benefits associated with appetite suppressants can far outweigh the complications of obesity. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that each individual that incorporates an appetite suppressant into their daily routine should add a healthy diet and an exercise plan to their lifestyle as well. Consuming less fat, less simple carbohydrates, and fewer calories while increasing your level of protein intake will reprogram your body's need for a balanced diet. 

Coupling this lifestyle approach with an appetite suppressant can be quite beneficial in moving towards your personal weight loss goal. Combining an appetite suppressant with a lifestyle that is filled with a balanced nutritional diet and an exercise routine will allow your body the time required to adjust to the new lifestyle. Once the new lifestyle becomes a habit, you can eliminate the appetite suppressant as you should feel less hungry naturally.

While taking an appetite suppressant will assist in reducing food cravings, it does not mean that every individual will automatically lose weight. It is highly recommended that each individual evaluate their eating habits and modify to a healthier, more nutritious diet while adding an exercise routine to their daily lifestyle. An example of how the addition of an exercise routine can expedite the rate at which an individual loses weight is given below.

There are literally hundreds of weight loss appetite suppressors available to consumers, making it difficult to choose the appetite suppressant that is ideal for you. Despite a long list of companies that provide appetite suppressors, there are basically only three types of appetite suppressors to choose from: prescription, over-the-counter synthetic, and over-the-counter herbal extracts

Prescription Appetite Suppressants


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Prescription appetite suppressants are usually synthetically manufactured by leading drug companies and must be obtained through your medical doctor. Prescription appetite suppressors are normally intended to be used for a short period of time

Several serious side effects have been associated with some prescription appetite suppressants, making it imperative that you are completely honest with your physician and follow the exact instructions listed for the appetite suppressant. Many prescription appetite suppressants are classified as, or related to, the amphetamine family.

Amphetamine-based appetite suppressants stimulate the central nervous system and the impulse to perform external action. When sections of the brain dealing with external action are in an elevated state of activity, signals are sent to the sections of the brain that control appetite, digestion and connected functions to reduce their activity. Hence, amphetamine-based appetite suppressants reduce your appetite. Since amphetamine-based appetite suppressants increase bodily activity, they also facilitate weight loss by inducing a higher rate of fat burning (i.e. higher metabolism).

Some amphetamine-based appetite suppressants within this group are also used as antidepressants, such as fluoxetine hudrochloride (Prozac).

Since all amphetamine-based appetite suppressants affect the central nervous system, they also bear a certain risk of developing addiction. Other typical side effects associated with amphetamine-based appetite suppressants include insomnia, agitation, manic reactions, hypertension, stroke, heart valve damage and heart rhythm disturbances.

Due to the side effects associated with amphetamine-based appetite suppressants, many have been banned from most markets for use as appetite suppressants. For example, aminorex, fenfluramine, phenylpropanolamine and ephedrine have all been banned due to the severity of their side effects. However, many amphetamine-based substances are still used for other purposes, such as to stimulate heart activity and to regulate insufficient blood pressure levels.

Individuals with heart disease should avoid amphetamine-based appetite suppressants. Restlessness and nervousness may occur with use. If this is the case, the appetite suppressant should be discontinued immediately. Individuals who suffer from kidney disease and thyroid disorders should consult their doctors before taking any form of appetite suppressant. It's important to remember that just because a manufacturer states that their appetite suppressant is natural does not necessarily mean that it is safe to take over a prolonged period of time.

Amphetamine-based drugs that are still available today as appetite suppressants include: Phentermine, diethylpropion, phenidmetrazine, benzphetamine, sibutramine, rimonabant, oxyntomodulin and fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac).

Over-the-Counter Synthetic Appetite Suppressants 


There are many over-the-counter synthetic appetite suppressants available to the general public. In 1959, the FDA approved the use of over-the-counter appetite suppressants, and sales of such weight loss aids have exploded in popularity. Many over-the-counter synthetic appetite suppressants contain the same drugs as their prescription versions but in lower doses. Nonetheless, it is important that each individual monitor themselves for any side effects and/or dependencies that may arise.

Over-the-counter appetite suppressants can be purchased at virtually any drug store or nutritional center. As with any appetite suppressant, it is recommended that the individual incorporate a nutritional dietary and exercise routine into their weight loss program. This is a healthier approach that will yield more effective weight loss results in a shorter period of time. Finally, over-the-counter appetite suppressants should be used as aids to weight loss and should only be used for relatively short periods of time. It is also recommended that you modify your lifestyle in terms of diet and exercise during the time that you are taking an appetite suppressant. By doing so, healthy habits will be formed and the probability of gaining back the weight in the future will be lessened.

Over-the-Counter Herbal Extract Appetite Suppressants


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Natural herbal extract appetite suppressants are, in general, the safest appetite suppressants that an individual can take. Many natural appetite suppressants are quite effective at producing weight loss results, and typically do not have the severe side effects that are associated with prescription appetite suppressants.

For example, Hoodia Gordonii, a natural appetite suppressant, is considered one of the safest and most effective appetite suppressants available today, though this isn't to say that it's completely devoid of side effects.

There are several types of natural appetite suppressants available, and it is important to review each of the types for their effectiveness, side effects and cost. Hoodia Gordonii, Propolene, green tea, Chromiun Picolinate, CLA, apple cider vinegar, whole grains, cinnamon, apples, pine nuts, flaxseeds, oatmeal, salads, soups, green drinks, whey protein, Umeboshi plums, water, coffee and high fiber foods work wonders to control appetite and promote weight loss.

When an individual visits a health food or drug store, they will find a large number of appetite suppressant supplements that claim to be safe and effective at producing weight loss. Many of these appetite suppressants will not have been reviewed and approved by the FDA, hence, caution should be taken. In addition, finding authentic 100% natural appetite suppressant supplements is important. For this reason, we have provided a natural appetite suppressant review section that evaluates each of the appetite suppressants for their weight loss effectiveness, potential for side effects (short and long-term), clinical study results and cost, so that you can make an informed decision in determining which product is best for you.

When appetite suppressants are combined with an exercise routine, an even greater amount of weight can be lost over the same period of time. By combining a lower level of food intake and a higher expenditure of energy through exercise, weight loss will occur at a quicker rate. Although not 100% necessary, it is recommended that individuals planning on taking an appetite suppressant couple their efforts with an exercise routine. Below is an example of how combining an exercise routine with an appetite suppressant will enhance the rate of weight loss.


Appetite Suppression Weight Loss Approach
Appetite Suppression
Appetite suppressors do exactly what their name implies - suppress an individual's appetite so that they consume less food. The intent of an appetite suppressant is to decrease the individuals appetite, hence decreasing the number of calories the individual consumes. By doing so, the individual will enter a state in which they are burning more calories than they are taking in from food. Under normal conditions, it is recommended that the individual include an exercise routine to their appetite suppression weight loss approach to increase their weight loss results. There are basically two types of appetite suppressors available: natural appetite suppressors and medical appetite suppressors. Effectiveness, safety and side effects vary among the numerous options available.
Top Rated Appetite Suppression Weight Loss Programs Reviewed Here

Choosing an Exercise Workout Program


There are numerous types of workout programs that can be added to one's lifestyle to improve their overall health. The three major types of exercise are cardiovascular training, strength training and flexibility training.

Cardiovascular training raises the heart rate level, improves the condition of the heart, works various muscle groups, and increases balance and coordination.

Strength training facilitates the development of lean muscle mass, muscular strength, stronger, denser bones, improved range of motion, and increased balance and coordination.

Flexibility training promotes joint flexibility and range of motion, reduces the probability of injury, flushes toxins from the body, and improves balance and coordination.

Examples of the three types of exercise can be found below:

Cardiovascular Training

Strength Training

Flexibility Training

Example of the Rate of Weight Loss through an Appetite Suppressant only


Sex: Male
Age: 25
Height: 5’10"
Weight: 200 pounds

Calculate the individual's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) (Average number of calories the individual burns per day). The following formula is specific to men:

BMR = 66 + (6.23 x weight in pounds) + (12.7 x height in inches) - (6.8 x age in years)

BMR = 66 + (6.23 x 200) + (12.7 x 70) – (6.8 x 25)

BMR = 66 + 1,246 + 889 – 170= 2,031

Calories consumed: 1,762

Difference in calories burned and calories consumed: 269/day


NOTE: Individual is at an average caloric deficit of 269 calories/day. To lose 1 pound of weight requires a deficit of 3,500 calories.


Total caloric deficit per week from diet: 269 calories per day X 7 days per week = 1,883 calories/week


Amount of weight lost per week: 1,883.00 (calories) / 3,500 (calories) = 0.54 pounds/week 


Example of the Rate of Weight Loss through the Combination of an Appetite Suppressant and Exercise


Sex: Male
Age: 25
Height: 5’10"
Weight: 200 pounds

Calculate the individual's Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) (Average number of calories the individual burns per day). The following formula is specific to men:

BMR = 66 + (6.23 x weight in pounds) + (12.7 x height in inches) - (6.8 x age in years)

BMR = 66 + (6.23 x 200) + (12.7 x 70) – (6.8 x 25)

BMR = 66 + 1,246 + 889 – 170= 2,031

Calories consumed: 1,762

Difference in calories burned and calories consumed: 269/day


Addition of an Exercise Routine


Exercise Routine: Walking for 3 miles at a pace of 3 mph, 5 times a week - (Burns roughly 373 calories per workout)

Total caloric deficit per week from diet: 269 calories per day X 7 = 1,883 calories/week

Total caloric deficit per week from walking workout: 373 (calories) x 5 (days) = 1,865 calories/week

Total Combined caloric deficit per week: 1,883 (diet) + 1,865 (exercise) = 3,748 calories/week


NOTE: Individual is at an average caloric deficit of 535.43 calories/day. To lose 1 pound of weight requires a deficit of 3,500 calories.


Amount of weight lost per week: 3,748 (calories) / 3,500 (calories) = 1.07 pounds/week 


As can be seen in the previous example, an individual would double the amount of weight they lose per week (1.07 pounds vs. 0.54 pounds) simply by adding a walking exercise routine to their lifestyle. The health benefits aside from just weight loss are countless.

The individual will improve their cardiovascular health, minimize their bone density loss, improve their blood flow, improve their mental well-being, and improve their coordination and balance, to name just a few of the health benefits.

As is evident from the example above, the ideal situation for individuals who want to obtain their target body weight is to couple an exercise routine with a healthy diet and an appetite suppressant, given approval from a medical doctor.

This approach allows you to achieve your optimum body weight while improving your overall level of health, fitness, and mental well-being at the same time. 

For this reason, we have included numerous exercises, exercise routines, recipes and fitness tips throughout our website to assist you in determining which type of exercise routine is ideal for you.