Over-the-counter weight-loss pills: Do they work

The temptation to use over-the-counter weight-loss pills to lose weight fast is strong. But are these products safe and effective?

The charm of losing weight quickly is difficult to resist. however do weight-loss pills and product lighten something however your wallet? And area unit they a secure possibility for weight loss? Here's a glance at some over-the-counter weight-loss pills and what they'll and will not do for you.

Over-the-counter doesn't suggest riskless

A number of weight-loss pills area unit accessible at your native chemist's, grocery store or food store. Even additional choices area unit accessible on-line. Most haven't been well-tried effective, and a few could also be downright dangerous.

Dietary supplements and weight-loss aids are not subject to an equivalent rigorous standards as area unit pharmaceuticals. Thus, they'll be sold  with restricted proof of effectiveness or safety. Once a product is on the market, however, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors its safety and may take action to ban or recall dangerous product. Indeed, the federal agency has prohibited the sale of supplements containing joint fir and alternative ephedrine-like ingredients.

Check the facts before you purchase

It's important to try to to your prep if you are pondering attempting over-the-counter weight-loss pills. scan labels and speak along with your doctor or caregiver. even be guaranteed to check the federal agency web site for alerts regarding safety issues and products remembers.

The table shows common weight-loss pills and what the analysis shows regarding their effectiveness and safety.

Product	Claim	Effectiveness	Side effects
Alli — OTC version of prescription drug orlistat (Xenical)	Decreases absorption of dietary fat	Effective; but weight loss is even more modest than that with Xenical	Loose stools, oily spotting, frequent or hard-to-control bowel movements; reports of rare, but serious liver injury
Bitter orange	Increases calories burned	Probably ineffective	Similar to ephedra: raised blood pressure and heart rate
Chitosan	Blocks absorption of dietary fat	Probably ineffective	Uncommon: upset stomach, nausea, gas, increased stool bulk, constipation
Chromium	Decreases appetite and increases calories burned	Probably ineffective	Uncommon: headache, insomnia, irritability, mood changes, cognitive dysfunction
Conjugated linoleic acid	Reduces body fat	Possibly effective	Upset stomach, nausea, loose stools
Green tea extract	Decreases appetite, and increases calorie and fat metabolism	Insufficient evidence to evaluate	Dizziness, insomnia, agitation, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, diarrhea
Guar gum	Blocks absorption of dietary fat and increases feeling of fullness	Possibly ineffective	Abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea
Hoodia	Decreases appetite	Insufficient evidence to evaluate	Insufficient information available

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2011; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2011

Include your doctor in your weight-loss plans

If you are considering making an attempt weight-loss pills, make certain to speak together with your doctor, particularly if you've got health issues or take pharmaceuticals. Your doctor will give support and recommendation on losing weight and might monitor your progress. even as necessary, your doctor will speak with you regarding attainable aspect effects and what to look at out for.

In addition, your doctor will facilitate confirm if weight-loss pills square measure seemingly to move with any pharmaceuticals you are taking. several weight-loss pills contain multiple ingredients, like herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals, and even alkaloid or laxatives. If you are taking pharmaceuticals — or flavorer or dietary supplements — adding weight-loss pills to the combo will be tough.

Despite the hoopla, no fast fixes

The makers of weight-loss pills would really like you to believe that their product can miraculously solve your weight issues. however detain mind that though you are taking a weight-loss pill, you continue to need to eat fewer calories than your body uses so as to turn. And though these product assist you turn ab initio, you'll in all probability need to keep taking them to stay the load off, which can not be sensible or safe.

The reality is that there is no cure for losing weight. the foremost effective thanks to turn and keep it off is thru fashion changes: Eat healthy, low-calorie foods, watch portion sizes and be physically active. it isn't magic, however it works.