Diet pills aim to assist weight loss using a variety of ingredients, primarily targeted toward suppressing your appetite to foster faster weight loss. Approximately 15 percent of Americans have used weight loss pills, a $1.7 billion a year industry, according to "The New York Times." While some diet pills are marketed to men, most weight loss supplements are not gender-specific. Some commonly used diet pills require a prescription, while others are available as over-the-counter supplements. Many weight loss pills can have adverse side effects and lack sufficient evidence of efficacy. Contact your health care professional before beginning any new supplement, recommends MayoClinic.com.
Alli
Alli, an FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss pill, decreases the absorption of fat in your intestines by blocking lipase, the enzyme that breaks down fat. Take Alli three times a day with meals containing no more than 15 g of fat and expect a loss of approximately 3 to 5 lbs a year, suggests MayoClinic.com. Possible side effects include bowel changes, such as loose stools, frequent bowl movements and gas with an oily discharge, and may not be suitable if you have problems with nutrient absorption.
Orlistat
Orlistat, the prescription version of Alli, belongs to the lipase inhibitor class of medicines and requires a prescription. Orlistat may increase weight loss by approximately 40 percent, according to Vanderbilt University. Be aware of the possible side effects of Orlistat, which may include gastrointestinal upset, headaches and musculoskeletal aches.
Phentermine
Phentermine, a common prescription appetite suppressant, has FDA-approval for adults for short term usage of up to 12 weeks. In the anorexigenics class of medications, phentermine stimulates the central nervous system and creates a greater amount of weight loss than dietary changes alone, according to Drugs.com. Common side effects that you may experience while taking phentermine include an unpleasant taste in your mouth, constipation, dizziness, euphoria, sleeplessness and an upset stomach.
Subutramine
Marketed under the name Meridia, subutramine increases satiety by altering the brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. Taking sibutramine may create a 10 lb. increase in weight loss per year, reports Redbook. The most common side effects of subutramine are headaches and back pain, but many people also experience insomnia and gastrointestinal issues.
Diethylpropion
Like phentermine, diethylpropion has FDA approval for 12-week usage and works to suppress your appetite. Diethylpropion may create a 38 percent increase in weight loss, according to "The American Journal of the American Sciences." Diethylpropion can be habit-forming and may cause serious side effects, so carefully weigh your options before supplementing with it.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract, available in over-the-counter pill form, may boost metabolism and help burn fat, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea contains a polyphenol responsible for the weight loss effect, and helps improve weight loss and weight maintenance. People with heart problems, kidney disease or psychological disorders should avoid taking green tea extract, which may exasperate the problem.
Chitosan
Chitosan, a polysaccharide powder created from the exoskeletons of crustaceans, acts as a fiber that prevents the absorption of fat. Take one or two capsules thirty minutes before each of your three main meals each day to promote satiety and weight loss, recommends Vanderbilt University. Taking chitosan may decrease your ability to absorb various vitamins, and may create symptoms of GI distress.
Citrus Pectin
Citrus pectin pills, comprised of citrus fruit fiber, promote weight loss by increasing satiety and delaying digestion. Available as an over-the-counter weight loss pill, ingesting 5 g of pectin before meals reduces food intake and increases satiety for up to four hours, according to the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition." Many people have no side effects while taking citrus pectin, but some people report experiencing constipation.
Chromium
Chromium, an essential trace element used as a safe weight loss aid, may promote weight loss, increase muscle, increase energy and decrease body fat, according to MedlinePlus. It works by regulating blood sugar levels and may foster weight loss when taken for two to three months, MedlinePlus reports. Chromium has no known side effects, according to Drugs.com.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Conjugated linoleic acid diet supplements, which contain a linoleic acid found in animal products, promote weight loss and effectively reduce body fat mass, according to the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Try taking 3.2 g of conjugated linoleic acid daily as part of your weight loss regimen. Avoid conjugated linoleic acid if you have diabetes, as it may worsen your symptoms.
References
- "The New York Times"; Natasha Singer; February 9, 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Over-the-Counter Weight-loss Pills - Do They Work?
- MayoClinic.com: Alli Weight-loss Pill - Does It Work?
- Pubmed.gov: Efficacy of Conjugated Linoleic Acid for Reducing Fat Mass
- Vanderbilt University: Orlistat
- Weight-control Information Network: Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity
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