Appetite suppressants Health Dictionary

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Appetite Suppressants: From 1 Different Sources

A group of drugs that reduce the desire to eat. Appetite suppressants may be used in the treatment of severe obesity, along with diet and exercise. Their use is limited to a maximum of 12 weeks due to the risk of serious effects on the blood supply to the lungs and on heart valves.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Appetite

Appetite is the craving for the food necessary to maintain the body and to supply it with suf?cient energy to carry on its functions. The ultimate cause of appetite is a question of supply and demand in the muscles and various organs, but the proximate cause is doubtful. Unlike hunger, it is probably an acquired, rather than an inborn, sensation. Whatever other factors may be concerned, the tone of the STOMACH is of importance. Signi?cant factors in stimulating appetite are anticipation and the sight and smell of well-cooked food. Individuals who eat unsuitable substances such as faeces are described as suffering from pica, which occurs sometimes during pregnancy, in children, and often in mental disorders. The two chief disorders, however, are excessive increase of appetite, and diminution or loss of appetite (see also EATING DISORDERS).

Excessive appetite may simply be a bad habit, due to habitual over-indulgence in good food and resulting in GOUT, OBESITY, etc. – according to the other habits and constitution of the person. It may also be a sign of DIABETES MELLITUS or thyrotoxicosis (see under THYROID GLAND, DISEASES OF).

Diminished appetite is a sign common to almost all diseases causing general weakness, because the activity of the stomach and the secretion of gastric juice fail early when vital power is low. It is the most common sign of DYSPEPSIA due to gastritis, and of cancer of the stomach. In some cases it is a manifestation of stress or strain such as domestic worry or dif?culties at work. Indeed, appetite seems to be particularly susceptible to emotional disturbances, as is evidenced by the linked conditions of BULIMIA (pathological overeating) and anorexia nervosa (pathological dieting) – see also EATING DISORDERS.... appetite

Appetite – Excessive

May be due to worms, pregnancy, nervous excitability in adolescents. Unhappy anxious people tend to over-eat. With some forms of indigestion there is constant desire to eat. To decrease appetite. Fennel, Hawthorn, Wild Lettuce, Chickweed, Comfrey. ... appetite – excessive

Appetite, Loss Of

Loss of appetite is usually temporary and due to an emotional upset or minor illness. Persistent loss of appetite may have a more serious underlying cause, such as chronic infection or cancer.... appetite, loss of

Appetite Stimulants

Various tonics and remedies traditionally prescribed to stimulate the appetite.

None are proven to be effective.

Some drugs such as corticosteroids may stimulate the appetite when used to treat unrelated disorders.... appetite stimulants


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