Obesity is no longer just seen as a contributing factor to various health issues; it has been recognized as a disease in its own right. This chronic condition has seen a notable rise over time, impacting individuals of increasingly younger ages! (1)
Phentermine has been the subject of many clinical trials to develop effective treatments. The FDA has approved four newer variants of the drug since 2012. One of which is a combination of Phentermine and topiramate.
With changes in lifestyle and behavior such as diet and exercise, prescription medications can help people lose and maintain a healthier weight.
Evidence suggests that within a year, people who are taking prescription drugs as part of their weight loss and lifestyle program, lose 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight compared to those who are not on medication. Others lose 10% or more. It varies from one person to another, considering they are also taking different medications. (2, 3)
Such improvements in weight can normally be observed within the first 6 months of intake. These numbers are good as they produce a significant effect on one’s health by improving blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and blood glucose levels. Other weight related problems are likewise alleviated such as joint pain and sleep apnea.
Weight loss drugs are intended for people who are suffering from health problems related to being overweight or obesity. Health care professionals use BMI to help decide whether a patient may benefit from weight loss drugs. Doctors often prescribe a drug if one has:
Weight loss drugs, however, aren’t for everyone with a high BMI. It is highly encouraged that overweight and obese people try to lose weight with proper diet and exercise first. Changes in eating habits and physical activity may also address other causes of weight gain, such as lack of sleep, eating triggers, and more.
Most weight loss medications approved by the FDA are for adults only. Only 2 are recommended for kids ages 12 and up – orlistat and liraglutide. For those with rare genetic disorders causing obesity, setmelanotide can be prescribed. These weight loss drugs work in different ways. Some help suppress appetite or make you feel fuller sooner; others limit fat absorption from the foods you eat.
Phentermine works by suppressing one’s appetite. It’s an amphetamine-like prescription drug that acts as a stimulant and appetite suppressant. It also aids weight loss by making you feel full longer.
Phentermine is also available in combination with topiramate – Qsymia. Similar to other prescription weight loss medications, phentermine should be used as part of an overall weight loss program. It’s only advisable for patients who failed to lose weight even after lifestyle modification. Phentermine, though one of the best-selling and most prescribed diet pills in the US, is a Schedule IV drug. This has a potential for abuse, but only low.
Doctors like phentermine because of its record for safety and price. However, using weight loss prescription medicines, including Phentermine is not without risks and side effects.
Common side effects of Phentermine include:
This weight loss medication is generally not recommended for patients with glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, and overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should likewise refrain from using Phentermine. Experts are concerned that, in some cases, the side effects of these prescription medications for weight loss may outweigh the benefits.
Also, only doctors know the proper use of phentermine based on your personal condition. Though the FDA approved it only for short-term use of not more than 12 weeks, others can allow you to use phentermine longer as he or she sees fit. Others use prescription drugs “off-label” to treat obesity. They use the drugs in a way that is different from what the FDA has approved. Doctors may give you:
You may also be instructed to use it intermittently. For these reasons, one should never take any weight loss medications, including phentermine, without a proper consult and prescription from a physician.
Phentermine is a prescription weight-loss pill. It is best to get a prescription after an in-person visit for a thorough history taking and physical examination. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution documented at least eight cases in which doctors have been ensnared in criminal prosecution for prescribing Phentermine without actually examining their patients. Most went to prison. (4) In some states, however, the practice of telemedicine is allowed, and is growing in popularity. Consultation may be done via video, phone, or other online communications. As per the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), doctors who offer telehealth services must have a license from the state they work. Telemedicine laws also differ by state:
But then again, they must adhere to certain regulations and policies imposed by the state.
If you find a website that encourages you to purchase Phentermine without a consultation and bloodwork, whether face to face or online via a telemedicine app, please beware. Such operations are generally scams which will either just take your money and ignore you, or will ship you questionable, dangerous and counterfeit products. Unlicensed online pharmacies would ask you to fill out a short form or questionnaires instead of asking for an actual prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. Legitimate online pharmacies will always require you to provide a prescription from your doctor.
As per Medscape, approximately 3% of online pharmacies are illegal. (5) Online pharmacies outside the country operate under different laws. It’s best to avoid a store that does not have a physical address in the U.S.
Trying to buy phentermine online without a prescription comes with risks for the following:
Stay healthy throughout your weight loss journey by getting a legitimate prescription for phentermine. The personalized guidance and support from a weight loss doctor may help ensure your journey safer and more effective.
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