American consumers spend billions of dollars each year on diet pills and other weight loss aids, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. As a consumer, you expect a product to work and stand behind the claims advertised on the product label, but not all diet pills deliver results.
History
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate all diet pills. As of 2010, the only diet pill that is FDA approved is Alli. The FDA ensures that diet pills, along with other weight loss aids, are safe for a consumer to use, but the FDA does not ensure that the products work as they claim. This is why you may notice in small print that most diet products state a disclaimer that results are not typical.
Function
Different diet pills claim to work using certain methods. Depending upon the type of diet pill, it may help increase metabolism, reduce body fat, suppress appetite or block the absorption of dietary fat. Of all the diet pills on the market as of 2010, Alli is the only proven diet pill to work effectively, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Alli works by decreasing fat absorption from your diet.
Side Effects
Almost all diet pills have side effects whether they're over-the-counter medications or prescription medications. The most common side effects of day-to-day diet pills include gas, bloating, diarrhea and oily stools, according to KidsHealth.org. Since certain diet pills can influence your metabolism by increasing your heart rate, you may also experience heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness and anxiety or nervousness.
Warning
While Alli effectively aids in weight loss, as of 2010, the FDA is investing reports of liver injury. This proves that even FDA approved weight loss aids can seriously affect your health. At the same time, this also does not mean that all diet pills can have the same affects. Other serious side effects of day-to-day diet pills include heart attack, stroke and even death.
Considerations
If your weight concerns you, talk it over with your health care provider. He may be able to offer a viable solution to help you lose weight and keep it off. Prior to taking any diet pills or weight loss aids, speak to your physician or pharmacist about possible side effects or interactions with other drugs you may be taking. If your doctor approves of you taking a weight loss supplement, ask your doctor about taking a multivitamin to ensure you're receiving all the nutrients your body needs.
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