Due to intense internet marketing and intentionally subtle name variations, people seeking help with weight loss are confused about three similarly named compounds:

So, what  is so different between phentermine and phentramine or phentramine hcl?

Well, a lot!

Phentramine is a supplement.  This means what’s in it is not regulated by the FDA-and claims regarding what the product might do are not scientifically proven. This particular supplement contains, among other things, hoodia, ginseng, and black pepper.  These substances are thought to improve energy and help the body burn more calories, but the results are quite variable.

Phentramine HCl is also a supplement composed of phenylethylamine and often mixed with caffeine.  Phenylethylamine, although chemically similar to phentermine, is NOT the same!  One big difference is how quickly the body metabolizes (breaks down) the phenylethylamine, which means the supplement is not able to suppress hunger as well as phentermine.  And remember:  because it is a supplement, no scientifically based studies regarding its effectiveness are necessary.  Caffeine may cause the body to burn a few more calories, but, again, the results are variable.

Phentermine is an FDA-regulated medication which has been available and indicated for weight loss.  Multiple scientific studies have been done showing how this drug significantly reduces hunger at the appetite center in the brain.  As a board certified bariatric physician I am trained to prescribe this drug and other appetite suppressants safely and effectively.  And the results are consistently great!

So, the saying “You get what you pay for” (and sometimes even less) is true. 

At Peak Nutrition and Weight Loss Clinic we provide a comprehensive medically supervised weight loss program that includes prescription appetite suppressants that really work.

In a recent segment of Dr. Phil’s show entitled Dangerous Fads, critical comments were made regarding the use of phentermine to help obese people lose weight.  The topic at hand involved the perils of “fad” programs, including inappropriate prescribing of phentermine for weight loss. Specific areas of concern raised included the potential for addiction, the risk of heart problems, and the inappropriate prescribing/monitoring of patients by the physician. These are very serious issues that must be addressed to provide a more balanced perspective on the rightful place phentermine has in the fight against obesity.

As a board certified bariatric physician and a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, my primary goal is to provide my patients with both safe and effective treatments to achieve their weight loss goals.  At Peak Nutrition and Weight Loss Clinic we take a comprehensive approach including nutritional counseling with registered dieticians, cognitive behavioral therapy, the highly structured and successful OPTIFAST full meal replacement program, exercise prescriptions, and the appropriate use of appetite suppressants, such as phentermine. 

Dr Phil’s segment stated that people who used phentermine could become addicted to it.  Phentermine has been available to help people lose weight since 1959.  It is not the same as amphetamine (aka “speed”).  In fact, the FDA is expected by many authorities to approve a combination appetite suppressant that will have phentermine as one of the ingredients.  “In 46 years of world-wide use there has never been a case of phentermine addiction reported,” according to one review.  To compare phentermine, which has FDA approval for weight loss, to the street drug “Ecstasy” is absurd and irresponsible.

Dr Phil’s show suggested that phentermine would cause heart problems.  The guest doctor then proceeded to mention the “fenfluramine-phentermine” combination where some people developed pulmonary hypertension (a heart condition). What he did not say was that it was the fenfluramine that was found to cause this heart problem, not the phentermine!  Fortunately for those needing help with weight loss, good science and level headed thinkers prevailed:  only fenfluramine was pulled off the market.

Another issue raised on Dr. Phil’s show was that patients were not being adequately monitored  by the prescribing physician.  This is a legitimate concern that must be addressed.  Phentermine should only be prescribed by an experienced physician who will provide the necessary medical supervision to ensure patient safety while taking this drug.   

At Peak Nutrition and Weight Loss Clinic we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality medical care while helping them achieve their weight loss goals.  We don’t prescribe “fads”, rather we provide medical solutions for the overweight.

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The Holly Springs location is looking great and coming along quick.  Dr. Blackwell and I took a stroll out to the new office today and not only are the walls up, but they are painted in beautiful shades of cappuccino, plum, and teal.  The cherry wood  cabinets and smokey countertops are installed in the lab and breakroom, and the carpenter is currently installing the front desk countertops today (as you can see by the picture).   The construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of next week with a final inspection to follow.  I will be making another trip out next week so I will have more pictures to come.  Thank you for everyone’s support and excitement – We are so eager for you all to see the final product, too!