This story does not include health advice. It is for information, inspiration, and awareness purposes.
Phentermine, used for weight loss since the 1960s, falls under the appetite suppressant category. Its primary mechanism of action is stimulating the release of certain biochemicals in the brain that regulate appetite and increase metabolism for short-term use.
Through my research, I learned that phentermine could be used to overcome obesity and prevent metabolic disorders. When taken orally as an anorectic agent, phentermine is absorbed into the bloodstream. It reaches the brain, interacting with the hypothalamus, which regulates hunger and satiety. Phentermine also can increase metabolism.
Phentermine was first introduced in 1959 as part of an anti-obesity combination drug. It stimulates the release of neurotransmitters, which can suppress appetite and create a feeling of fullness and happiness. It is sold under brand names like Adipex-P, Ionamin, Suprenza, or Qsymia.
“FDA approved Qsymia (phentermine) in July 2012 for chronic weight management in adults with an initial BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia, as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.”
Phentermine is “a sympathomimetic amine anorectic. It has a similar mechanism of action as amphetamine in that it is an agonist at the trace amine-associated (TAAR1) receptor site, stimulating the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine. It is a central nervous system stimulant.”
By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, phentermine can help to reduce hunger pangs and cravings, making it easier for patients to consume fewer calories and maintain a calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. This medication is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight-loss program that includes a reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavioral modifications.
Metabolic health specialists in my circles emphasized that phentermine is intended for short-term use, usually a few months, to jump-start weight loss efforts in people with obesity or overweight conditions. Phentermine is not a standalone solution but a tool that can aid in the initial weight loss phase.
Coming from the amphetamine family of drugs, it has been suggested that phentermine may inhibit the activity of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme. This enzyme breaks down neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. By inhibiting MAO, phentermine could increase the levels of these neurotransmitters.
In 2022, the FDA also approved “a supplemental indication for Qsymia (phentermine) for chronic weight management in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older who are obese, defined as BMI of the 95th percentile or greater when standardized for age and sex. Qsymia should be used as additional therapy to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.”
As with any medication, phentermine might have numerous side effects, and they can vary from person to person. Thus, it should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Following the prescribed dosage and recommendations is crucial to ensure safety and effectiveness.
As informed by the FDA, phentermine carries safety considerations, particularly for pregnant women, as it can cause fetal harm and an increased risk of oral clefts. Therefore, professionals ask patients to “undergo pregnancy testing before starting treatment, use effective contraception during treatment, and have regular pregnancy tests. Due to the risk of birth defects, Qsymia is only available through a restricted program called the Qsymia Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy.”
My Brief Experimentation with Phentermine to Understand Its Cognitive Effects
A family member who started treatment with phentermine had some remarkable observations to share after just a few days. This family member, who typically led a sedentary lifestyle and lacked enthusiasm for exercise, surprised us by suggesting a long walk. She felt fantastic and completed an impressive 10,000 steps barefoot on the beach on a beautiful summer day, expressing a desire to do even more with me.
Intrigued by her uplifting mood, I became curious about the effects of phentermine on the body and mind. Having previously used MAO inhibitors and knowing that my body tolerated them well, I decided to take the risk and try one tablet to experience the effects.
Approximately an hour after taking the tablet, I experienced a sensation similar to a refreshing cold shower or feelings after a meditation session. It was a pleasantly rejuvenating feeling that left me more focused, like in a flow state.
As I had been practicing a 22-hour daily fast, the medication did not impact my appetite significantly, but it did have a noticeable effect on my mood. Curious about its physiological impact, I decided to test a few biomarkers.
My blood sugar levels slightly increased while my ketone levels remained unchanged. Additionally, my resting heart rate increased from around 60 to 70 beats per minute, and there was a slight elevation in my blood pressure.
I tried it a few times in highly stressful situations, and each time, it had the same effect. However, my sleep quality significantly reduced on the nights when I took it in the morning, so it was not worth the further risk for me.
I am not fond of drugs and did not require phentermine for healthy weight management. However, this brief experimentation validated the substantial impact this medication can have on the brain in the short term, in addition to my prior research findings.
This small experiment highlighted its potential to enhance mood and focus. However, individual responses might vary based on what I read in the literature. For example, some people feel agitated, and some have insomnia if they have it in higher doses.
Decisions to try or continue using phentermine should be made under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, considering particular health conditions that qualify for medication use.
Findings of My Observations of Friends Using Phentermine
Like me and many others I met before, several friends had a very uplifting mood as soon as they started with phentermine in low doses like 10 mg.
All along, they did not feel any hunger, but they felt very thirsty, so they kept drinking water. Even though their doctor wanted them to eat three small meals a day, some of them skipped lunch as they did not feel like eating at all.
Their family doctors found their blood sugar and blood pressure normal, so they did not mind them skipping lunch. However, they all initially struggled with sleeping.
Their wise doctors advised them to take phentermine as early as possible, like 6 AM, and start walking in the morning, which helped them further lose weight and maintain a high mood all day long. After they walked around 10000 steps a day, they slept well.
Some of these friends have shed at least 20 pounds each, a remarkable achievement they all take pride in. They have started a journey toward a healthier lifestyle, guided by personalized dietary plans crafted by a skilled dietician.
In addition to dietary changes, they are effectively managing stress levels with the support of their community. They are keen to stay in touch and update me on their results so that I can create a compelling case study to benefit others.
My Perspectives on Health Weight Management
Like millions of people, I experienced the ups and downs of weight management. During this challenging journey, I had metabolic issues like abdominal obesity and prediabetes, made many mistakes, and felt pain. But I learned valuable life lessons, aiming to pass along with compassion.
Learning to manage a healthy weight was the best knowledge for my health and overall well-being. The most important insight for me was to realize that the body tightly controls weight and uses various brain regions and metabolic pathways to maintain homeostasis (balance).
I have written many stories about healthy weight management and fat loss using lifestyle choices. Jane’s case study was the first story. I mentioned medication as a supplementary intervention, which can be a viable option for some people.
In this story, I have introduced one specific medication, phentermine, as an example, highlighting its potential benefits for specific people in the short term. I will write more about it after completing the follow-up of my case studies.
However, various medications are available, each with unique characteristics and suitability for different people. Seeking guidance and support from qualified healthcare professionals is crucial to ensure the most appropriate action.
As an advocate of losing fat while preserving lean muscle mass through healthy lifestyle choices, my goal is to promote a holistic health approach for a sustainable and fulfilling life.
Therefore, the key takeaways from this story and my overall philosophy center around the significance of a well-rounded approach encompassing physical and psychological factors. I see medication only as a supplementary and last resort when deemed necessary by professionals.
Weight management, despite appearing deceptively simple, is paradoxically tricky for some people and demands a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of well-being.
Sustainable weight management entails maintaining healthy levels of body fat, preserving lean muscle mass, and ensuring solid and dense bones. Visceral fat gain and muscle loss due to insulin resistance, leptin issues, elevated cortisol, and other hormonal imbalances can pose serious health risks if they persist and are not addressed timely.
Hunger is a potent emotion hardwired in the primitive and emotional brain regions as a survival mechanism. Understanding the origin of hunger can give us valuable perspectives in dealing with it effectively.
Although the brain serves as a survival and growth factor, it can also give false sensations due to psychological issues. For example, the body might crave food even if it has sufficient energy to survive. Craving food is a significant problem in weight management that requires sustainable solutions.
From my experience, there are two viable solutions to this crucial issue. The first one is to support the body by giving it the required nutrition. The second one is to strengthen the thinking brain to influence the primitive and emotional parts of the brain and improve willpower.
When the body gets enough energy and essential nutrients timely, it lowers or diminishes the false signals, allowing us to see the difference between false and real hunger. Therefore, consuming nutrient-dense and energy-producing food is crucial for healthy weight management.
If imbalanced, the emotional part of the brain can generate unpleasant emotions, leading to food cravings and attempting to substitute other needs like social connections with false hunger. Suppressing unpleasant emotions can lead to overeating, as the body sees food as a substitute for positive emotions. It can create negative or traumatic memories and increase stress hormones, breaking the balance and causing more hunger, sleep deprivation, fat gain, and muscle loss.
Negative body image might lead to binge eating and incompatible relationships with food and beverages, causing weight management issues. The leading causes are comparing oneself with others, low self-esteem, and focusing on perfection, exacerbated by social media. To overcome negative body image, we must focus on self-acceptance, self-compassion, and remaining realistic to improve self-confidence and avoid unhealthy behaviors like overeating or malnutrition.
Negative relationships with food can lead to eating disorders and weight gain. Positive ones can lead to maintaining a healthy weight. One helpful approach is listening to the body’s signals and using knowledge, logic, and intuition to meet its needs. Distinguishing between physical and emotional hunger and eating mindfully while considering the energy and nutrition needs of the body is vital.
Lack of motivation is a common psychological issue in weight management. Social support and external factors can help, but ultimately, internal motivation created through awareness and intention is most effective. I explained four reasons we could not reduce visceral fat and might lose muscle mass in a previous article, so I will not repeat them here. However, I will provide some practical tips to end this story.
Takeaways
1 — Reduce stress with restorative sleep, adequate rest, and some fun. Consume sufficient bioavailable proteins and healthy fats from whole foods with essential micronutrients. Always stay hydrated.
2 — If you, for some reason, cannot get adequate protein from food, consider supplementing essential amino acids with support from qualified professionals. Refrain from refined carbs, processed foods, and antinutrients.
3— Do moderate aerobic and anaerobic workouts at least 150 minutes weekly. Refrain from excessive cardio and do more resistance training if you can. Always recover from previous workouts in a timely manner, and never start another workout session before recovering from the effects of the previous one.
Our health is our responsibility. Improving the health of our cells, mitochondria, and organs using holistic health principles is a wise approach. The most important factor for obesity is defeating insulin resistance, which will also help with other metabolic disorders.
Furthermore, monitoring our health with home tests and with support from qualified healthcare professionals to get our biomarkers checked and get biomarkers timely treatment is necessary to maintain healthy weight management and stay fit.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
If you found this story helpful, you may also check out my other articles on NewsBreak. As a postdoctoral researcher and executive consultant, I write about important life lessons based on my decades of research and experience in cognitive, metabolic, and mental health.