Weight loss pills can be used as part of an overall health plan, but they should not be relied upon as a complete solution when trying to lose weight. Proper diet, sufficient exercise and an overall healthy outlook will all help you reach your goals. Weight loss pills can provide a great supplement to your efforts and will often speed results. Following directions for use can prevent many dangers that exist when these diet pills are overused.
Function
Alive.com points out that weight loss pills boost your metabolism, improve your mood and may offer nutritional support. An added bonus is a decrease in appetite, allowing you to cut calories without feeling hungry. Choosing pills that also add essential vitamins and minerals to your diet can improve your overall health while trying to lose weight.
Types
The Mayo Clinic looks at weight loss pills from a medical community standpoint, but they recognize that herbs and supplements for weight loss can be an important part of an overall program. Most non-prescription weight loss pills contain herbal ingredients in various combination. These ingredients have not been studied by the mainstream medical community, so many doctors advise against taking them. However, some of these herbal options have been used since as early as 2735 B.C. according to HerbPalace.com, consult with a homeopathic physician who is educated on the use of these herbs.
Misconceptions
Weight loss supplements are not a magic bullet. However, they are an excellent supporting tool to use in an overall program. All drugs and supplements have the potential to cause side effects--even prescription drugs. Thoroughly research each ingredient in a prescription or non-prescription supplement so you understand what you are putting into your body and how it might affect you.
Prescriptions
Most prescription weight loss pills are approved for short-term use in patients under close doctor supervision. They work by speeding up the metabolism, so people with heart problems should avoid them. Prescription weight loss drugs are used as part of an overall program to get the patient started on the right path with diet and exercise.
Features
The Mayo Clinic lists some common ingredients in over-the-counter weight loss pills. Bitter orange is the new substitute for ephedra, which is banned in the United States. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is often added to both weight loss supplements and muscle building supplements. Guar gum and other fiber-containing ingredients are often added to increase bulk and a feeling of fullness. Green tea extract and hoodia are in most weight loss pills because they increase the metabolism and decrease appetite. The Mayo Clinic warns that none of these ingredients have been definitively proven to spur weight loss, but again, homeopathic doctors might advise differently.
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