Although the pharmacy shelves contain a plethora of weight-loss products, it might be hard to find a good one. Because manufacturers do not have to prove their products' effectiveness, it's likely that many don't work at all. Those that do help, will only do so much. You'll have to do much of the work yourself -- through diet and exercise.
Herbs
Herbal stimulants are often used to aid weight loss. Among the most common herbal diet pills are those containing green tea extracts. By promoting thermogenesis and decreasing water weight through urination, green tea acts as a metabolism booster and diuretic. For best results, use standardized extracts and products made by reputable manufacturers, but consult your doctor in advance.
Prescription Diet Pills
Prescription diet pills are best for those who have more than just a few pounds to lose, they're intended for those who are obese and who have weight-related health risks or complications. Because these pills are more potent than over-the-counter diet pills, they're often more effective, but might also cause more severe side effects. Phentermine may be a good prescription diet pill for those who are already dieting and exercising and want to kick start their plan with a temporary medication. Because it can be habit forming, most people take phentermine for 3 to 6 weeks. Talk to your doctor if you're interested in using phentermine.
Over-the-Counter Diet Pills
Over-the-counter diet pills such as orlistat contain less potent ingredients than their prescription counterparts. Although they're less effective than prescription medicines, they're often less expensive and widely accessible. Orlistat works by blocking some of the fat you consume and allowing it to pass through your body. Use it with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet to avoid excessive gas and chronic loose stools. Orlistat is not a good diet pill for those who consume more than 30 percent of their total daily calories from fat, or who have certain health conditions, such as diabetes, underactive thyroid, liver disease or a history of gallstones. Talk to your doctor about the safety and efficacy of over-the-counter diet pills.
Considerations
Although finding a good diet pill might give you a slight weight loss advantage, finding a good meal plan and exercise program are more important because they have a greater impact on your weight loss. Additionally, if you maintain your healthy eating and exercise habits you'll reduce your risk of developing complications such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke. A mere seven hours per week of physical activity also decreases your risk of dying early by a whopping 40 percent, says the CDC.
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