If lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity aren't accomplishing weight loss, weight loss pills are another option. These pills are combined with good eating habits and exercise to increase weight loss. However, weight loss pills come with potential risks, and some are downright dangerous. It's important to consider this and consult your physician before taking weight loss pills.
Over-the-Counter Pills
Although there are dozens of over-the-counter weight loss pills, not all are effective. Over-the-counter weight loss pill Alli is effective for weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com. It works by decreasing the amount of fat your body absorbs. However, the FDA is investigating reports of liver injury, so discuss the risks with your doctor. Another weight loss pill that is effective is conjugated linoleic acid, according to MayoClinic.com. This pill works to reduce body fat and promote healthy muscle growth.
Prescription Pills
Prescription pills are approved by the FDA for weight loss. To qualify for prescription pills, you must have a body mass index of 30 or higher or have a BMI of 27 or higher and obesity related health issues, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, according to MayoClinic.com. There are two types of prescription weight loss drugs. The first is Orlistat. This drug blocks digestion of fat in the stomach, resulting in weight loss. The second type includes a variety of drugs that curb your appetite, resulting in fewer calories consumed. Diethylpropion and Phentermine are two of the appetite suppressants approved by the FDA. Discuss if prescription weight loss drugs are right for your situation.
Pills to Avoid
There are some over-the-counter pills that have serious health risks. For example, the Food and Drug Administration banned ephedra after heart side effects were discovered. Country mallow, also called heartleaf, is another weight loss pill that appears unsafe. This pill claims to decrease your appetite and boost calorie burning. However, like ephedra, the FDA banned the drug for safety issues. Another drug that hasn't been banned by the FDA, but may be unsafe is bitter orange. This over-the-counter pill claims to boost calorie burning, according to MayoClinic.com.
Using Caution
Over-the-counter drugs aren't put through the rigorous testing that prescription pills undergo. If there's a health concern, it is typically discovered after the drug is brought to market. Prescription drugs don't come without drawbacks, either. For example, Meridia is a prescription weight loss drug approved in 1997 for weight loss. However, in 2010, the product was pulled from the market because of concerns about increased serious heart events, including stroke and heart attacks. Weigh the risks of taking weight loss pills with the benefits to decide if this option is right for you.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills; February 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss Drugs, Can a Prescription help you Lose Weight; October 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Alli Weight-Loss Pill: Does It Work?; November 2010
- Natural News: Conjugated Linoleic Acid for Weight Loss; July 2005
- American Academy of Family Physicians; Prescription Weight-Loss Medicines; July 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Weight Loss Drugs, Can a Prescription Help You Lose Weight; October 2010
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