If you have excessive belly fat, you risk suffering from potentially life-threatening health problems such as diabetes, heart attack and stroke, warns the Mayo Clinic. While no pill, diet or exercise guarantees removal of belly fat, you can increase your chances of losing unwanted weight by trying one of the Food and Drug Administration-approved diet pills.
Orlistat
Over-the-counter Alli consists of 60 mg of the fat-burning drug orlistat, while prescription Xenical consists of 120 mg of orlistat, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who take Alli tend to lose 3 to 5 lbs. more per year than they would have by just dieting and exercise; those who take Xenical stand to lose up to 5 to 7 lbs. more annually. Dieters who eat more than 15 g of fat per meal experience the most risk of orlistat-related side effects such as uncontrollable bowel movements, fatty stools, more frequent bowel movements and oily spotting on their underwear. Other possible side effects include irregular menstrual periods, headaches and anxiety.
Phentermine
Phentermine decreases your appetite and increases your energy, notes the Mayo Clinic. This prescription drug is the most popular diet aid in the United States. But you risk regaining any lost belly fat if you do not change your diet and exercise habits. Phentermine was part of the banned fen-phen combo, but the dangerous ingredient in that diet drug was the appetite suppressant fenfluramine, not phentermine.
Diethylpropion and Phendimetrazine
Diethylpropion and phendimetrazine are also Food and Drug Administration-approved appetite suppressants. You should not use either medication for more than 12 weeks at a time, or if you have high blood pressure or a history of drug or alcohol abuse. After taking prescription appetite suppressants, you may experience side effects such as dizziness, headache, depression, sleeping problems and anxiety. Call a doctor if these symptoms become severe or if you experience itching or chest pains.
Off-Label Solutions
Your doctor may prescribe a medication that is not a FDA-approved diet drug to help you win the battle against belly bulge, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The antidepressant bupropion, the anti-seizure medications topiramate and zonisamide and the diabetes drug metformin are commonly used "off label" as diet drugs. But you should not take amphetamines such as Dexedrine off label to lose weight because of their potential for side effects and addiction.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Belly Fat in Men; February 2011
- Weight-Control Information Network; Prescription Medications for the Treatment of Obesity; December 2010
- PubMed Health: Orlistat; August 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Alli Weight-Loss Pill; June 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Phentermine -- Can Prescription Medication Help Weight Loss?; October 2009
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