Definition of Diet Pills

Diet pills and weight-loss supplements line the shelves of nearly every drug store and superstore and boast claims through commercials on television, radio and billboards. With over 50 million Americans dieting each year but only 5 percent maintaining their weight loss, according to Colorado State University, it's no wonder so many people are looking for help in the form of pills. But some diet pills can have dangerous side effects and may do very little to help with weight loss.

Types

Over-the-counter diet pills typically contain ingredients companies claim can raise your metabolism, burn fat and suppress your appetite. Many diet pills contain stimulants, such as caffeine, guarana and bitter orange. Other ingredients, such as chitosan, conjugated linoleic acid and guar gum, claim to inhibit the body's ability to absorb fat. Ingredients purported to decrease appetite, including green tea extract and hoodia, are also commonly found in over-the-counter diet pills. Prescription weight-loss drugs sometimes contain similar ingredients to over-the-counter products, but in different strengths. Doctors typically reserve prescription diet pills for short-term use and only in patients with a BMI of more than 30 or those who have serious medical problems related to obesity, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Misconceptions

Just because a diet pill makes it to the shelf of your favorite store doesn't mean it's safe or effective. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies over-the-counter diet pills as nutritional supplements, which means the companies that manufacture the products are the only ones evaluating the safety and efficacy of their pills before they are available for purchase. The Food and Drug Administration steps in only if the company's claims turn out to be false or there is evidence that the pills are unsafe, according to "Consumer Reports."

Effects

There is not sufficient scientific evidence to prove that most of the ingredients found in over-the-counter diet pills are effective, and many of the ingredients can cause serious side effects. Stimulants found in diet pills can lead to insomnia, nervousness, irritability, high blood pressure and heart palpitations. The risk of these side effects is greater in pills that contain several different stimulant ingredients. Ingredients that claim to block fat can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, gas and may interfere with your body's ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D and K. Alli, the over-the-counter version of the prescription weight-loss drug Xenical, is effective for weight loss, though, as of November 2010, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating reports of liver injuries that may be related to the drug.

Considerations

Even if you do not experience negative side effects when taking diet pills, it is important to remember that diets pills are often a short-term solution to a long-term problem. Many people who do lose weight while taking diet pills gain it back after discontinuing use of the pills. Developing healthy eating and exercise habits and losing weight slowly increases your chances of maintaining your goal weight once you reach it.

Warning

Due to the potentially dangerous side effects associated with many common ingredients in diet pills, it is important to discuss your weight loss plan with your doctor before beginning a pill or supplement regimen. Many side effects can have dangerous consequences for those with pre-existing medical conditions and those who take other medications and supplements. The Mayo Clinic recommends checking the Food and Drug Administration's website periodically for updates on alerts and safety concerns associated with diet pills.