I once weighed 340lbs. and lost all the weight on my own without the help of diet pills or stimulants. In fact, the one day I took a “metabolism booster” supplement, I was so jittery I actually was in a car accident. I am a firm believer that diet and exercise and a commitment to yourself is the power you need to reach your weight loss goals. Today, many people looking to Hollywood’s cue are using Adderall for weight loss. Some reports indicate some going so far as crushing up the pill or snorting it to receive quicker results. While the medication has been on the market since the 60’s, it has most recently been used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Adderall is used to maintain a chemical balance in the brain so one can focus and is used for those who tend to be a bit hyper and unable to sit still. In all honesty, I do not think there is anything wrong with being unable to sit still, in fact I think as a society we sit too much. However, I do know that there is a legitimate need for this drug for those with the proper diagnosis and prescribed dosage. My concern is merely with the abuse and non-prescription use of this drug for weight loss and self-control.
One of the reasons many are turning to this drug is due to the side-effects of lack of appetite and weight loss. There are two things you need for sustainable weight loss and they’re an appetite, so you can fuel your body with PROPER nutrients and energy to NOT sit still so you’ll get up and exercise. Turning to a pill that could end up leading to psychological and chemical dependency is not the answer. In fact, medical experts say if you do not have ADHD and are taking this drug, you may find you need to steadily increase your dosage which is not safe, especially if you’re not being closely monitored. Studies show that abuse of Adderall can also lead to an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, irritability, sometimes psychotic behavior and often dependence.
My advice: if you do not legitimately need Adderall for what it is indicated for and your doctor does not prescribe it for you, do not use it. Drugs are tested for certain indications and your doctor will know your health history and what underlying side-effects it could have for you. Adderall is an amphetamine and you need to talk to your doctor seriously about it before self-prescribing. As for me, organic coffee and green tea is about as far as I go in terms of stimulants and I’ve been able to maintain my weight loss.
Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiancé, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.