{"id":631320,"date":"2025-02-11T10:34:23","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T15:34:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631320"},"modified":"2025-10-22T20:17:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T00:17:56","slug":"phentermine-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/phentermine-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"Phentermine diet plan: Tips for healthy weight loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Phentermine<\/span><\/a> is a generic prescription appetite suppressant<\/a> prescribed to adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher for weight loss. It may also be prescribed to adults with a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related health condition such as controlled <\/span>high blood pressure<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>diabetes<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>high cholesterol<\/span><\/a>. Phentermine is one of the oldest weight loss drugs on the market and is also available as brand-name <\/span>Lomaira<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Adipex-P<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This drug is meant to be used in conjunction with exercise, behavior modifications, and changes in how and what you eat. As a result, people who take phentermine not only lose weight but also reduce their blood pressure and blood sugar. Here\u2019s what to know about the best foods to eat and what to avoid on phentermine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Where can I get phentermine?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Phentermine weight loss: How the drug works in the body<\/span><\/h2>\n

Phentermine<\/span><\/a> belongs to a class of drugs called \u201canorectics\u201d that stimulate the neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the central nervous system to suppress feelings of hunger and increase metabolism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Phentermine is a Schedule IV <\/span>controlled substance<\/span><\/a>, which means it has the potential for abuse and dependence. It is chemically related to the <\/span>ADHD<\/span><\/a> drug amphetamine and other <\/span>central nervous system (CNS) drugs<\/span><\/a> that are often abused. For that reason, phentermine is usually prescribed at the start of a weight-loss program at the lowest effective dose for just a few weeks. However, some healthcare providers prescribe phentermine for a <\/span>longer time <\/span><\/a>under close supervision. Once you take a dose, <\/span>phentermine starts to work quickly<\/span><\/a> and reaches the highest levels in the blood within several hours. But it can take a few weeks to see results.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPhentermine primarily works by suppressing the appetite,\u201d explains <\/span>Jessica Cutler<\/span><\/a>, MD, who performs bariatric surgery at the Maryland Bariatric Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. \u201cSome people report increased energy and concentration on this medicine, which can help them implement better exercise and dietary choices.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Phentermine is typically taken once daily before breakfast or one to two hours after breakfast. Some people take smaller doses more often if recommended by their healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to eat on phentermine<\/span><\/h2>\n

While there is no specific list of foods that comprise a phentermine diet, and there is no particular phentermine diet plan, there are definitely some foods you will want to focus on. The best foods to eat while taking phentermine are foods that you\u2019ll want to eat regardless of whether you\u2019re on weight loss medication: foods that are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can help keep you feeling energized.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAim to eat a diet that incorporates enough protein to maintain your body\u2019s muscle mass and enough vitamins and fiber to maintain your body\u2019s other systems,\u201d Dr. Cutler advises. \u201cIt is possible to lose weight in an unhealthy manner, but it is important to lose weight in a healthy way,\u201d she says. Being mindful of your diet can help you lose weight while staying healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/span>Best diet for weight loss<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cAim to eat foods that provide nutrients like potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and calcium,\u201d says <\/span>Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes<\/span><\/a>, a registered dietitian, spokesperson for the <\/span>Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics<\/span><\/a>, and founder of 360Girls&Women. Choose whole grains like millet, oats, buckwheat, and brown rice. Focus on nuts, seeds, yogurt, vegetables, and fruits like blackberries and blueberries. \u201cFruits and non-starchy vegetables are low in calories, and they naturally contain water to help keep you hydrated,\u201d Anderson-Haynes says. This is important since phentermine may cause you to have a dry mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Foods to avoid on phentermine<\/span><\/h2>\n

The foods you should avoid on phentermine are the same foods you should avoid if you want to lose weight. Some specific foods to avoid include:<\/span><\/p>\n