Belviq is an FDA approved prescription weight loss pill created by San Diego based pharmaceutical company Arena.
There are two strengths available: Belviq and Belviq XR (extended release).
It is targeted towards overweight and obese individuals, claiming to help them lose weight and keep it off.
Belviq is said to assist in weight loss by reducing the appetite of users, therefore limiting the amount of calories they consume.
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Benefits
One in three Americans are now considered overweight or obese (1).
In the vast majority of cases, overeating and lack of exercise is the cause of weight problems.
A healthy, calorie controlled diet combined with an exercise regime is the best way to lose extra pounds.
Belviq is a prescription only based weight loss pill which is designed for people who have a BMI higher than 27.
It contains a main active chemical compound called lorcaserin hydrochloride.
Belviq claims to have the following benefits for those looking for help losing weight.
Appetite Control
It is no surprise that if we eat too much and do not move enough, we put on weight. This is due to those unused calories being stored as fuel for later.
These excess calories are stored as fat, usually on the stomach, hips and thighs.
Excess fat is a leading cause of many long term health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Losing weight by cutting down the amount that you eat can be very difficult. It feels like there is temptation everywhere, and then you get that dreaded hunger.
As sections of the stomach and intestine become empty, signals are sent to the brain which cause the stomach lining to contract. (2)
These contractions are what cause the sensation of hunger, and make you want to give up and eat that doughnut.
Belviq claims to be able to defend users from the hunger that threatens their dieting willpower.
It says it does this by providing a feeling of fullness with its appetite suppressant properties.
As the users appetite becomes reduced, the amount of calories consumed should also fall. This should result in a calorie deficit and therefore, weight loss.
Ingredients
Belviq contains a solitary active compound, here’s the background behind it:
Lorcaserin Hydrochloride (HCI)
The Belviq website states the precise mechanism of how lorcaserin HCI works is not fully understood.
It claims that Lorcaserin HCI works by interacting with the brain receptors for serotonin.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which is known to create a feeling of satisfaction and satiety. (3)
Lorcaserin HCI has been shown to activate what is known as 5-HT 2C serotonin receptors within the brain’s hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus is the part of the brain which controls many important body functions.
It is located towards the base of the brain and is responsible for the regulation of the sleep cycle, body temperature, and the appetite. (4, 5)
The 5-HT 2C receptors are binding sites for serotonin. When they are activated, they create a sensation of satisfaction like you feel when eating fast food. (6)
Lorcaserin HCI interacts with these receptors and fools the body into a state of satiety and suppresses the appetite. (7)
As well as appetite suppression, Lorcaserin has also been seen to help with weight loss. (8)
Side Effects
As with any medication, it is extremely important to be aware of potential side effects before use.
Unfortunately, Belviq has a very long list of side effects and risks, the likes of which can be quite disturbing.
The most common side effects of Belviq are headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and constipation.
For users who have diabetes, they can also experience low blood sugar, back pain and coughing.
Aside from the above, there are warning on Belviqs’ website regarding more serious risks of: suicidal thinking, painful erections, changes to heart rate, decreases in blood cell count, hallucinations and mania, changes to attention/memory, and valvular heart disease.
The FDA did not approve Arena’s first request in 2010 for approval of Belviq due to concerns regarding potential damage to the heart valves.
Approval was finally granted in 2012 on the basis of potential weight loss benefits outweighing the potential risks. (9)
Belviqs’ official website states it is not known whether Belviq can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes in users. (10)
If you are considering asking your doctor for Belviq, ask about these potential risks before making a decision.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage depends upon the strength of the formulation you are taking.
There are two available strengths: Belviq and Belviq XR.
Belviq pills are blue in colour and are a 10mg strength. If you are taking these you should take one pill twice a day.
Belviq XR pills are orange in colour and are a 20mg strength. If you are using these you should take one pill per day.
Both Belviq and Belviq XR perform exactly the same function over the course of the day.
Belviq XR 20 mg does not increase the rate of weight loss, it is simply a slower release of a higher dose. The effect is the same whether you take 10 or 20 mg Belviq.
It is recommended that you try to keep Belviq dosage times the same time every day. You do not need to take Belviq 10 mg or Belviq 20 mg with a meal.
If you miss a dose, never ‘double dose’ to catch up. This can be very dangerous.
FAQ
What is Belviq? Belviq is an prescription only weight loss medicine that suppresses the appetite by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain.
How do you take Belviq? Belviq should be taken according to the directions, depending upon the strength you have been prescribed. Belviq 10 mg (blue pill) should be taken twice a day. Belviq XR (orange pill) should be taken once a day. It is not necessary to be taken with food.
Who Should Use Belviq? Belviq is a prescription only medicine. It can only be recommended to you by your physician. Belviq is for use by overweight or obese individuals who require help controlling their appetite to lose weight.
Is Belviq safe? Although Belviq has been FDA approved, there is no guarantee that it will not cause potentially serious health issues. Belviqs’ own official website states that it is not known whether the medicine can cause increased risk of strokes or heart problems. There is a very long list of potential risks and side effects associated with Belviq. We recommend you consider these at length before deciding whether to use this medicine.
Where to buy Belviq? Belviq can only be purchased with a prescription from your physician. It can be purchased from pharmacies and pharmacy counters in most superstores.
Does Belviq really work? The active ingredients in Belviq have been clinically proven to help with weight loss. (11) It’s active ingredient suppresses the appetite and therefore reduces the amount of calories you consume. A reduction in calorie intake vs calorie expenditure will result in weight loss.
Does Belviq work immediately? Because Belviq works by way of appetite reduction, it will not make you lose weight immediately. Weight loss will come over the weeks and months that you are restricting your calorie intake due to lower levels of hunger. Belviq itself does not make you lose weight, a calorie deficit does.
Does Belviq give you energy? Belviq does not contain any stimulants like other weight loss pills on the market. So there is no reason why it should have an energising effect. You may experience a dip in energy due to reduction in food intake. As always it is best to eat a balanced, healthy diet to ensure you are getting the nutrition your body needs.
Is Belviq approved by the FDA? Yes, Belviq is approved by the FDA.
Why Is Belviq a controlled substance? Yes, Belviq is a federally controlled substance because it can lead to dependence or abuse. It is only available by prescription from your doctor. Always take according to directions and do not share this medication with any other person.
How much does Belviq cost per month? The cost of Belviq will depend upon your insurance plan and location. Most people will require 60 tablets per month.The average cost for this without insurance is $226 per month.
What class of drug is Belviq? Belviq is classified as a schedule 4 drug under the Controlled Substances Act by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It was classified as such in 2013.
Is Belviq addictive? Yes, Belviq has the potential to result in dependency, hence why the drug is a controlled substance. You must only use Belviq under the supervision of your physician and must never share this drug with anyone else.
Summary
Belviq is a potentially useful drug for those who have a high BMI and need help controlling their appetite.
It is important to recognise that Belviq does not stimulate weight loss, it simply prevents you from eating too much.
The extensive list of risks, side effects and warnings associated with Belviq are a serious cause for concern. This calls into question whether a lack of dieting willpower is worth the risk.
If you are someone who really struggles with hunger willpower, then providing you are fully aware of the risks involved Belviq might be a solution.
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