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About Fat Loss Pills

Jul 2, 2011 | By Stephanie Mojica

If you diet and exercise, you will lose some fat and some diet pills can also aid you with your weight loss efforts, according to the Mayo Clinic. But you should not purchase just any over-the-counter product claiming to help you lose fat. Most of the best diet pills are available only with a doctor's prescription. And remember, no pill or exercise can target fat in specific areas of the body.

Appetite Suppressants

If you are in generally good health, are not pregnant or nursing and have no history of substance abuse, your doctor may prescribe an appetite suppressant to help you lose fat. An appetite suppressant works on your brain's chemistry to increase mood and decrease appetite; you should only use such drugs for up to 12 weeks at a time. Commonly prescribed appetite suppressants include phentermine, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine. You should not take amphetamines such as Dexedrine to lose weight due to the risk of addiction.

Fat-Blockers

Over-the-counter Alli and prescription Xenical both contain the fat-blocking drug orlistat, according to the Mayo Clinic. You take a pill before eating a meal containing fat; the undigested fat passes out of your body through bowel movements. If you take Alli as directed, you can lose 3 to 5 pounds more each year than you would have with just dieting and exercising; if your doctor prescribes Xenical and you use it, you can lose 5 to 7 pounds more per year.

Common Side Effects

All diet pills carry the risk of side effects, many of which will not seriously harm your health, according to the National Institute on Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If you eat high-fat foods while taking fat-blocking drugs, you may suffer from uncontrollable bowel movements, rectal pain and gas that causes oily spotting on your underwear. Headaches, stomachaches, sleeping problems, anxiety, depression and dizziness are potential side effects associated with almost any diet pill.

Serious Side Effects

You can experience symptoms of allergic reaction after taking any fat loss pill, warns the Mayo Clinic. Itching, difficulty breathing, fainting and hives require immediate emergency medical help. If you experience jaundice, light-colored stools or dark-colored urine while taking orlistat, you may have suffered from liver injury and also require medical attention. Appetite suppressants can lead to addiction, hallucinations, increased blood pressure, difficulty breathing and in some cases, psychosis.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Jul 2, 2011

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