According to Consumer Research, no over-the-counter diet pill is effective if you’re looking to lose a large amount of weight. Some diet pills will provide minimal results, while others have serious side effects and are unlikely to be effective. Some pills, like those containing hoodia, have been labeled by the advocacy group Public Citizen as a scam.
Alli
Alli is a milder version of Xenical, a prescription weight-loss drug that works by blocking the digestion of fat. Alli is the only FDA-approved weight loss pill sold over the counter. The Mayo Clinic points out that while Alli does cause some weight loss, the amounts are usually small and the side effects are bothersome. Alli is currently under investigation for reports of possible liver damage, and it can also cause diarrhea, oily spotting and weakness or fatigue. According to the Mayo Clinic, people taking Alli lose an average of 5 to 7 pounds more a year than people following a program of diet and exercise alone.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
The Mayo Clinic classifies CLA as “possibly effective” and “possibly safe.” Because supplements such as this are rarely studied in depth, definitive answers about their potential risks and efficacy are scarce. CLA seems to increase fat loss and energy expenditure. According to an article in "Health Castle," studies on conjugated linoleic acid show that the supplement is likely to cause fat loss but not weight loss. If your goal is to be lean and lose inches, rather than weight, this might be a good choice. Side effects are not well documented, so it’s important that you are particularly careful when taking this supplement.
Chromium Picolinate
The Mayo Clinic classifies chromium as “possibly safe,” which is more than can be said for many weight-loss supplements. It also points out that insufficient evidence is available to state whether chromium is effective for weight loss. Claims that it decreases appetite, increases calories burned and helps with muscle growth haven’t been proven so far. According to health expert Amanda Allen in an article for the Vanderbilt University website, one theory is that chromium works by improving insulin efficiency and aiding in the breakdown of fat. Another theory is that it simply burns fat while preserving muscle. While no conclusive scientific research exists on the subject, chromium seems to be safe enough that consumers could try it.
Member Comments