The main approach to achieving weight loss involves expending more calories than you take in. For most individuals, this involves engaging in physical activity to burn calories and boost their metabolism, allowing them to continue burning calories even while at rest. Nevertheless, there are some individuals who may not achieve the desired outcomes through exercise alone. If you fall into this category, appetite suppressants can help.
What are Appetite Suppressants?
An appetite suppressant is a substance or supplement that curbs hunger and reduces cravings. They help you eat less, thereby decreasing the amount of calories you consume. Suppressants can be used alone or as part of a comprehensive approach that includes other weight loss techniques, such as exercise. They work in various ways depending on the suppressant under discussion.
Targeting The Brain and Central Nervous System
Most appetite suppressants act on the central nervous system, targeting a region of the brain known as the hypothalamus. This brain region regulates thirst, hunger, and other functions. Suppressants block the actions of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, which make you feel satisfied when you eat. By increasing their levels in the brain, they make you feel fuller for longer. This sense of fullness reduces the desire to eat, leading to reduced caloric intake and weight loss.
Making You Feel Full
In addition to making you feel satiated, appetite suppressants also make you feel fuller for longer so you have less desire to eat. One of the most well-studied suppressants is Yerba Mate, which has demonstrated its effectiveness in aiding weight loss over a 45-day period, with individuals who ceased its use after the initial 45 days experiencing no subsequent weight gain over the course of 12 months.
Supplements containing Yerba Mate, such as Zotrim, also do not bloat you. This is especially important because feeling bloated can cause some people to stop taking the supplement, leading to them not receiving its benefits. You can learn more about the pros and cons of Zotrim here, as well as get information on its other weight-loss ingredients and how they work.
They Reduce Ghrelin Levels
Weight gain and the challenge of losing weight are influenced by hormones responsible for regulating the body’s fat storage, as these chemicals signal the body to either maintain or accumulate fat. Ghrelin is a noteworthy hormone that plays a significant role in these processes.
While Ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone, is involved in several other key bodily functions, it signals the brain that you should eat. One study found that a rise in Ghrelin levels caused an increase in appetite in the test subjects, leading to the consumption of more food and thus weight gain.
Some studies also show that Ghrelin is involved in reward-seeking behavior. In people who love snacking, their brains reward them every time they do it. As with other chemical imbalances, the level of reward diminishes over time, causing them to eat more to get the same reward. This can quickly get out of control, causing them to eat so much that they become obese.
They Block Receptors
Some appetite suppressants block receptors in the digestive system. These receptors signal that the stomach is empty, causing one to crave food. In some cases, these suppressants also block the receptors responsible for signaling fat absorption. Reducing the absorption of fat has been shown to significantly affect one’s ability to lose weight and keep it at healthy levels.
Some Have Thermogenic Properties
Some supplements also include suppressants that have a thermogenic effect. This effect leads to a higher metabolism and promotes the utilization of calories. A higher metabolism can also make someone feel more energized, leading them to expend more energy and thus burn more calories.
Conclusion
Appetite suppressants have become one of the most common ways to prevent weight gain and promote weight loss. They work in different ways depending on the substance, but they all have the same effect.
