Slimming pills are available either over-the-counter or through a doctor's prescription, and can help you lose more weight than you might have with just diet and exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic. But not all weight loss pills are 100 percent safe; some have even been banned from the market due to their unacceptable risk of side effects. If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, have a history of substance abuse or suffer from medical problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you should avoid slimming pills.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Many over-the-counter slimming pills are potentially unsafe and you should avoid using them, warns the Mayo Clinic. The only fairly safe over-the-counter diet medication is a fat blocker marketed as Alli. The drug consists of 60 mg of orlistat per pill, and blocks fat from being digested; you pass the fat in the food you eat out of your body through bowel movements. But even Alli may not be entirely safe, as some patients have alleged the drug caused them serious liver injuries. If you notice dark-colored urine or suffer from jaundice while taking Alli, immediately call a doctor.
Xenical
Xenical is a more potent form of orlistat and only available by prescription. Each pill consists of 120 mg of orlistat; you could lose 5 to 7 more pounds each year taking Xenical than you would have by relying on only diet and exercise. Also, you can use Xenical or its weaker form Alli for up to one year. But if you eat meals with a lot of fat, you risk suffering from side effects such as rectal pain, severe stomachaches, uncontrollable bowel movements, fatty stools and gas that leaves oil on your underwear.
Phentermine
The appetite suppressant phentermine is the most commonly prescribed slimming pill in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. You should only take this amphetamine-like drug for up to 12 weeks; you also risk regaining any weight lost once you stop taking phentermine. The medication is available in its generic form or as the brand name Adipex-P.
Diethylpropion
Diethylpropion is another appetite suppressant your doctor can prescribe to help you lose extra weight, according to PubMed Health. But like similar drugs, you should only take it for up to 12 weeks. Also, you can suffer from side effects such as sleeping problems, increased blood pressure, depression, irritability and headaches.
References
- Weight-control Information Network; Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity; December 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Over-the-Counter Weight-Loss Pills
- Mayo Clinic: Phentermine - Can Prescription Medication Help Weight Loss?; Donald Hensrud; October 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Alli Weight-Loss Pill - Does It Work?
- PubMed Health: Orlistat
- PubMed Health: Diethylpropion
