Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, with about one in every four Americans classified as obese. This development has led to a proliferation of slimming tablets, all promising various degrees of weight loss. Because they aren't subject to the same tough regulatory standards as prescription drugs, such products can easily be purchased in supermarkets and online. While all slimming tablets boast weight-loss results, their efficacy and potential side effects greatly vary.
Types
A multitude of slimming tablets has been introduced to over-the-counter consumers over the past few years, ranging from safe products to those that have been outright banned by the Food and Drug Administration. Those considered likely to be safe include chromium and guar gum, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those that have been banned or labeled likely unsafe include Ephedra and country mallow.
Function
Slimming tablets work in a number of ways. The product Alli, for instance, reduces the absorption of dietary fat. Bitter orange works by increasing calories burned, while chromium decreases appetite and builds muscle. Other products claim to increase metabolism or the feeling of fullness, all with varying degrees of success.
Effects
Along with the all the slimming tablets have come a number of potential side effects. Long-term use of such products can make you vulnerable to several risks, including heart attack or a similar cardiovascular event, primary pulmonary hypertension and heart murmurs or abnormalities of the heart valves. Additional side effects may result if slimming tablets are taken alongside a regular prescription medication.
Considerations
Doctors will sometimes recommend slimming tablets based on specific criteria. One criterion, body mass index, is used to estimate body fat. When they're prescribing medications, doctors consider body mass, in addition to factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or relatively large waist circumference.
Potential
Relying solely on slimming tablets is usually insufficient in achieving weight loss. With slimming products that are effective, it is still necessary to take those products as part of a larger weight-loss approach that includes changes in diet and exercise. This includes lowering caloric intake and portion sizes and daily workouts in a gym or outdoors.
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