What are ACE Inhibitors?
ACE Inhibitors are a group of pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of high blood pressure and the prevention of kidney failure. ACE stands for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme. Your body naturally produces chemicals to regulate the blood pressure called angiotensin II. Angiotensi II is produced by Angiotensin I then converted to Angiotensin II by enzyme action. This conversion is possible with the help of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). The purpose of this powerful chemical enzyme is to contract the muscles around the blood vessels narrowing the blood vessel itself which raises blood pressure. An “inhibitor” is a medication that slows or inhibits the enzyme activity decreasing the production of angiotensin which in turn enlarges the veins and arteries lowering blood pressure.
How ACE Inhibitors can Suppress Appetite for Weight Loss
Recently, scientists have suggested that the use of ACE Inhibitors may be effective for suppressing appetite for weight loss. The appetite suppression of this drug stems from one of its common side effects, which is a loss of taste that usually only lasts for the first two or three months of being on the medication. Because of this loss of taste there can be a subsequent loss of appetite which can result in minor weight loss.
Despite the speculations that ACE Inhibitors may decrease appetite, there is absolutely no proof that being on an ACE Inhibitor program will lower your body weight. However a recent study on mice, published by scientists in Australia, showed that mice with a deficiency in angiotensin II had a remarkable 50% less body fat accumulation particularly in their belly areas and overall weights 20% lower than their counterparts. To date there have been no trials done on human beings.
Prescription ACE Inhibitors
The following is a list of the most popular ACE Inhibitors and their corresponding brand names available by prescription: Aceon (Perindopril), Capoten (Captopril), Accupril (Quinapril), Lotensin (Benazepril), Vasotec (Enalapril), Prinivil (Lisinopril), Zestril (Lisinopril), Attace (Ramipril). Although known by different names, all of these ACE inhibitors are very similar; the only difference is in the process by which angiotensin is eliminated from the body. Once again there is no proof that one drug is superior to the others.
There are eleven different ACE Inhibitors available on the North America market by prescription. ACE Inhibitors are for treatment only and do not cure. You should not take any inhibitors if you are pregnant or have kidney problems. |
