No pill can replace the all-important role of diet and exercise for enabling weight loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, over-the-counter natural weight loss pills are not subjected to the same degree of scientific scrutiny associated with prescription drugs. Supplement manufacturers can sell weight loss pills of dubious safety and efficacy without any consequences. For this reason, it is important to thoroughly research natural weight loss pills before using them. Several naturopathic supplements are associated with relatively few side effects. Consult your health care provider before taking any nutritional supplement if you have a medical condition.
Disproved Options
Several natural weight loss supplements are acutely dangerous and can cause serious, or even life-threatening, health problems. For example, herbs containing ephedrine, such as heartleaf and ephedra, are considered to be "likely unsafe." Mayo Clinic reports that these herbs have now been banned by the Food and Drug Administration. However, herbs containing the compound synephrine -- which is chemically similar to ephedrine and causes similar side effects -- are still sold legally in the United States.
Safer Alternatives
Several natural weight loss pills appear to be generally safe for short-term use. Mayo Clinic grants a "possibly safe" and "likely safe" rating to several naturopathic weight loss aids, including chitosan, chromium, conjugated linoleic acid, guar gum and green tea extract. Although none of these treatments has been approved by the FDA, they appear to cause relatively few serious side effects in otherwise-healthy adults. Neverthless, it is prudent to avoid using these products except under the guidance of a physician.
Function
Safe, natural weight loss pills vary in their method of action. According to the Mayo Clinic, CLA -- the fatty acid found in safflower oil -- may reduce body fat and support the development of muscle tissue. Green tea and chromium appear to reduce appetite and increase metabolism, while guar gum and chitosan work by blocking the absorption of dietary fat. Your personal weight loss goals may influence which product you select.
Side Effects
Most side effects of green tea extract relate to its high caffeine content, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Weight loss pills containing caffeine may trigger restlessness, agitation, anxiety and elevated heart rate. Guar gum and chitosan, which act directly in the digestive tract, can cause stomach discomfort, constipation or diarrhea. CLA can also trigger unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects.
Warning
Natural weight loss pills are not appropriate for everyone. Their side effects are more common and pronounced in people with certain medical conditions, so ask your doctor before using any of these products if you have any chronic disease, such as heart disease, hypertension, intestinal disorders, ulcers, anxiety or depression. If you have a history of an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, you should not use any weight loss aids.
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