07 Dec Weight Loss Pills—Not Just for Women
New Year’s Day is just around the corner, and it probably doesn’t come as a shock that one of the most popular resolutions in America is to lose weight. But actually sticking with this goal is easier said than done, and the vast majority of people give up on their resolutions before the month is over. So if losing weight is on your to-do list, is there anything you can do to make the process easier? We think so.
Weight loss medication is real, and if you find the right fit for you, it can help with the heavy lifting. Now, are we talking about the medications that promise you dramatic weight loss with no effort on your part? Unfortunately, no, we’re not. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But there are weight loss pills out there that are effective.
While it might seem like a lot of weight loss pills are geared towards women, they can be just as effective for men. Let’s talk about why.
How Do They Work?
Generally, these pills help you feel less hungry, and hunger is often the reason that overweight people stay overweight.
For some people, excess fat in your body can confuse the signals in your brain that are connected to hunger; as a result, overweight people actually feel hungrier than others.
On the other hand, some overweight people are leptin-resistant. Leptin is a hormone that is secreted by your fat cells, and your brain gauges how much leptin is in your system (not enough leptin means you need more food, and enough leptin means you’ve had enough to eat). If you’re leptin-resistant, you’ll still feel hungry even if you’ve eaten enough food.
There are multiple physiological factors that play a part in why your body is the way it is, but when it comes to being overweight, a lot of those factors deal with genuine hunger. Curbing that hunger can help us to eat right, and when it comes to losing weight, that’s part of the battle. For any of these pills to work effectively, eating right and exercise are key.
What Are Your Options?
There are a few weight loss prescription medications that have been approved by the FDA. These medications are not meant for people who just want to lose a couple pounds. Instead, they’re intended for individuals who are considered “obese” or “overweight” based on their body mass index.
You can also try over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss medications. These will generally be either dietary supplements or nonprescription drugs. The main difference between these two categories is that nonprescription drugs still need to be vetted by the FDA, whereas dietary supplements don’t have that requirement. Even though these are available OTC, be sure to talk to your health care provider and let them help you determine the best option for you.
Remember, success with these medications will vary. If you’re interested in learning more about your options, schedule an appointment with LT Men’s Clinic today. We’ll help you figure out the best choice for you and monitor your progress to help you meet your weight goals.
Sources
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20046409?pg=1
http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/weight-loss-medication#1