How Naltrexone Helps Weight Loss

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 3 years ago · 4 min read

Every day more and more people suffer from obesity. Unless people start worrying about this issue, the lives of people who suffer from obesity will not improve. That's why Naltrexone has become a popular medication for weight loss therapy. This medication can help suppress cravings. When taken in a combined treatment like Wayt Less, the benefits of this medication far outweigh the Naltrexone cost. Read on to learn more about this medication and how it contributes to weight loss therapies. 

About Naltrexone

Your body naturally produces opioids, such as endorphins and enkephalins, which contribute to feeling good sensations. This is your body's reward system. Sometimes, your body will produce opioids when you eat, making you enjoy food. Naltrexone is a chemical antagonist that is used to block opioid receptors in the brain. To put this simply, you will be less likely to experience cravings if you take Naltrexone. Aside from this, you will also find that Naltrexone can improve your immune system, reduce chronic pain, and work as an anti-inflammatory. 

While it is generally given as pills, you may also find Naltrexone injections, patches, or implants. Your doctor will decide the right method for you, taking into account things such as your body composition and the Naltrexone cost. 

Its History

Naltrexone is a synthetic medication that was first used to treat alcohol addictions. It was originally believed to treat behavioral disorders as well and has been used in the mental health field. With this being said, it is often that addictions can cause many mental health issues, so Naltrexone was seen as a valid cure for both problems. 

In the past, Naltrexone also became popular because it blocked opioid receptors in the brain. Therefore, it became a popular drug for curing opioid addictions and opioids causing addictions, such as impulsive behavior. In more recent times, it has been scientifically proven to help with these issues. 

How It Works

This medication works by binding to the opioid receptors in your body. Some experts also believe that it works by blocking the effects of opioids that naturally occur in the body, such as endorphins. It belongs to a class of medications known as opioid antagonists. Because of the way it works, weight loss treatments that incorporate this medication, such as Wayt Less, are worth the Naltrexone cost. 

Its Upsides

Many weight loss programs, such as Nu Image Medical's Wayt Less, incorporate Naltrexone because of its many benefits. For instance, it helps to curb cravings. In other words, you will be less likely to overeat or eat when you're not hungry. This ability to stop cravings also makes it an ideal opioid and alcohol addiction treatment. You may also find that you have lower levels of stress while on this medication. Plus, studies have shown that your body will not build up a tolerance to this medication, so you can take it for long periods.

This medication is most popular as a tablet, although it is also available as an injectable medication if necessary. If you are considering it for weight loss but cannot afford the high Naltrexone cost, it is also available as a generic. 

Methods for Taking It

Naltrexone is available as both a tablet or an intramuscular injection. However, most weight loss treatments, such as the Wayt Less program offered by Nu Image Medical, prescribes pills. These tablets will likely be taken once per day. Taking it with food will likely decrease your chances of an upset stomach, as with most medications. Consider using a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone reminder to help you remember to take your medication on time. You may also want a family member or friend to remind you to take your pills, if possible. 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is close to your next dose. Do not double your dose or take more than is prescribed. 

When It Starts Working

Naltrexone will begin working shortly after taking your first dose. The amount of Naltrexone in your system will peak just an hour after you take your first pill. 

Its Responses and Effectiveness

The amount of Naltrexone in your system will peak within an hour after you take a pill. How long it stays in your system varies on your dosage. The lower doses used in weight loss programs will likely require you to take pills daily. Remember, always take medications as prescribed by your doctor. Doubling your dose will not guarantee that it lasts longer and will not lower your Naltrexone cost. 

Tips to Take It Right

Take this medication as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than is recommended. It is also recommended that you take it in conjunction with other weight loss medications, such as Orlistat. Purchasing Naltrexone through a combination weight loss program, such as Wayt Less, may reduce the burden of the Naltrexone cost. Additionally, make sure that you carry an identification card that alerts medical professionals that you are taking Naltrexone. You can pick up a Naltrexone identification card at most treatment centers. 

Additional Benefits

Aside from weight loss benefits and opioid treatments, Naltrexone can also help with autoimmune disorders. It can help support a healthy immune system by helping to rebalance T-helper cells, known as the master cells of your immune system. This is important because people with autoimmune disorders often have impaired T-helper cell function. Specifically, Naltrexone is helpful because it encourages the production of Tregs, which helps suppress overactive cells. In other words, it can help your immune system stop attacking itself. 

Also, Naltrexone can help offer relief from chronic pain. Issues such as complex regional pain syndrome can be excruciating. Research also suggests that this condition is worsened by sleep apnea and microglial activation in the brain. By keeping the microglia in the brain in a resting state and increasing endorphins, Naltrexone is said to reduce the pain and inflammation from complex regional pain syndrome. 

Studies have also looked at the effectiveness of Naltrexone for fatigue and nerve disorders. For instance, this medication can reduce fatigue and symptoms in people with issues such as Parkinson's disease. It may also help people with incurable degenerative diseases, such as ALS and PLS. This is because these issues may also have an autoimmune component, so Naltrexone can protect the brain from further damage by increasing endorphins. People involved in these studies noticed improvements in balance, speech, energy, and breathing. 

Naltrexone has also been used to help relieve the symptoms of autism in children. This is because the opioid system and endorphins have important impacts on social interactions, which are impaired in autistic people. Early studies have shown that this does improve the endorphins and reduces symptoms in children with autism. The children in these studies had improved stress resilience, social bonding, emotional well-being, mood, and immunity. 

Losing weight doesn't have to be a scary experience. Knowing more about what options are out there to help you lose weight is the first step to a better life. Fortunately, the information presented here about Naltrexone has given you an understanding of one option. Now you have the power to take another step. Don't wait any longer. Start your weight loss journey today. 

Nu Image Medical® offers a new and futuristic approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. The company has been a weight loss, anti-aging and wellness provider since 2004 and offers medically supervised programs for medical weight loss, peptides, erectile dysfunction, scream cream, and hair loss (NuDew) 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.