Diet Pills for the Obese

If you're suffering from obesity and are having difficulty losing weight, your physician may prescribe a diet pill to promote weight loss. Alternately, you may opt to use over-the-counter formulas as well. Although losing weight in a short amount of time is appealing, you should always adjust your diet to include healthy foods and partake in regular physical exercise, according to MayoClinic.com. There are several diet pills aimed to reduce obesity.

Orlistat

Orlistat is a diet pill available by prescription as well as over the counter. According to Rx List, prescription dosing is 120mg, while over-the-counter versions are 60mg. This drug functions as a lipase inhibitor, meaning it blocks the absorption of fat in the intestines and expels it through the stool. This medication is most effective when used in conjunction with a exercise regimen and adjusted diet low in fat and calories. Orlistat is especially effective in obese people at risk of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

Phenylpropanolamine

Phenylpropanolamine is an appetite suppressant available over the counter, but it can also be used as a decongestant, according to Drugs.com. It works by affecting the hypothalamus, the area of the brain responsible for hunger. Phenylpropanolamine may increase your blood pressure and heart rate, so have your physician evaluate your vital signs before taking this medication.

Ephedrine

Ephedrine is a diet pill that can help treat obesity by stimulating the central nervous system and suppressing the appetite. It also helps relax the smooth muscles surrounding the airways, according to the book "Nutrition." It is a controversial diet pill due to severe side effects that included death, Insel says. Ephedrine diet pills often accompany caffeine to increase appetite suppression but also have common side effects of nausea, vomiting and anxiety.