If you are trying to lose weight, you may decide that over-the-counter, weight-loss pills are a good option to help you lose weight as fast as possible; however, you should make sure that you get all the information you can about the products you are considering as some products may be unsafe for you and some may not yield the results you are looking for.
Types
OTC weight loss pills usually contain one or more herbs. Some of these include green tea extract, chromium, bitter orange and country mallow, which are said to increase the number of calories burned. Chitosan and guar gum are said to decrease or block the amount of dietary fat that the body absorbs. One OTC weight loss product contains orlistat, which is a reduced strength version of the prescription formula. Many of these OTC weight-loss pills are stimulants that have an effect similar to caffeine.
Diet Plan
Even if you take OTC weight-loss pills, you still have to eat a healthy reduced calorie diet that is low in fat. There aren't any pills that can help you to lose weight if you eat a high-fat, high-calorie diet. In addition to the healthy diet plan you have to follow, you also need to exercise daily at a moderate intensity level for approximately 60 to 90 minutes on most, if not all, days of the week. You can mix weight resistance and aerobic exercise to help you build muscle and lose fat.
Dosage
The dosage of OTC weight-loss pills varies according to the product. For example, OTC orlistat is taken three times per day as a single pill taken before three regular meals. The dosage instructions should be followed as taking more pills than directed may cause an overdose and isn't likely to net a larger weight loss. You should only take one weight-loss product at a time unless you get permission from your doctor to take multiple products.
Warning
Most OTC weight loss pills aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. There isn't any guarantee that these pills will be effective as the stringent testing required for medications doesn't apply to weight loss pills sold as dietary supplements. MayoClinic.com notes that some OTC weight loss pills may be dangerous. Because of these risks, you should only purchase products from reputable dealers and only after you consult your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of the product.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Diet Pills: Our Expert Weighs in
- American College of Sports Medicine: Physical Activity & Public Health Guidelines
- Cleveland Clinic: Over-the-Counter and Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss
- MayoClinic.com: Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills: Do They Work?
- Colorado State University Extension: Weight Loss Products and Programs
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