Medicine for Weight Loss

Reaching for weight loss pills may seem like an easy way to lose weight, but this isn't the case. Weight loss pills have numerous side effects and other things you must consider before you use them. The only way to lose weight and keep it off is to adopt a healthy lifestyle, which involves more than just popping weight-loss pills.

Types

Weight loss medications are available in over-the-counter or prescription varieties. Over-the-counter medications are usually weight loss supplements or dietary supplements. These include a reduced strength version of the prescription drug orlistat, as well as products with a variety of other active ingredients, such as green tea extract, hoodia or chitosan. Prescription medications include orlistat, sibutramine, diethylpropion and phentermine.

Time Frame

Most weight loss medications are intended for only short-term use. MayoClinic.com notes that weight loss prescriptions are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use up to 12 weeks. The exceptions to this are orlistat and sibutramine. While over-the-counter medications don't have a set length of time that is suitable for use, they are only intended for short-term use.

Warning

As is the case with any medication, weight loss medications have possible side effects. FamilyDoctor.org states some possible side effects of weight loss medications include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, headaches, nausea, constipation and insomnia. There is also a slight chance of liver damage when using orlistat--for both the prescription and over-the-counter forms of the drug.

Misconceptions

Prescription weight-loss medications must have the approval of the FDA before they are put on the market. However, over-the-counter weight loss supplements that are sold as dietary supplements don't need to have this approval, so many products may be dangerous, states MayoClinic.com. Because of this, take extreme care if you take over-the-counter products.

Considerations

All weight-loss medications work best in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise and a healthy diet. For weight loss, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends moderate intensity exercise for at least 60 to 90 minutes daily. The diet should be a low-calorie diet that includes foods from all six food groups. These food groups are grains, milk, vegetables, lean protein and beans, oils and fruits.