Jane Shed 40 Kg with Creative and Short-Term Use of an Effective Medication

Phentermine might be used as a supplementary weight loss intervention for obese people struggling with weight management

I usually hold reservations about relying on medication for fat loss or weight management. However, I acknowledge specific scenarios where some medication use with support from qualified healthcare professionals might be necessary and compelling.

Over the years, I have come across several noteworthy cases that demonstrate how medication, when combined with a commitment to healthy lifestyle choices, can serve as a valuable jumpstart toward achieving lasting results.

In this story, I will introduce one such case to illustrate how certain medications, like phentermine, can be used in the short term to create a positive impact when complemented by a holistic approach with support from qualified healthcare professionals.

Phentermine, a medication 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.

Before touching on the specifics of phentermine, I want to briefly share an inspiring story about a friend showing the transformative power of combining medication with healthy lifestyle choices supported by qualified healthcare professionals. I will also briefly share my one-day experiment with it.

How Jane Defeated Obesity and Gained a Defined Body

Jane was a 34-year-old woman when she received disheartening news from her family doctor—years of yo-yo dieting and excessive stress had led to her becoming obese.

Naturally, this sad news left her feeling upset and frustrated. She had diligently followed the advice propagated by popular media and magazines, consuming fat-free products and doing hours of cardio at her local gym, yet nothing seemed to yield desired results.

Seeking a solution, Jane’s doctor referred her to a specialized weight management clinic known for its expertise and reputation in reversing obesity. She encountered a compassionate and experienced integrative medicine doctor with a high success rate.

This doctor took the time to investigate Jane’s medical history thoroughly and ordered various tests to assess her biomarkers. The results revealed that Jane was dealing with metabolic syndrome and imbalanced hormones.

Her body was insulin resistant, her leptin hormone was dysregulated, and her cortisol levels were higher than average.

In addition to the physical health challenges, Jane’s mental well-being also suffered. She experienced persistent pessimism, frequent bouts of depression, and occasional anxiety from her yo-yo dieting experiences.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind and body, the doctor advised Jane to abandon all restrictive diets and instead embrace a natural approach to eating.

This involved consuming whole foods three times daily, avoiding snacks, and engaging in moderate exercise. The doctor also referred her to an experienced dietician to tailor a personalized meal plan.

Jane was taken aback when the dietician permitted her to reintroduce nutrient-rich foods into her diet, such as avocados, eggs, and fish. These were foods she had missed for years while restricting herself to salads, boiled vegetables, and fat-free products.

To support her journey, the doctor prescribed a low initial dose of a medication called phentermine, gradually increasing it to 30 mg over a few weeks. Given her obesity, Jane qualified for this medication.

Surprisingly, within just one week, Jane experienced a remarkable transformation. Her mood improved significantly, and she savored every meal. Her elation was noticeable when she lost three kilos within the first week — almost too good to be true.

The only side effect she encountered was related to her sleep. Therefore, she worked with her dietician to improve her sleep regimen by containing sleep-inducing foods in her dinner routine.

The dietician included bone broth and increased her intake of leafy green vegetables to boost magnesium levels. Additionally, she consumed tryptophan-rich foods like turkey.

The dietician informed Jane to consume all her carbohydrates at dinner, while breakfast and lunch consisted mainly of protein and healthy fats.

Thanks to this personalized diet and the assistance of the medication, Jane no longer experienced hunger pangs. It was an incredible revelation for her. Over the course of three months, she shed 20 kg and felt fantastic.

As she improved, the doctor gradually reduced the medication dosage from 30 to 15 mg over the next three months. Despite the tapering, Jane lost excess visceral fat while preserving lean muscles.

To maintain her muscle tone, expedite fat burning, and prevent excessive loose skin resulting from significant weight loss, the doctor referred Jane to a fitness coach who designed a resistance training regimen specifically tailored to her needs.

After several months, Jane felt better. When Jane’s weight was no longer classified as obese, and her test results indicated the absence of metabolic syndrome, the doctor discontinued the medication.

Initially, Jane faced withdrawal symptoms, but a naturopath from the clinic introduced her to SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine), N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, Lithium Orotate, N-Acetyl-Cysteine and some mood-enhancing herbal tinctures that helped boost her mood.

She loved a keto-omnivore diet allowing her to eat healthy proteins and fats from plant and animal sources, allowing her to enter mild ketosis, which further enhanced her mood, and she did not need supplements.

She enjoyed long walks with her friends and resistance training with support from her fitness coach and lost another 20 kg. Losing 40 kg, after her 40s, her body became fat-adapted, and she gained a defined and trimmed physique.

In Jane’s own words, she had become the happiest person on Earth. Her newfound joy translated into increased creativity and productivity, giving her a dream job.

From then on, weight loss was no longer a preoccupation for her. Instead, she focused on maintaining a healthy weight through lifestyle choices that promoted well-being.

How Phentermine Can 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, a region responsible for regulating hunger and satiety. It 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 helps 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.

Many 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. It is not a standalone solution but rather a tool that can aid in the initial phase of weight loss.

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 potentially increase the levels of these neurotransmitters.

Interestingly in 2022, 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 side effects. Thus, it should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and recommendations to ensure safety and effectiveness.

As informed by FDA, phentermine carries safety considerations, particularly for pregnant individuals, 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 24-Hour Experience with Phentermine

Similar to Jane’s experience, another 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 everyone 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 akin 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 heart rate increased from 60 to 70 beats per minute, and there was a slight elevation in my blood pressure.

While I am not inclined toward man-made drugs and did not require phentermine for healthy weight management, this experience validated the substantial impact this medication can have on the brain.

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 might feel agitated.

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.

Conclusions and Takeaways

I have written many stories about healthy weight management and fat loss using lifestyle choices. This is the first story I mentioned medication as a supplementary intervention which can be a good option for some people.

In this particular story, I have introduced one specific medication as an example, highlighting its potential benefits for specific people in the short term.

However, there are various medications available, each with its own unique characteristics and suitability for different individuals. 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 personal inclination is to promote the holistic approach.

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 complex and demands a comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of well-being.

It entails not only maintaining healthy levels of body fat but also 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.

Like millions of people, I experienced the ups and downs of weight management. During this challenging journey, I had metabolic issues, 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).

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 require 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. And 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 with 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.

1 — Reduce stress with restorative sleep, adequte rest, and some fun.

2 — Consume sufficient bioavailable proteins and healthy fats from whole foods with micronutrients. Always stay hydrated.

3 — If you, for some reason, cannot get adequate protein from food, consider supplementing essential amino acids with support from qualified professionals.

4 — Refrain from refined carbs, processed foods, and antinutrients.

5 — Do moderate aererobic and anerobic workouts at least 150 minutes weekly. Refrain from excessive cardio.

6 — Always recover from previous workouts in a timely manner and never start another workout session before recovering from the effects of the previous one.

Improving the health of our cells, mitochondria, and organs using holistic health principles is a wise approach. Our health is our responsibility.

Furthermore, monitoring our health with home tests and with support from qualified healthcare professionals and getting timely treatment are necessary to maintain healthy weight management and stay fit.

Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.

As a new reader, please check my holistic health and well-being stories reflecting my reviews, observations, and decades of experiments optimizing my hormones and neurotransmitters. I write about health as it matters. I believe health is all about homeostasis.

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