Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications like loperamide can be used judiciously for diarrhea (avoiding use if fever, blood in stool, or infection is suspected), though patients should consult their healthcare provider before regular use
Normal pleasure processing usually remains intact, despite rare reported cases of anhedonia
Once inside the brain and other tissues, it plays several crucial roles: facilitating nitrogen transport between tissues, aiding in acid-base regulation, supporting gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose), and acting as a precursor for nucleotide synthesis and the antioxidant glutathione (Newsholme, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition )
Expected 12-month results include 15 to 22% body weight loss (50 to 75 pounds for a 300-pound person), 5 to 8 inch waist circumference reduction, major improvement in mobility and physical function, and often dramatic improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions including sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and joint pain