Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting – A How-To Guide

What is Phentermine | What is Intermittent Fasting | Benefits of Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting | Safety Considerations of Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting | Dosages for Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting | Potential Side Effects | Exercise with Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting | Precautions

Following a regimen that includes a well-balanced diet along with regular exercise has always been a safe and convenient approach to weight loss. However, certain other approaches are also providing powerful support to lose weight and remain fit. One such approach is phentermine along with intermittent fasting which gives rise to an amazing combination that aids in weight loss. This is our Guide to Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting.

Intermittent fasting has gained acceptance among the weight loss fraternity over the past few decades. It has many health benefits such as improved metabolic rate, insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation, insulin resistance, blood sugar levels, production of growth hormones, and weight loss.

Likewise, phentermine has also been proven as an effective drug for short-term weight loss goals. It works wonders if used alongside a calorie-restricted diet and physical activity.

In this article, we will discuss how phentermine works with intermittent fasting, what are the benefits and potential side effects of their use together.

What is Phentermine and How Does it Work?

Phentermine is a prescription medication used for weight loss. It is an appetite suppressant that works by stimulating the central nervous system and making you less hungry. It is usually prescribed by a doctor for short-term use only as it is a habit-forming drug. It is generally prescribed to those people who continue to gain weight even after dieting and exercise. However, phentermine also works only if combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Phentermine is called a controlled substance because it comes with dependence. Thus, before using this medication, medical advice is required. It is usually given to people having BMI greater than 30.

Since phentermine is an appetite suppressant, it suppresses your appetite and limits your calorie consumption. Staying in a calorie deficit for a long time can result in weight loss.  It acts as a central nervous system stimulant and also enhances energy levels and augments alertness. This medication acts by increasing the neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine levels in your brain which eventually leads to reduced hunger.

What is Intermittent Fasting and How Does it Work?

Intermittent fasting is an arrangement of eating that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. It is an eating pattern that restricts you from consuming any calories up to an extended period which can stretch from 16 to 24 hours. However, to keep yourself hydrated throughout the fasting window you can consume as much water, and calorie-free beverages such as black coffee or tea.

This fasting arrangement does not focus on what to eat rather it emphasizes when to eat. It allows you to eat your meal within a specified time in a day. For example in a 16/8 plan, you have to fast for 16 hours continuously and then eat in the next 8-hour window. However, during the eating window, you must eat the required amount of calories to benefit yourself.

Intermittent fasting works by reducing the insulin levels in your body, which starts to deplete the glycogen reserve to use as energy. When it runs out of glycogen reserve, it starts to use the body’s fats for energy, which eventually leads to weight loss.

If you want to learn more about intermittent fasting read “A Complete Guide To Intermittent Fasting & Schedule”

There are several types of intermittent fasting including:

• The 16:8 method: This method includes fasting for 16 consecutive hours and eating within the rest of 8 hours. This is a very popular method due to its flexibility and convenience. It is a very effective plan due to its longer fasting window.
• The 5:2 diet: This method involves eating the required calories within five days in a week and fasting for any two non-consecutive days. However, during the fasting days, you can consume fewer calories up to a maximum of 500 calories per day.
• The eat-stop-eat method: In this method, you can choose one or two non-consecutive days of the week and refrain from consuming any calories for a full 24 hours. You can eat anything of your choice during the remaining 5-6 days. However, consuming a balanced diet and avoiding consuming more than your body needs are highly recommended.
• The Alternate-Day Fasting (ADF) Method: The ADF method encompasses fasting on every alternate day. However, you are allowed to ingest some calories up to a maximum of 500 calories per day on fasting days. During the non-fasting days, you must eat a healthful and balanced diet.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting has several beneficial effects on the weight loss journey. Besides promoting weight reduction it improves your metabolism, and helps reduce your insulin levels and insulin resistance which decreases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It also lowers inflammation by alleviating oxidative stress and lowers the risk of heart disease by reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and blood sugar. Moreover, it protects brain from the stroke-induced damage and improves brain function.

Even if intermittent fasting has various benefits, it is always preferred to consult a healthcare professional before starting any of the fasting regimes.

What are the Potential Benefits of Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting Together?

Phentermine and intermittent fasting can effectively shed body weight and improve overall health when used in combination. Since phentermine is an appetite suppressant, it suppresses the appetite and maintains a calorie deficit. On the other hand, intermittent fasting boosts phentermine’s efficacy by promoting insulin sensitivity and fat burning.

Some of the additional benefits of using phentermine and intermittent fasting together are:

• It reduces hunger and food cravings
• It can improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• It boosts cognition, focus, and mental clarity
• Intermittent fasting can enhance brain health by increasing the level of BDNF (brain-derived neuropathic factor) hormone which promotes the growth and endurance of neurons in the brain. On the contrary, phentermine can enrich concentration and focus by boosting the neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
• Together intermittent fasting and phentermine can improve the quality of sleep by regulating the circadian rhythm and improving conditions like sleep apnea.

To know more about the benefits of intermittent fasting, read “8 Benefits Of Intermittent Fasting: A Complete List”

How to do Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting Work Together?

Phentermine and intermittent fasting combinedly work by reducing hunger which leads to calorie restriction. Calorie restriction helps in activating different cellular pathways that help improve metabolic health, and longevity and reduce inflammation.

Phentermine also enhances the production of adiponectin hormone in your body which helps break down fatty acids and regulate glucose levels. This in turn results in improved insulin sensitivity, body fat burning, and weight loss.

Safety Considerations of Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting into Your Weight Loss Schedule

If you have planned to incorporate phentermine and intermittent fasting in combination, then first you need to consult with your doctor regarding the same. Your doctor only can assess the risk factors and evaluate whether you are good to go with these weight loss plans. If required your doctor can guide you regarding the dosages and schedules.

If you are new to this combination of medication and lifestyle then starting it slowly would help. You can gradually increase your fasting window and medication dosage to reduce the adverse effects or minimize the risk of complications.

Since phentermine is a stimulant, it can cause insomnia. If you are taking phentermine along with intermittent fasting, then avoiding it close to bedtime would be beneficial to have an uninterrupted sleep cycle. Staying hydrated and adequate calorie intake within the eating window would be recommended to help prevent any adverse effects on health.

Dosages for Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting

The ideal dosage of phentermine depends on several factors including your age, weight, and medical history. To start with, a lower dose is always recommended to avoid any negative effects or complications on your health. For intermittent fasting, trying out different plans and then finding out the one that suits you the best would be the best strategy.

Phentermine is a prescription medication that should always be taken under the supervision of a registered healthcare professional. A doctor can only decide on the appropriate dosage that works best for you and guide you further to help prevent any negative effects on your body. Moreover, phentermine should not be taken long-term, to avoid dependence on this drug.

Intermittent fasting is also not recommended for those who have an eating disorder or any other pre-existing medical conditions. It is always essential to consult with your medical professional before starting this fasting regime.

Potential Side Effects of Phentermine with Intermittent Fasting

The most common side effects of phentermine include the following:

• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Bad taste

However, some severe side effects of phentermine include:

• Primary pulmonary hypertension: PPH is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs and the right side of the heart. Symptoms include breathing trouble, fluttering heart rate, dizziness, exhaustion, swelling in legs and ankles, and angina.

• Valvular heart disease: Phentermine can harm the valves of your heart and cause them not to close properly. Symptoms may include exhaustion, weakness, difficulty breathing, edema in legs and ankles, chest pain that gets worst with exercise, dizziness, and heart palpitations.
• High blood  pressure
• Restlessness
• Convulsion
• Erectile dysfunction

If you encounter any of the above side effects, then contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

The side effects of intermittent fasting include:

• Fatigue
• Increased hunger
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings
• Dehydration
• Bad breath

It is essential to speak you your doctor if you encounter these side effects persistently.

Additionally, using phentermine while on intermittent fasting may not be appropriate for people having any medical conditions such as heart problems or high blood pressure. If you have any of these conditions and are planning to start phentermine with intermittent fasting, then consult with your doctor to know whether it is safe for you.

The Role of Exercise with Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting

Exercise plays a crucial role in phentermine and intermittent fasting weight loss schedule. Since exercise enhances the burning of fat, and insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation, combining phentermine and intermittent fasting with exercise can result in faster weight loss and improve overall health by reducing cholesterol levels and blood sugar.

Precautions to be Taken While Following Phentermine with Intermittent Fasting

Following are the precautions to be taken while being on phentermine with an intermittent fasting regimen.

• You must stay adequately hydrated
• Avoid alcohol
• Quit smoking
• Constantly monitor your heart rate blood pressure, and blood glucose levels

Conclusion – Phentermine and Intermittent Fasting

Phentermine in combination with intermittent fasting has been shown as a powerful tool for weight loss goals. When combined with a proper fasting plan and physical activity, phentermine can ensure weight loss while maintaining sufficient energy levels.

However, it is essential to consult with your medical professional before getting into a phentermine-intermittent fasting regime to avert any unwanted adverse effects on health and probable complications. With the right guidance and support from your doctor, phentermine along with intermittent fasting can make you achieve your target body weight and help you maintain a healthy body mass index throughout. Always take every precaution when taking prescription medications.