Weight loss can usually be achieved with lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet or increasing your physical activity. However, if you are medically diagnosed with a condition that makes weight loss more difficult, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help you lose weight. Other drugs are available for over-the-counter purchase, although they may not always be effective or safe. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication for weight loss.
Types
A variety of weight loss medications are available for over-the-counter, or OTC, purchase. One of the most common weight OTC weight-loss drugs is orlistat, which was originally only available in prescription form for the treatment of obesity. In 2007, it became available for OTC purchase, sold under the brand name Alli. Alli is the only variety of orlistat that is available for OTC purchase. Other common OTC weight-loss drugs or ingredients include bitter orange, chitosan, chromium, conjugated linoleic acid, country mallow, ephedra, green tea extract, guar gum and hoodia, as noted by MayoClinic.com.
Function
Weight-loss drugs achieve results through various modes of action. Lipase inhibitors decrease the amount of fat that is absorbed by the body by preventing their absorption by the intestines. The excess fat is then passed through the stool. Orlistat is an example of a lipase inhibitor. Other weight-loss drugs, like bitter orange, chromium and country mallow increase the amount of calories that are burned by the body, resulting in weight loss. Some ingredients, like green tea extract, ephedra and hoodia cause weight loss by reducing appetite.
Side Effects and Safety
Always consult your doctor before taking an OTC weight loss drug, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Some weight loss drugs may cause unpleasant side effects. Orlistat, for example, can cause diarrhea, oily stools and abdominal cramping, particularly after you eat high-fat foods. According to MayoClinic.com, the Federal Drug Administration is researching whether taking orlistat may lead to liver damage. Other common ingredients used in weight loss drugs, such as bitter orange, country mallow, ephedra, have raised safety concerns, and ephedra and country mallow have been banned by the FDA for use in dietary supplements due to dangerous side effects.
Other Factors
Never rely exclusively on a weight-loss supplement to help you shed excess weight, and avoid ineffective gimmicks like diet patches, magnet diet pills, appetite suppressing sunglasses and weight loss earrings, all of which have been proved ineffective. To lose weight and keep it off, you must burn more calories than you consume. Eat a healthy, balanced diet with low-calorie foods and plenty of fiber, and try to get at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate-intensity exercise, like walking, jogging, biking or running, at least five days a week.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Over-the-counter Weight Loss Pills: Do They Work?
- Medline Plus: Orlistat
- Weight-control Information Network: Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity
- U.S. Federal Drug Administration: FDA Acts to Remove Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements From Market; November 2004
- Colorado State University Extension; Weight Loss Products and Programs; J. Anderson, et.al; 2008
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