According to an article in Newsweek, many diet pills are not only ineffective, but they're also dangerous. Because no regulations exist on dietary supplements, it's up to you to decide what to take and whether the choice is a good one for you. Many ingredients that have been banned in the U.S., like ephedra, can still be found in pills bought over the Internet, as these products come directly from China or South America.
Step 1
Check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, website to see what pills to avoid. Because the list is long, you should print it out and take it along when you go shopping. You can also visit your local pharmacy or vitamin shop and write down the names of the pills you see there and then compare them with the list at home. This will also give you the option to search for more information about a specific brand or product and see if complaints or warnings exist about it.
Step 2
Talk to your doctor. If you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30, your doctor might prescribe a weight loss drug. Depending on your personal preference and lifestyle, two options are available: appetite suppressants and fat blockers. According to Redbook magazine, prescription diet pills do come with risks, including elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, nausea and diarrhea. Working with a doctor while taking prescription diet pills will keep you safe.
Step 3
Pick pills that have been studied. According to MayoClinic.com, most diet pills haven't been studied properly so there's no way to know if they're safe or even if they work. Some, however, are more likely to be safe, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), chromium, chitosan and guar gum.
Step 4
Stay away from pills containing caffeine or other stimulants. Metabolism boosters and fat burners often contain stimulants. According to Newsweek, these ingredients can cause heart palpitations, chest pains, insomnia and anxiety.
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