Appetite Suppressant Dangers

Overview

Physicians typically prescribe appetite suppressants on a short-term basis to jump start a longer-term weight loss program. Appetite suppressant products also are available over-the-counter or online. Certain dangers are associated with appetite suppressants, and people should be cautious about using them—even those advertised as "natural."

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Hypertension

Appetite suppressant use is linked to a type of high blood pressure called secondary hypertension. Most people with high blood pressure have essential hypertension, which does not have an identifiable cause, while secondary hypertension is linked to other health conditions or to drug usage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Taking appetite suppressants can result in high blood pressure, and taking an appetite suppressant within 14 days of taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) can cause dangerously high blood pressure. Pulmonary hypertension, a lung disorder in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery becomes much higher than normal, has been linked to the appetite suppressants fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, a combination of phentermine and fenfluramine (Phen-Fen), and phentermine alone.

Serious Symptoms

Some side effects from appetite suppressants call for immediate medical attention, according to a report from the National Institutes of Health. They may be signs of cardiovascular problems, an allergic reaction or other disorders. These symptoms include a decrease in exercise ability, fainting, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, swelling of the feet or lower legs (edema), numbness, a rash or hives, severe headache, difficulty breathing, difficult or painful urination, sore throat with fever and unusual bleeding or bruising.

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Psychological Changes

Psychological changes are associated with long-term or excessive use of appetite suppressants. They may include personality changes, insomnia and hyperactivity, according to the NIH. Some people even develop psychotic symptoms, such as thinking that another person can hear their thoughts or is controlling their behavior. Some users of appetite suppressants may develop audio or visual hallucinations.

Dependence

Taking prescription appetite suppressants for a long time or in large doses may lead to psychological or physical dependence, according to the NIH. This can cause withdrawal symptoms when trying to discontinue the drug or even when going for a few more hours than usual without taking it. Withdrawal symptoms may include depression, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, trembling and unusual tiredness or weakness. People who take appetite suppressants for a long time frame also may need to continually increase their dosage to get the same effects, which can lead to overdose.

Dental Issues

Some appetite suppressants may cause mouth dryness, according to Vanderbilt University. Continual mouth dryness may increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and fungal infections such as thrush.

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Heart Attack and Stroke

Ephedra, an herbal appetite suppressant, and its primary active component, ephedrine, have been associated with severe effects when used for weight loss, as noted by Appetite Suppressants Reviews. The FDA allows use of these substances for breathing disorders, but banned their use as an appetite suppressant in 2004 after reports of heart attacks, strokes, hepatitis, seizures, psychosis and fatalities. The over-the-counter drug phenylpropanolamine, containing a similar compound, norephedrine, also was linked to strokes and was removed from the market.

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References

• UMMC: Hypertension
• National Institutes of Health: Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity
• Health Services at Columbia: Ephedrine
• FDA: Orlistat Ongoing Safety Review
• Appetite Suppressant Reviews: Ephedra
• Vanderbilt University: A Closer Look At The Use Of Appetite Suppressants

6 Ways Coconut Oil Helps You Lose Weight

When it comes to ‘super foods’ that can help you lose weight, coconut oil is by far one of the best.  Organic virgin coconut oil offers several benefits which directly affect the bodies ability to shed extra pounds, most of which have been proven by scientific research, not to mention a long history of use by tropical cultures around the world.  From higher metabolism to hormone and thyroid health, this list highlights the top 6 ways that coconut oil can help you lose weight.

1. Coconut Oil Increases Your Energy Levels

Coconut oil is comprised mainly of the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) lauric acid.  This essential fatty acid metabolizes very differently when compared to other saturated fats such as those contained in most meat and dairy products.  The human body does not store digested MCTs as fat, but instead transports them directly to the liver where MCTs are quickly converted into energy.  What does this mean for your weight loss efforts?

Add two to three tablespoons of coconut oil to your daily dietary regimen.  When consumed in the morning, coconut oil can boost your energy levels by an average of 5% for a full twenty-four hour period!

Check out this phenomenal resource for cooking with coconut oil!

2. Coconut Oil Decreases Hunger and Curbs Cravings

We’ve already mentioned that medium-chain triglycerides go straight to the liver during digestion.  Not only does this give the body an extended energy boost, the processing of MCTs also forms keytone bodies which have the added benefit of reducing hunger and cravings.  It’s easy to see how this can help you lose weight faster.

Enjoy two to three servings of coconut oil each day to feel fuller faster and kick the habit of snacking on heavy foods between meals.

3. Coconut Oil Burns Fat Faster

If you’re looking to reduce your daily caloric intake and lose weight faster without compromising your health, you’re in the right place.  Coconut oil enhances the bodies ability to digest food and absorb nutrients so you can eat less without feeling weak or tired all the time.  Also, because it is a natural mood elevator, daily intake of coconut oil can help you to feel less stressed and more motivated to partake in healthy cardiovascular activities which help you to burn off persistent fat stores even faster.

Regular consumption of coconut oil has the power to ramp up your fat-burning potential – especially for losing stubborn belly fat – improving digestion, regulating appetite, and just making you feel good!

4. Coconut Oil Helps To Balance Your Hormones

Without the proper building blocks – usually fatty acids or derivatives thereof – your body can’t properly synthesize the hormones needed to regulate such things as mood, thyroid function, digestion, sex drive, and metabolism.  The medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil assist the body in the conversion of cholesterol in the blood stream into the sterone pregnenolone.  This endogenous bio-chemical is one of the main precursors for the human body’s production of hormones.  What does this mean in a (coco)nutshell?

Coconut oil promotes the production of healthy hormones which improve digestion, reduce stress and anxiety, increase energy, and help you burn away stubborn fat stores such as those around the waist, buttocks, and thighs.

5. Coconut Oil Helps The Body Absorb Nutrients More Efficiently

As previously mentioned, coconut oil has the power to improve digestion.  More importantly, daily consumption of coconut oil actually helps your digestive tract to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) more efficiently.  These vitamins are responsible for such things as cellular regeneration, healthy skin and bones, improved mood, and brain function.  Vitamin D further aids digestion by promoting the uptake of vital minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.  How can this help you to lose weight faster?

When your body has all of the vitamins and minerals that it needs, you’ll fell better all over.  This means less stress, reduced hunger, and higher motivation to reach your goals.  Enjoy a tablespoon or two of coconut oil every day to keep your body running smoothly – like a well-oiled machine!

6. Coconut Oil Helps To Stabilize Your Blood-Sugar

Because coconut oil absorbs easily without the need for digestive enzymes, the pancreas is less stressed and able to produce insulin more efficiently.  Also, as a saturated fat, coconut oil makes it easier for cells to bind with insulin during digestion.  When your body has the required amounts of insulin, your cells receive the glucose (blood-sugar) they need to fuel your daily activities.  How does this translate into weight loss?

A daily serving or two of coconut oil can actually help your body to maintain stable blood-sugar levels by promoting the efficient production and use of insulin, thus providing more glucose to give you energy and help you lose weight.

Remember: All things in moderation!  Coconut oil is high in calories.  Limit your intake to one or two tablespoons per day so as not to unwittingly sabotage your weight-loss efforts.

Source
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/6-ways-coconut-oil-helps-you-lose-weight/

How Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose Weight

Coconut oil is the world’s most weight loss friendly fat.

It contains a unique combination of fatty acids with powerful effects on metabolism.

Several studies show that just by adding coconut oil to your diet, you can lose fat, especially the “dangerous” fat in the abdominal cavity.

Let me explain how that works…

Coconut Oil is High in Medium Chain Triglycerides, Fatty Acids That Boost Metabolism

Coconut oil is vastly different from most other fats in the diet.

Whereas most foods contain predominantly long-chain fatty acids, coconut oil consists almost entirely of Medium Chain Fatty Acids.

The thing with these medium chain fatty acids, is that they are metabolized differently than the longer chain fats.

They are sent straight to the liver from the digestive tract, where they are either used for energy right away or turned into ketone bodies.

These fats are often used by epileptic patients on a ketogenic diet, in order to increase ketone levels while allowing for a bit more carbs in the diet.

There is also some evidence from animal studies that medium chain fats are stored less efficiently than other fats.

In one study, rats were overfed with either long chain or medium chain fats. The rats fed the medium chain fats gained 20% less weight and 23% less body fat.

Bottom Line: Coconut oil is high in Medium Chain Triglycerides, which are fatty acids that are metabolized differently than most other fats, leading to beneficial effects on metabolism.

A calorie is not a calorie.

Different foods and macronutrients go through different metabolic pathways.

The different types of foods we eat can have a huge effect on our hormones and metabolic health.

Some metabolic pathways are more efficient than others and some foods require more energy to digest and metabolize.

One important property of coconut oil is that it is “thermogenic” – eating it tends to increase energy expenditure (fat burning) compared to the same amount of calories from other fats.

In one study, 15-30 grams (1 to 2 tablespoons) of medium chain fats per day increased energy expenditure by 5%, totaling about 120 calories per day.

Several other studies confirm these findings. When humans replace the fats they are eating with MCT fats, they burn more calories.

Therefore, a calorie from coconut oil is NOT the same as a calorie from olive oil orbutter (although these fats are perfectly healthy too).

Bottom Line: Many studies show that medium chain triglycerides can boost metabolism, in one study increasing energy expenditure by 120 calories per day.

Coconut Oil Can Reduce Appetite, Making You Eat Less Without Trying

“Weight loss is all about calories in, calories out.”

Even though I think this is a drastic oversimplification, it is mostly true.

If your body expends more energy (calories) than it takes in, then you will lose fat.

But even though it is true that we need to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight, it doesn’t mean that calories are something that we need to count or be consciously aware of.

Humans are very capable of remaining lean and healthy in their natural environment. The obesity epidemic didn’t start until 1980 and we didn’t even know what a calorie was back in the day.

Anything that reduces our appetite can make us take in fewer calories without having to think about it. It appears that coconut oil has this effect.

Many studies on medium chain fatty acids show that, compared to the same amount of calories from other fats, they increase feelings of fullness and lead to an automatic reduction in calorie intake.

This may be related to the way these fats are metabolized. It is well known that ketone bodies (which the liver produces when you eat coconut oil) can have a powerful appetite reducing effect.

Whatever the mechanism is, it works. In one study of 6 healthy men, eating a high amount of MCTs caused them to automatically eat 256 fewer calories per day.

In another study of 14 healthy men, those who ate MCTs at breakfast ate significantly fewer calories at lunch.

So… coconut oil boosts fat burning (increases “calories out”) and it also reduces the appetite (reduces “calories in”).

Bottom Line: Many studies show that people who add Medium Chain Fatty Acids to their diet have reduced appetite and start eating fewer calories automatically.

Coconut Oil Can Help You Lose Fat, Especially The “Dangerous” Abdominal Fat

If coconut oil can boost metabolism and reduce appetite, then it should help you lose fat over the long term.

In fact, there are several studies that support this.

In one study, 40 women were given either 30 grams (2 tablespoons) of either coconut oil or soybean oil for 28 days.

They were instructed to eat fewer calories and walk every day. These were the results:

• Both groups lost weight (about 2 pounds).
• Only the coconut oil group had decreased waist circumference (belly fat) while the soybean oil actually had a mild increase in belly fat.
• The coconut oil group had increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels, while the soybean oil had reduced HDL and increased LDL.

In this study, coconut oil did not cause overall weight loss compared to soybean oil, but it did lead to a significant reduction in belly fat.

In another study in obese men, 30 grams of coconut oil for 4 weeks reduced waist circumference by 2.86 cm, or 1.1 inches.

There are also other studies showing that medium chain fats lead to weight loss, reduced waist circumference and various improvements in metabolic health.

The weight loss effects of coconut oil appear to be fairly mild, except for the abdominal fat.

Abdominal fat, also called visceral fat or belly fat, is the fat that tends to lodge around your organs and cause inflammation, diabetes and heart disease.

Any reduction in abdominal fat is likely to have very positive effects on your metabolic health, longevity and drastically reduce your risk of chronic disease.

These results are far from being dramatic, but consider that all these people are doing is adding coconut oil to their diet.

Combined with other proven weight loss strategies (like cutting carbs and increasing protein), all of this can add up to a significant amount.

Therefore, coconut oil can support a healthy, real-food based weight loss diet, but don’t expect it to work any miracles on its own.

If you’re interested in even more research on coconut oil, then you can find a very impressive collection of studies here.

Bottom Line: Eating coconut is particularly effective at reducing the harmful belly fat in the abdominal cavity, which is strongly associated with disease.

What About The Calories?

It’s important to keep in mind that coconut oil is fat.

Fat has 9 calories per gram… and coconut oil is no exception.

Therefore, if you are eating a fixed amount of calories and then add coconut oil on top of that, then it’s likely to make you gain weight, not lose.

However, most people aren’t counting calories and eating a fixed amount per day.

In these cases, adding coconut oil to your diet will reduce your appetite and probably make you eat less of other foods instead.

So this really is not about adding fat calories to your diet, it is about replacing some of your other cooking fats with coconut oil.

It’s also important not to go overboard and think you need to add tons of coconut oil to your diet to reap the benefits. The studies above used about 30 grams per day, which equals 2 tablespoons.

Even if coconut oil is good for cooking and has some powerful health benefits, your diet should still consist primarily of whole, nutritious foods like plants and animals.

You can read more about the other amazing health benefits of coconut oil here.

Source
http://authoritynutrition.com/coconut-oil-and-weight-loss/