It may seem easy to look for a magic pill to achieve weight loss. Although certain medications and supplements may help aid your weight loss efforts, you need to make lifestyle changes as well. Your doctor is likely to recommend that you follow a low-calorie diet and increase your level of physical activity while using a medication or supplement for weight loss.
Lipase Inhibitors
The lipase inhibitor, orlistat supports weight loss by preventing a certain amount of fat from being absorbed by the body. The fat passes through the digestive system and is removed through the bowels. The prescription version of orlistat, Xenical, blocks approximately 1/3 of dietary fat from being absorbed. You must follow a low-fat diet in order to take this prescription medication. Orlistat is approved for use up to one year.
Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressants available through prescription include phentermine, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine. You may only use these medications for short-term up to 12 weeks. The drugs help you lose weight by reducing your appetite and giving you a feeling of fullness. Brain chemicals that determine appetite are affected after taking these medications.
Over-the-Counter Supplements
Alli is the only approved over-the-counter medication for weight loss. It contains about ½ the amount of orlistat as the prescription version. Conjugated linoleic acid may also have some effectiveness for weight loss. According to a 2004 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," daily supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid reduced fat mass in overweight subjects after one year.
Warning
Many weight loss drugs and supplements put you at risk for serious side effects. Lipase inhibitors may cause stomach pain, gas, rectal discharge and uncontrollable bowel movements. Appetite suppressants may cause side-effects such as irregular heart rate, headaches, dizziness and stomach upset. Certain weight loss medications such as ephedra and sibutramine were both banned by the Food and Drug Administration due to serious risks such as heart attack and stroke.
References
- Weight Control Information Network: Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity
- Mayo Clinic: Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Conjugated Linoleic Acid Supplementation for 1 y Reduces Body Fat Mass in Healthy Overweight Humans; JM Gaullier et al.; Jun 2004
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