Are Serotonin diet pills mere hype or do they actually work? For many people, losing weight and then sustaining that weight loss is an overwhelming challenge.
The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that in the U.S., more than one-third of adults, or more than 79 million people, are obese.
In many cases, being overweight may be the result of an inability to control the appetite. In this regard, Serotonin diet pills may be able to help.
While adopting lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise are critical for weight loss, using supplements that boost Serotonin have also been clinically proven to promote weight loss.



- Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
- Enhances mood and alleviates stress
- Improves sleep and regulates appetite
Serotonin Diet Pills
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Obesity is a costly and common epidemiologic condition.
In 2008, the estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was $147 billion dollars; the medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of people of normal weight.
Over the past decade, a wide range of medical research studies has shown that factors related to appetite control can dictate how successful an individual will be at losing weight and staying in shape.
In this regard, diet pills that increase Serotonin levels may be able to help by reducing the appetite and controlling hunger cravings.
Appetite is controlled by a number of chemicals in the body including ghrelin, leptin, GLP-1 and hormones that stimulate the vagus nerve. Another chemical that plays a role in regulating appetite is Serotonin. This is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter that is involved in signaling the brain regarding how much food is available.
When food is readily available and we are able to consume carbohydrates and other sources of glucose, Serotonin levels are elevated. When food is scarce, Serotonin levels drop and we can begin to crave carbohydrates and other energy-dense food sources.
Serotonin diet pills may be able to trick the brain into thinking that you need to eat less food, thereby promoting weight loss.
How Does Serotonin Work?
Serotonin, produced in the pineal gland within the brain, is a “feel-good” hormone made from the essential amino acid L-Tryptophan. Tryptophan is first converted into the chemical intermediary 5-HTP, which can then be converted into Serotonin (5-HT). Serotonin is utilized by the nervous system to regulate sleep cycles, moods, bowel and bladder function, and appetite.
People deficient in the neurotransmitter Serotonin often manifest symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia or marathon napping, impaired judgment, shyness, weakness or fatigue, compulsive behavior, irritability, apathy, bipolar disorder, and weight gain.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of lingering depression affecting more than 25 million Americans in winter months. Women are more often affected than men.
SAD is caused by low Serotonin levels in the brain. A lack of light during the dark days of winter can lead to Serotonin deficiency and weight gain. With exposure to sunlight, Serotonin production increases and provides a sense of happiness, well-being, satisfaction, and appetite control.
Serotonin and Food Cravings
Low Serotonin levels are implicated in many issues connected with weight gain. Research studies show that when Serotonin levels are low, the body craves sweets and carbohydrates.
Serotonin-releasing brain neurons function in a unique manner in that the amount of neurotransmitter released is partially dependent on food intake. Carbohydrate consumption causes a release of Serotonin.
Even though Serotonin precursors like L-Tryptophan are high in protein-based foods, eating proteins does not trigger the same release of Serotonin. This may be related to the presence of other amino acids in proteins that compete with L-Tryptophan to access the brain via the Blood-Brain Barrier.
Intuitively, we all recognize the connection between mood and food. Almost everyone has a “comfort” food they crave in response to emotional stimuli. While these foods can temporarily improve mood and energy levels, they are often followed by a “crash” period of low energy and irritability. This may be followed by a desire to eat more carbohydrate-rich food.
A pattern of using carbohydrates as mood-enhancers is a possible cause of weight gain and obesity. Indulging these urges can lead to depression, loss of appetite control, low self-esteem, and weight gain.
Using a Serotonin supplement may help to reduce these cravings by keeping levels of this neurotransmitter stable. Serotonin diet pills may be effective for managing how our nutritional choices and lifestyle impact our moods, actions, and eventually, diet success.
How Does Serotonin Reduce Appetite?
Serotonin level fluctuations can dramatically alter behavior. This chemical is nature’s appetite suppressant.
In addition to regulating mood, Serotonin is also involved in the digestive process and in regulating the muscle contractions that move food through our intestines.
When Serotonin levels are high, this chemical inhibits appetite signaling, curbs cravings, and creates a sensation of satisfaction and fullness even if the stomach is empty.
This result is a feeling of satiety, eating less. and possibly losing weight. Many patients using Serotonin diet pills report that they eat less without even trying. In a number of research studies, individuals given Serotonin-boosting pills naturally consumed fewer calories during the day without being instructed to alter their dietary habits.
When calorie intake falls below the level of daily caloric expenditure, weight loss results. Research trials confirm that Serotonin diet pills may reduce the appetite to a degree that is significant enough to promote weight loss.
In one research study, obese patients were given 900 mg 5-HTP pills for a twelve week period. Oral supplementation with 5-HTP is considered the most effective way to increase Serotonin levels in the short-term. During the period of the study, one group was told not to make any changes to their diet and a second group was put on a set of dietary restrictions to reduce caloric intake.
Both of these groups lost weight, with the first group losing an average of 1.7 kg and the second losing an average of 3.3 kg. This demonstrates that Serotonin-boosting diet pills may help users lose weight even without making conscious changes to their diet; however, results will be best when adopting dietary changes as well.
At this time, the FDA has not approved 5-HTP as a drug to prevent or treat any condition or disorder.
Natural Ways to Increase Serotonin Levels for Weight Loss
There are many different reasons why some people have lower Serotonin levels than others. Serotonin deficiency may be caused by excess caffeine and/or alcohol consumption, smoking, chronic stress, lack of exposure to sunlight, lack of exercise, and a poor diet.
When looking for ways to increase Serotonin production to help control appetite, it is important to consider all of these factors in addition to using a Serotonin supplement.
Getting more activity, drinking more water, making dietary changes, spending more time outdoors in natural light, and sleeping more can all help to normalize Serotonin levels. You may want to look at your Vitamin D consumption and consider using a high-quality multivitamin supplement as many vitamins play a role in Serotonin synthesis.
Consider following the “Serotonin Power Diet” which is designed to balance levels of this hormone.
Finally, look at supplements that naturally raise levels of Serotonin in the brain. Most formulas include 5-HTP, and naturally are derived from an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia.
Another alternative is L-Tryptophan supplements, though 5-HTP seems to be more effective at increasing Serotonin levels. There are many different Serotonin diet pill formulations available, some of which combine these two compounds along with other appetite suppressant ingredients.
Before using any supplement for weight loss, consult your healthcare provider to rule out an underlying or undiagnosed cause of obesity. You should also ask your doctor about medical conditions or any prescription drugs or supplements that you take that could interact negatively with Serotonin boosting supplements.
By evaluating your current weight, dieting history, medical condition, lifestyle, and medication usage, your physician will be able to work with you to suggest a diet plan and the correct formulation and dosage of Serotonin diet pills to help you successfully reach your weight loss goal.
Article last updated on: May 5th, 2018 by Nootriment