Daily Deals from a Nerd Mom

Losing weight and keeping it off really is difficult for many of us. In fact, studies show that for people who are medically categorized as ‘obese’, only 5% of them will reach a normal BMI. Keeping it there for five years or more is even harder. For a naturally thin person looking in on this situation, it might be easy to assume that this is a result of simply not trying hard enough. In reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

There are so many reasons why people carry excess weight. These can range from using food as a coping mechanism to a lack of education. Financial barriers to healthy food options also contribute. Additionally, there are a wide range of mental and physical health conditions. In some instances, these conditions can prevent people from being as active as they need to be. In other cases, it can be a result of increased appetite or lowered metabolism. Unfortunately, some people have the odds stacked against them when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. This is due to a range of factors coming into play. This is why simple yet well-meaning advice like ‘eat less and move more’ isn’t always helpful.

We all know the risks of carrying excess weight. It increases the risk of developing diabetes, many different kinds of cancers, stroke, and sleep apnea. It can worsen mental health conditions. It can generally affect all areas of life. But despite this, some of us still struggle to reach or maintain a healthy weight for our bodies. Thankfully, the way medical science and doctors view obesity is starting to change. Instead of being seen as a lifestyle choice, it’s being treated as the medical condition that it is. This means it can be treated with medicine.

If you’re struggling with your weight, there are safe and effective options these days that you can take. In the past, there were unsafe and often illegal diet pills and supplements. These medications and supplements are fully tested and approved. They work in different ways to help you eat better and take control of your diet. Read on to find out more.

GLP1 Medications

These are a group of medications that act on the ‘hunger hormone’ that drives you to eat. Most users of this type of medication report that by suppressing this hormone, the ‘food noise’ they’re so used to dramatically reduces. ‘Food noise’ is a term to describe the ongoing thoughts of food that people who struggle with their appetite have. Lots of people think about food all day, even when they’re not hungry. This can make traditional diets really difficult to stick to. With appetite and thoughts about food suppressed, it becomes much easier to eat less. This leads to weight loss in a way that’s sustainable.

When you lose weight without having to feel hungry, you’re unlikely to binge. You are also unlikely to end up stuck in a yo-yo dieting cycle of binging and restricting due to hunger. GLP1 medications include Saxenda, Wegovy, Mountjaro, and Ozempic. They are taken by giving yourself a small injection into an area of fat on your stomach, arms, or legs. Depending on the medication, this will be once a day or once a week. Side effects include nausea. Headaches and gastro problems may also occur in the short term. Fortunately, they tend to resolve quickly once your body gets used to them. 

Gastrointestinal Lipase Inhibitors

This type of medication works by blocking an enzyme called lipase in your stomach and intestines. Lipase is responsible for breaking down fats in the food you eat. When this enzyme is blocked, your body can’t absorb all the fat from your food. This can then help you to reduce the calories you take in. One well-known gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor medication is called Orlistat, it also goes by the name Xenical. These are prescription medications, although you can get an over-the-counter version which isn’t as strong, called Alli. This medication prevents the digestion of some fats you eat. The body does not absorb the fats. The fat passes through your digestive system. It is eliminated in your bowel movements.

Anorectic Medications

As with GLP1 medications, anorectics suppress your appetite making you feel full quicker and for longer making weight loss easier. The way that they work is slightly different, with anorectics working on the brain’s appetite control center. One popular type of medication in this category is Phentermine. It has slightly stimulating effects too. This means you have more energy to be active. You are also able to eat less without feeling hungry. 

Herbal Medications and Supplements

Herbal medications can contain everything from cayenne pepper to green tea. They might also include theobromine anhydrous (derived from cocoa), olive leaf extract, raspberry ketones, and more. These are all ingredients that are found or derived from ingredients found in nature. They have been shown to have beneficial properties when it comes to reducing appetite, boosting metabolism, and improving weight loss. These herbs won’t be as powerful as prescribed medications. However, they’re gentle on the body and safe if you purchase from a safe and reputable seller. They can give your diet and exercise regime a boost and improve your results so are well worth a try. You could look specifically for diet pills for men. This can help you to cut some fat. It can also improve your gains at the gym. Alternatively, you could look in a local health food store. 

Speak to your GP. You might have to pay privately for these types of medications. They can still give you advice based on your specific health needs. They can also give you recommendations about which is likely to be best for you. In the near future, many of these types of drugs are likely to be widely prescribed. Medical professionals’ attitudes are shifting in the way that obesity should be treated.

I am not a medical doctor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions based on the content of this blog post.