13 October,2009 07:31 AM IST | | Kumar Saurav
With city nutritionists alarmed at fitness-conscious Indians reaching out for hunger suppressants, here's why pills that can reduce your calorie intake by a massive 2,000 calories, are just not worth it
Some say the only thing that's as good as a romp is a big fat chomp. Had everyone been able to control hunger, not a soul would have been plump. Since that's next to impossible, at least voluntarily, young fitness-conscious Indians seem to have found a new way to fat freedom. They are hooked onto hunger suppressants, pop-alicious, easy, diet-damning tablets that even Hollywood celebs Jon Bon Jovi, Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, and Tom Cruise are hooked on. These appetite killers, that are available in tablet form and cost between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,250 a box, can reduce your calorie intake by up to 2,000, but the collateral damage they cause make them so-not worth it.
"I have been approached by parents with obese kids, who tend to make do with such suppressants. Since they are available over the counter, usage is extensive. They are usually categorised as herbal, chemical or natural medicine," says Shikha Sharma, nutritionist. She wonders why you'd want to opt for chemical suppressants when two chana rotis with a glass of lassi is a natural, tasty and healthy snack that can suppress hunger for close to ten hours.
Celebs killing hunger
>>Angelina Jolie
>>Tom Cruise
>>Brad Pitt
>>Jessica Simpson
Hunger suppressants include
Carlluma Fimbarta:u00a0Signals the brain to avoid sensation of hunger.u00a0
Chromium picolinate: Stabilises blood sugar level needed to maintain metabolism.u00a0
Citrimax: An extract of citrus tree Garcinia Camogia, it lowers fat production from carbohydrates by directly converting them into glucose.u00a0u00a0
Guarana: Mood elevator that defers hunger suppression.
L-Carnitine: Amino acid dissociates fat from cells, suppressing appetite.
My fellow models say, why eat when you can smoke?
Sahiba Singh, model
I'm not too familiar with medication to suppress hunger, but I know smoking cigarettes kills appetite as does excessive consumption of tea and coffee. When I ask my model friends to come for lunch, they say, "Yaar, sutta maar lenge (we'll just smoke instead)." If you make it a habit to eat a limited quantity of food at regular intervals, you'll never eat more than you can.
Expert Speak: It can cost your kidneys, says doc
Dr Anup Dhir, senior consultant, Apollo Hospitalu00a0
Hunger suppressants have far more side effects than we imagine. By killing hunger, they are altering the nature of the human anatomy, and anything that interferes with the natural functioning of the organs or system, isn't advisable. Besides, these are toxic rich and can lead to kidney and liver failure. If you want to lose weight, consult a nutritionist to customise a controlled diet chart for you. They will recommend catabolic foods that help digestion, low sugar foods and alkaline stuff that help keep acidity in check.u00a0
Try natural suppressantsu00a0
Water: Aerated drinks and colas stimulate hunger pangs. Water, on the other hand, leaves you feeling full without increasing calorie count. Drink a couple of glasses of water before every meal.
Soups: If you can cook soup without cream and sodium, a bowl is an ideal snack. While dining out, start with a soup so that you don't end up bingeing on the main course.
Vegetables: The satiation value of green leafy vegetables is way higher than fast food. Tonight, surprise your spouse by bringing home doodhi (bottle gourd), Chinese cabbage and carrots instead of pasta, noodles and pizza.
Fruits: Bananas, apples and papaya not only leave you feeling full, they are also a healthy way of satisfying your sweet tooth. Have a portion of these when you crave a dessert.
Ginger works wonders
What until now was used as a spice, is being touted as the most effective herbal way to keep hunger in check. Rich in antioxidants, ginger roots provide instant energy, promote a feeling of satiation, boost metabolism, sharpen the mind and bring down cholesterol levels.
Taking them already? 6 easy ways to let go
>>Slowly start decreasing the serving size.
>>Stop when you feel satiated, not bloated.
>>Understand that being tired has nothing to do with being hungry.
>>Keep snacks out of sight.
>>Don't eat while watching television.
>>Keep a record of your meals and snacking, and review it every week.u00a0
The Upside
You consume 2,000 calories less
The Downsideu00a0
You are left with
>>Dry mouth
>>Disturbed sleep
>>Hypertension
>>Irritability
>>Unpleasant taste in mouth
>>Headaches
