Many people are understandably skeptical of drugs that can cause weight gain, but drugs that significantly reduce appetite can also be harmful. There is none. Hunger is “the discomfort that results from lack of food,” and “appetite is simply the desire to eat,” explains the HealthifyMe expert. “Hunger is your body’s way of telling you that you need to eat. is,” they wrote.
So is appetite really necessary? Absolutely, says the site – in fact, it’s important to our health. It’s what drives you to eat,” says HealthifyMe. Anorexia effects indicate a serious problem, and may have negative or even life-threatening side effects, explains Healthline. These include fatigue, rapid heart rate, malnutrition, or vitamin deficiencies.
Read on to find out about five drugs that may be reducing your appetite.
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“Appetite and food cravings are related to dopamine balance in the brain,” he explains. Christine Kingsley, APRN, Director of Health and Wellness at Lung Institute. “Unfortunately, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have slightly ‘off’ dopamine levels, making them more impulsive with food cravings and having an increased appetite.
According to Kingsley, using ADHD medications such as methylphenidate and dexamphetamine stimulants can restore dopamine balance in the brain. “This in turn reduces a person’s food cravings and affordability. [them] ADHD medication-induced appetite loss may be ‘inevitable’, but if these appetite changes lead to eating disorders or are accompanied by ‘sudden and significant weight loss’, a medical professional should be contacted. There is
Medical News Today points out that many people experience weight gain while taking antidepressants. This is his 2019 review of 27 different studies showing that weight he gained 5% when starting antidepressants. However, they say, “Some antidepressants may reduce a person’s appetite and contribute to weight loss by burning fewer calories than they consume.”
Medical News Today reports that bupropion (Wellbutrin), fluoxetine (Prozac), and duloxetine (Cymbalta) can all cause anorexia. However, they write, “It is common for side effects such as weight loss to stabilize as the body adjusts to the drug.”
The antidiabetic drug semaglutide was initially used to treat type 2 diabetes by addressing blood sugar levels. “Controlling high blood sugar can help prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, limb loss, and sexual problems,” his WebMD explains. However, the drug proved so effective in weight loss that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for use as a weight loss drug in 2021.
“This drug is a synthetic version of a gut hormone that suppresses hunger and appetite,” reports Healthline, which also says it’s the first drug approved by the FDA for weight loss since 2014. They lost about 12% of their weight compared to those who took a placebo. ”
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Kingsley notes that opioids such as fentanyl can cause anorexia. Above all, it is a very serious problem. “This drug, which is used to treat pain, attaches to receptors located primarily in the brain and gut and causes changes in how patients feel,” she says. Kingsley explains that some patients experience dry mouth when taking fentanyl, which interferes with their enjoyment of food. If this drug starts causing symptoms such as trouble breathing, drowsiness, confusion, or slurred speech, it’s important to see a healthcare professional right away,” she said.
Fentanyl is dangerous in many other ways. According to an article published by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), this potent synthetic opioid is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, and “just two milligrams, about the size of five grains of salt, is enough to get you healthy.” ,” the authors said. These include severe poisoning, overdose, and death.
Cancer patients may experience anorexia for many reasons, including prescribed medications. “Chemotherapy drugs can cause loss of appetite and changes in taste,” explains Cancer Research UK. These drugs include targeted cancer drugs, pain relievers, and immunotherapies. Additionally, hormone therapy and bisphosphonates “may cause mild illness and food abstinence.”
Cancer Research also states that “the cancer itself and the specific chemicals it releases can also cause changes in appetite.” “Fatigue, pain, and depression can cause energy deficits,” their expert explains.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends discussing changes in appetite with your doctor or cancer care team. In addition, “early reporting of changes in appetite can reduce the problem of underweight and undernourishment.” It also suggests approaches that include eating small amounts of food. Drink liquids between meals, not during meals. Be physically active; “always have high-calorie, high-protein snacks.” “Try hard-cooked eggs, peanut butter, cheese, ice cream, granola bars, liquid nutritional supplements, puddings, nuts, canned tuna or chicken, or trail mix,” says the site.
Best Life provides the latest information from top experts, new research, and health organizations, but our content is not a substitute for expert guidance. Always consult your health care provider directly with any questions.
