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If you are someone who is considering to shed off some pounds and are researching about different weight loss methods, then perhaps you have heard about Naltrexone for weight management. This drug was initially manufactured as an opioid antagonist and was later on discovered to have other beneficial effects.
Before you use Naltrexone for weight management, there is essential information you need to understand about this medication.
Overview of Naltrexone as an Opioid Antagonist
Naltrexone is not only used as an adjunctive medicine for drug addiction but also for alcohol dependence. It effectively blocks the receptors at the cellular level, thus, preventing the effects of endorphins, and even opioids. In short, naltrexone helps reduce an individual’s desire to take drugs or drink alcohol.
This is why drug addicts and alcoholic individuals are advised by a majority of doctors to use naltrexone, in addition to them completing treatment programs.
Treating Obesity and other Similar Problems With Naltrexone
The cases of obesity in the US have alarmingly increased over the years, and it has affected not just adults but also young children.
There are various reasons why a person is overweight, and one of which is the individual’s inability to manage his/her appetite. It’s just like with drug addiction where the desire for something is difficult to control. This time, though, the uncontrollable desire is for food, in which case prescription drugs like naltrexone is recommended.
Naltrexone for weight management is effective because it decreases the feeling of pleasure that you may have when consuming food. When your food cravings are reduced, it will naturally follow that you will lose a significant amount of weight in the long run.
Below are some reasons why experts recommend Naltrexone for weight management:
- It Reduces Your Resistance to Insulin
Health providers often fail to realize that obesity may be due to an individual’s resistance to insulin, particularly with patients who have hypothyroid problems. A study was conducted by Medicine West Division to help determine the effectiveness of Naltrexone for weight management. The research involved 12 women with hyperandrogenism whose glucose tolerance tests were normal. These women were divided into two groups, wherein six were given a daily dose of naltrexone at 75 mg, while the other six were given a placebo.
The increased testosterone level coupled with the resistance to insulin was found to be the leading cause that the subjects were having weight problems. After 12 weeks, the women were re-evaluated, and the results revealed that the medication helps lower resistance to insulin. At the same time, it helps decrease the level of androgen, which contributes to weight loss.
- It Improves the Quality and Quantity of Your Sleep
If you have noticed, whenever you lacked sleep for several days or weeks, your weight would usually increase. The reason is that when your body feels tired, it compensates by releasing more stress hormones, known as cortisol. Serotonin is also produced by your system whenever your body is experiencing a high level of stress. Most people respond by eating lots of junk food or sweets. When you consider all these factors, weight gain is to be expected.
Taking naltrexone improves your sleeping patterns, especially if you are experiencing sleep apnea, or if you have chronic or complex pain syndromes. Those who take 1.5 to 4.5 my of the drug during night time claims that there is an improvement in the duration and quality of their sleep.
- It may Have an Effect in Enhancing the Growth of Hormones in Your Body
The growth factor is essential in weight management because it sustains and builds muscle mass, as well as boosts your body’s ability to burn fat. According to studies, whenever your weight increases, the growth hormones in your body drops, and vice versa.
Another interesting discovery about Naltrexone for weight management by the Institute of Endocrinology in Italy suggests that there is a reciprocal link between the concentration of growth hormones and the plasma insulin levels. In the study, the basal insulin concentration of 12 obese women aged 25 – 41 years old decreased, while the growth hormones were elevated.
When naltrexone is used by an obese individual, it may boost their metabolism and enhance their muscle mass.
- It has an Anti-inflammatory Effect
There are several consequences which lead to weight gain whenever you’re suffering from inflammation, such as the following:
- Lower levels of T3 and T4 causing thyroid resistance
- Elevation in the level of leptin resulting in weight gain
- Increased resistance to insulin
- Reduced testosterone levels and elevated aromatase expression leading to rise of estrogen levels
- Increased appetite
Whenever there is inflammation in your body, your hormones are altered, which is why you may experience weight gain. By taking naltrexone, your body is able to regulate the cytokines, thereby reducing inflammation, and eventually decreasing your weight.
If you plan to use Naltrexone for weight management, don’t forget to consult your health provider first, so that proper assessment of your health may be performed. Doing so will also help your physician determine the correct dosage to ensure that you will safely lose weight.
