Weight loss pills sold over the counter are not regulated and don't need FDA approval. As a result, they are considered nutritional supplements, rather than drugs. Because these pills don't require independent testing, companies can promote them as effective weight loss products even if there's no research to prove it. Additionally, because there's no single best diet pill on the market, it's important that you choose the best possible weight loss pill for your particular case. In some instances, this may require trying out several before you can find something that works for you. Consult your doctor -- especially if you suffer from any illness or condition for which you are being treated -- prior to beginning a course of diet pills.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about your prescription options. The most common prescription pills are appetite suppressants and include drugs such as fenfluramine and phertermine. They affect your brain, causing you to feel better and reducing cravings for sugar. These are appropriate drug choices if you're an emotional eater or have problems with depression.
Step 2
Ask about fat blockers. The only FDA-approved diet pill you can buy over the counter is the fat blocker Alli, the brand name for the drug orlistat. You can also talk to your doctor about Xenical, a prescription-strength orlistat. Fat blockers prevent your body from absorbing part of the fat you eat. Fat blockers are the best choice for you if you eat too many high-fat foods.
Step 3
Stick to pills that have been researched and tested. Alli has been tested and has FDA approval, but other pills might have been independently researched. For example, MayoClinic.com identifies chromium, green tea extract and chitosan as weight loss pills that are likely to be safe.
Step 4
Try conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Of all over-the-counter diet pills available for sale, this is the only product MayoClinic.com classifies as "possibly effective." CLA is purported to block fat and help build muscle.
Step 5
Buy pills that are safe. Ephedra, country mallow and bitter orange have been reported as unsafe or dangerous by many in the medical industry, including MayoClinic.com and the American Family Physician organization. Before you buy a diet pill, check its safety. You can do so online through websites like Public Citizen at www.worstpills.org.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid any pills that promise miraculous results. There's no single magic pill that will result in fast weight loss without effort. Good diet pills should also come with diet and exercise recommendations.
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