A reduced calorie diet and exercise are the most effective methods for weight loss. If these methods, however, aren't assisting with weight loss, diet pills might help. Selecting the right diet pill is important to success. Some diet pills aren't effective and others are a safety concern. Over-the-counter medications Alli and conjugated linoleic acid are likely safe and effective, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are a few prescription weight loss pills that promote fat loss as well.
Alli
Alli is a reduced strength version of prescription medication Orlistat. This medication works to minimize the amount of fat the intensities absorbs, resulting in weight loss. The pill is taken with meals that contain fat, three times daily. Each meal contains 15 grams of fat or less. Dieters using Alli can expect to lose three to five pounds over a year, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Conjugated linoleic acid is another effective diet pill, available over-the-counter. This substance naturally occurs in red meat, dairy products and lamb. Since some of these products are unhealthy, dieters cut the items from their diet. Adding this supplement appears to promote fat loss, according to Natural News. Dieters using this pill can expect to lose an average of two to four pounds a year.
Prescription Weight Loss Pills
If you have a body mass index greater than 27, you might qualify for prescription weight loss pills. Orlistat is a weight loss pill approved for long-term use. It's double the strength of over-the-counter diet pill Alli. The pill, however, works in the same way. It blocks digestion of fat, resulting in weight loss. Diethylpropion and phentermine are short-term diet pills, used up to 12 weeks. These medications curb your appetite, resulting in fewer calories consumed daily. Expect to lose 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight over a year with prescription weight loss pills, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Lifestyle Changes and Results
Both prescription and over-the-counter weight loss pills recommend healthy lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, in conjunction with using the pills. These lifestyle changes will result in additional weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. A pound of fat is equal to 3,500 calories. Therefore, if you burn 500 calories a day through daily exercise, you could lose an additional pound each week. Discuss healthy weight loss goals with your doctor.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills
- MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss Drugs, Can a Prescription help you Lose Weight?
- Mayo Clinic: Alli Weight-Loss Pill: Does it Work?
- Natural News: Conjugated Linoleic Acid for Weight Loss
- American Family Doctor: Prescription Weight-Loss Medicines
- MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss Drugs, Can a Prescription help you Lose Weight?
Member Comments