How Acarbose Combats the Effects of Alpha Amylase

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 · 8 min read

Have you ever heard of a âcarb blockerâ? You may have wondered about how it works, and about the science behind how it helps you lose weight? What is Acarbose (Precose®) and what role does it play in weight loss?

What Exactly Is A Carbohydrate (Carb) Blocker? 

Acarbose (Precose®) is actually a âcarb blockerâ or carbohydrate blocker. It is an FDA-approved prescription medicine that is designed to slow down the digestion of the carbohydrates in your digestive system. You may have heard of carbohydrates being commonly referred to as âcarbsâ.

Obesity And Overweight Are Major Global Health Concerns

Did you know that today the World Health Organization (WHO) considers obesity to be a major health risk worldwide? Obesity has tripled since 1975. Nearly two (2) billion adults who are age 18 or older and live around the globe are considered to be either obese or overweight.

Over 38 million children who are less than five (5) years old, are also overweight or obese. Not that long ago, obesity or overweight conditions were mostly seen in as a problem in countries that were considered âhigh-income.â That is different today. Overweight and obesity are increasing in numbers in the middle- and low-income countries, as well. Almost half of the children identified as obese or overweight live in Africa and Asia.

In fact, according to the World Health Organization, most of the people on the planet live in countries where â⦠overweight and obesity kill more people than underweight.â

Further, obesity and an overweight condition are known to be a risk factor contributing to chronic diseases. Like cancer, diabetes, and severe cardiovascular diseases⦠all of which may require the need for treatment.

Very importantly, it is considered that being obese or overweight can actually be prevented. This fact shows great promise for both the short-term and long-term benefits resulting in healthier weight levels in the population, and a decrease in chronic diseases.

Acarbose (Precose®) Promotes Weight Loss Effectively In Both Obese And Overweight Patients

Clinical studies show that Acarbose (Precose®) is proven to promote weight loss. One study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Studies was aimed at evaluating the effect that acarbose has on weight loss in overweight, or obese patients who did not have diabetes.

This study is clearly very important in light of the fact that obesity and overweight are prevalent in the population worldwide, and that each one is a recognized risk factor that leads to several chronic diseases.

This significant study was a double blind randomized controlled clinical trial. It was conducted on 66 patients with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 kg/m(2). The group that was treated with acarbose took 100mg of the prescription medicine 3 times a day over 20 weeks. They took acarbose in combination with exercise and a low-calorie diet.

The control group took a placebo along with the low-calorie diet and exercise. After the 20-week study period, the body mass index (BMI) was measured on all of the participants.

The Results Of The Acarbose Study

The patients in both the Acarbose and placebo groups had very little significant difference in their body mass index (BMI) at the start of the study. Weight reduction was measured in both the acarbose and placebo groups each month throughout the duration of the study. At the end of the study (or the 5th month) the body mass index (BMI) in the group receiving the acarbose medicine was significantly less than the body mass index (BMI) that was measured in the placebo group of patients.

The study concluded that acarbose, particularly when it was used in combination with the low-calorie diet and with exercise, seems to help lose weight effectively in overweight and obese patients. It is noted the study was conducted in a community that typically consumes a high carbohydrate diet.

It is also good to know that studies have shown that Acarbose helps to control blood sugar levels, too.

How Does Acarbose (Precose®) Work?

Acarbose weight loss works on the starchy white components of carbohydrates. This starch is a form of carbohydrate that is considered to be non-nutritive. It is found in comfort foods like rice, potatoes, bread, and pasta.

The body digests this starch and converts the carbohydrate into sugar. The body then stores this sugar as fat so it can burn it as energy later.

Acarbose goes to work by blocking the absorption of the starchy components of carbohydrates before it is digested. It does not affect the absorption of the other healthy components of foods like whole grains and fruit. As Acarbose goes to work on the starches, it interrupts digesting them. In turn, they are not converted into fat or sugar, which then helps to reduce the body fat.

There are enzymes that the body has to help it digest the starch and carbohydrates. One of the enzymes is called is alpha-glucosidase. It is in the small intestine. There is another enzyme called alpha-amylase. It is associated with the pancreas.

Alpha-amylase helps to digest the starch and turn it into sugar, which the body stores as fat. Acarbose âblocksâ the action of the alpha-amylase enzyme. Preventing it from breaking the starch down into fat or sugar. What would then be glucose molecules pass through the body as waste instead.

What Are The Benefits Of Acarbose (Precose®)?

There are additional benefits to taking the prescription medication Acarbose. It helps to suppress the appetite. Less appetite means it helps to curb those unwanted food cravings that pop up in the middle of the night, too.

Even More Benefits To Using Acarbose (Precose®)

Acarbose is clinically shown to help regulate blood sugar and lower insulin resistance. It is known to aid in stabilizing blood sugar which is helpful in reducing the risk of both heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

It blocks the absorption of carbohydrates and sugar. Taken prior to eating, it is particularly beneficial in blocking carbohydrates when eating a meal that is loaded with carbs, or even better⦠on one of those âcheatâ days.

Another plus is that it is known to improve digestion. When combined with exercise and a sensible diet, it can promote significant weight loss. Even individuals who have taken it and continue to eat their high carbohydrate diet, have still lost weight. It boosts energy levels, too.

How Does Acarbose Weight Loss And WAYT-less Work Together?

The good news gets even better. The Nu Image Medical WAYT-less weight loss program combines the effectiveness of Acarbose (Precose®) with two more well-known prescription medicines for weight loss.

They are Orlistat (Generic Xenical®) and Low Dose Naltrexone. When these two medicines are combined with Acarbose, it makes up the perfect environment for optimum weight loss.

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor medicine. It is usually given to overweight patients with a disease such as diabetes, or a condition like high blood pressure. It prevents some fats from being absorbed when they reach the intestine.

When Acarbose is combined together with Orlistat, the chances of experiencing adverse gastrointestinal side effects (from Orlistat) are significantly reduced. Another benefit to this duo is they lessen glucose spikes that can follow a meal. This in turn helps to prevent a drop in blood sugar.

Combining Low Dose Naltrexone with Acarbose creates a new benefit. Together they suppress both cravings and appetite. Low Dose Naltrexone works in the brain center by reducing hunger and helps to control cravings.

These three medicines are put together in WAYT-less. They provide optimum benefits for an effective prescription weight loss program when combined with exercise and a sensible diet. Are you interested in a diet that is designed to go with the three weight loss medicines that are combined in WAYT-less? You can click to learn more about the WAYT-less Diet guide here.

 

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.