Although diet pills may be appropriate in situations where weight poses a significant health threat, the risks associated with diet aids generally outweigh the benefits in those with less severe weight issues. Not all weight loss supplements have been thoroughly investigated and even those that undergo significant testing tend to reveal potential dangers over time.
History
Diet pills have a history of being pulled from the market after negative and dangerous side effects are brought to light. In October of 2010, the Chicago Tribune reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration called for the prescription diet aid Meridia to be pulled from the market due to heart attack and stroke risks. Other prescription pills have met similar fates, including the prescription diet pill fen-phen, the over-the-counter supplement ephedra, as well as the Brazilian diet pill.
Expert Insight
Weight loss supplements available without a prescription often make claims that are not backed by solid research. The effectiveness and safety of over-the-counter weight loss pills is often questionable since supplements are not subjected to the same preliminary regulations as prescription medicine, according to MayoClinic.com. The dangers of particular products are detected after it is deemed suspicious, at which time the FDA will investigate and take necessary action.
Considerations
Although prescription diet pills undergo a more stringent process for approval, the only one still on the market as a long-term treatment of obesity as of 2010 is orlistat, according to the Chicago Tribune. Orlistat is also available in lower doses as a non-prescription diet aid. The FDA reports that orlistat has been investigated for possible connections with liver problems. Phentermine is also still used, but only as a short-term weight-loss solution.
Factors
When evaluating diet pills, the American Dietetic Association recommends that you steer clear of products that make claims that sound too good to be true. You should be wary of diet pill products that claim to induce rapid weight loss. If you have health problems resulting from being overweight or obese, consult with your doctor to determine if diet aids are right for you.
Alternatives
A healthy diet and active lifestyle are generally the safest solutions to weight problems. MedlinePlus outlines a healthy diet plan as one that emphasizes low-fat, low-calorie foods, proper portions, limited sugary drinks and regular physical exercise. The American Dietetic Association adds that a balanced meal plan that includes foods from every food group, along with physical activity, is the healthy route to weight management.
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