Diet pills often seem like the answer when you're trying to lose weight. The market for diet pills has grown tremendously since the early 2000s. Some diet pills even include suggested diet programs for you to follow while taking the supplement to enhance weight loss. Speak with your physician about the effectiveness of any particular diet pill along with any possible complications posed to your health.
Alli
Alli is an over-the-counter version of the prescription weight loss drug, Xenical, according to the Mayo Clinic. Alli works by blocking some fats from being absorbed into your body to aid in weight loss and is typically accompanied by a reduced-calorie diet menu, according to Drugs.com. Alli is intended for healthy adults over the age of 18. If you have gallbladder problems, diabetes or an inability to properly absorb foods, do not take Alli. As of September 2010, Alli is undergoing an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration due to reports of liver damage, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pregnant women should not take Alli because it may make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients. Even if you are not pregnant, your doctor may advise you to take a multivitamin. Take Alli as directed by the instruction label or as recommended by your physician. Do not take larger doses of the pills or more frequently than advised. While taking Alli, you may experience oily stools, gas with discharge, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rectal pain and diarrhea.
Hoodia
Hoodia contains an appetite suppressant known as P57, which is derived from a cactus-like plant that is native to the Kalahari Desert located in South Africa. Since the active ingredient is derived from a plant, it's considered to be a natural appetite suppressant, according to Drugs.com. P57 tricks your brain into thinking you're full, even if you've not eaten. There are no restrictions related to food intake or beverage consumption when taking Hoodia. A British pharmaceutical company, Phytopharm, is researching Hoodia as an anti-obesity drug as of 2010, according to Drugs.com. If you have heart disease, hypertension, diabetes or an eating or bleeding disorder, do not take Hoodia. Only take Hoodia as directed by the package insert or as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Hoodia has no known side effects; as of 2010, Hoodia is not known to interact with other medications or supplements.
Meridia
Meridia works by balancing norepinephrine and serotonin, which are chemicals in your brain. By balancing these chemicals, it helps increase the your metabolism and energy levels, and causes a feeling of fullness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The active ingredient, sibutramine, effectively achieves weight loss during the first three months of use then slows after that period of time. The average weight loss within one year of beginning Meridia is approximately nine pounds, according to the UMMC. Meridia also seems to improve cholesterol levels, lipid levels and may include heart benefits. If you suffer from hypertension, heart disease or other serious conditions, do not take Meridia. Those taking decongestants, MAOI or bronchodilators should not take Meridia. Meridia may cause constipation, dry mouth and insomnia as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
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