With all of the weight loss pills on the market today, it comes as no surprise that many people try taking these products as a way to lose weight as quickly as possible without having to do much work. However, if you want to keep the weight off once you lose it, you will need to try a different, more sensible approach. While the diet pills might help you to lose the weight in the short term, you will also have to follow a healthy lifestyle so that you can keep the weight off once you stop taking the pills.
Types
Diet pills are available in over-the-counter and prescription medications. Over-the-counter medications are usually herbal dietary supplements; however, a reduced strength version of the prescription drug orlistat is available OTC. Prescription drugs include phentermine, diethylpropion, orlistat and phendimetrazine. Sibutramine was once used a prescription weight loss medication, but has since been pulled from the market by the FDA due to safety concerns.
Side Effects
The side effects of diet pills vary according to the pill. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oily flatulence, increased blood pressure and an elevated heart rate are some of the side effects possible. Anemia, memory loss, headaches and insomnia are also possible. Because herbal diet pills aren't regulated by the FDA, ingredients that aren't listed on the label may cause additional side effects. Although prescription diet pills are approved by the FDA, side effects may still occur, but your doctor can help you to minimize these effects.
Considerations
There isn't any diet pill that will produce rapid weight loss without a healthy diet and exercise program. A low-fat, low-calorie diet plan that includes all of the food groups such as whole grains, lean protein or beans, vegetables, fruits and low-fat milk products should be eaten daily. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that 60 to 90 minutes of moderate intensity exercise be done daily by those trying to lose weight.
Warning
At most, you should try to lose one to two pounds of weight per week so that you are losing fat weight. If you lose more than two pounds per week, even with the help of diet pills, you are likely losing healthy weight, such as water weight or muscle weight. Additionally, diet pills aren't a long-term answer to weight loss problems. Instead of relying on pills, you should eat a well balanced diet and stay active.
References
- Weight-Control Information Network: Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity
- FamilyDoctor.org: What it Takes to Lose Weight
- MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss Drugs: Can a Prescription Help You to Lose Weight?
- Colorado State University Extension: Weight Loss Products and Programs
- MayoClinic.com: Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills: Do They Work?
- American College of Sports Medicine: Physical Activity and Public Health Guidelines
Member Comments