Alli is also the only non-prescription weight loss drug approved by the FDA. All the other weight-loss aids sold over the counter are considered supplements. The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, has ordered the recall of a number of over-the-counter weight loss pills over the years because of false advertisement claims and tainted formulas. Because no regulation exists on weight-loss supplements, it's buyer beware when it's time to choose one.
Types Available
Weight loss pills are available in three types: appetite suppressants, fat burners and fat blockers. According to The Diet Channel, appetite suppressants trick your brain into believing you're full, so you eat less. Fat blockers like Alli prevent your body from absorbing the fat you eat so you end up consuming fewer calories. Fat burners are pills that work by increasing your metabolism, thus increasing the speed at which you burn calories. Many fat burners are eventually taken off the market because they can cause serious side effects, such as heart problems, according to Consumer Research. Hydroxycut and Xenadrine are two examples of recalled fat burners.
Effectiveness
The only over-the-counter weight loss medication that has been tested and undergone clinical trials is Alli. According to MayoClinic.com, Alli is an effective weight-loss aid. However, results are minimal. MayoClinic.com estimates that people taking Alli and following a low-fat diet and fitness plan will lose five to seven pounds more than those doing the diet and exercise part alone. Conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, might also be somewhat effective, according to MayoClinic.com. No sufficient evidence is available to prove that the other weight-loss aids sold over the counter, like bitter orange, chitosan, chromium and country mallow, are effective. The likely or possible safe products include conjugated linoleic acid, chitosan, guar gum and green tea extract.
Other Factors
Over-the-counter weight loss supplements rarely come with a specific diet and exercise plan. However, MayoClinic.com says that both are required in order to lose weight. Alli offers a starting pack that comes complete with healthy eating guide, calorie and fat counter and quick-fact cards. It also allows you access to a personalized online program where you can learn how to make dietary changes that fit your needs and schedule. Most other diet pills are sold without any nutritional backing or suggestions.
Dangers
Since over-the-counter weight loss supplements are not regulated, it's basically up to you to decide which one is safe. MayoClinic.com says most of the OTC weight-loss aids are likely safe but no definitive studies exist. Ephedra and country mallow, on the other hand, are likely to be unsafe and have been banned by the FDA. Diet pills can cause a number of side effects, including increased blood pressure, gastrointestinal trouble, flu-like symptoms, insomnia and even stroke, according to an article in the "Daily Mail" U.K.
Self-Protection
Since no regulation exists on OTC weight-loss products, The Diet Channel recommends being cautious when selecting what to take. A pill that sports a "USP Verified Mark" has undergone third-party testing to prove that the pill contains the ingredients listed on the label. This is no guarantee that the product will work, but it's a quality assurance that shows the product contains what's advertised. Because very few supplements have been studied at length, it's up to the buyer to look for warnings and possible side effects. Ignore the company's website and instead use a website like WorstPills.org, a consumer-advocacy organization.
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