- With Mayo Clinic nutritionist
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor for the Food & Nutrition Center, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.
A Marinette, Wis., native, she is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She is active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in pediatrics at Mayo Clinic Rochester and nutrition education related to the physiology and recommended intakes for premature infants.
Other areas of interest include breast milk and formula safety, neonatal feeding, and nutrition for breast-feeding mothers.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
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Question
Phentermine: Can it help me lose weight?
What can you tell me about the appetite suppressant phentermine?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Phentermine (Adipex-P, Ionamin) is a prescription medication used to curb appetite. Phentermine is recommended for people who are seriously overweight, not those who simply want to lose a few pounds. Given the few long-term studies on phentermine, it's approved only for short-term use (a few weeks). Unfortunately, any weight lost during this time is usually regained. Phentermine side effects may include blurred vision, dry mouth, sleeplessness, irritability and constipation. Phentermine also increases heart rate and blood pressure. Don't take phentermine if you have certain medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid gland, glaucoma or diabetes. If your doctor prescribes phentermine, it should be part of an overall weight-loss plan that includes healthy eating and regular exercise. Remember, lasting weight loss requires permanent changes to your eating and exercise habits.
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