Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But there are dozens of prescription and over-the-counter weight loss drugs are available today for those who can’t seem to lose weight through diet and exercise or for those who need long-term assistance to lose weight.
However, the question remains: Do diet pills really work or are they too good to be true? Keep reading to learn the answers to some of the most common questions posed about diet pills.
Pick a Pill
Prescription weight loss pills are reserved for obese people with a body mass index that’s 30 or greater and for obese people with a serious health condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Various drugs are available and each leads to weight loss in a different way. Some suppress the appetite so your body thinks it’s full when it’s not. You can get these prescribed by your doctor or buy them over the counter. Popular appetite suppressant drugs include phentermine and Belviq.
Another type of medication called Qsymia makes you feel full, causes food to taste unappealing, and speeds up the rate your body burns calories to help you lose weight.
A third kind of weight loss pill, known as orlistat, works by preventing your body from absorbing fat from food. This excess fat is removed from the body in bowel movements. Orlistat is available as Xenical, the stronger prescription form of this drug. Alli is a weaker form and can be bought over-the-counter.
Fitness—if it came in a bottle, everybody would have a great body – Cher
Weigh the Risks
The small amount of weight loss associated with diet pills may decrease certain health risks associated with obesity, but these medications aren’t without risk in themselves. With the exception of orlistat, other weight loss drugs are addictive and must be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
Another downside is that these types of medications only seem effective for about six months, and then weight loss begins to slow down. This may be due to a developed tolerance to the drug.
Finally, the list of potential side effects is as long as it is embarrassing and dangerous. Constipation, excessive thirst, insomnia, sweating, dizziness, rapid pulse, high blood pressure, fatigue, headache, and anxiety are potential risks for many diet pills. And those who take orlistat will likely experience cramping, excessive gas, leakage of loose stool, and frequent bowel movements. Consumption of fatty or greasy foods makes these side effects even worse. Anyone on this drug should take a multivitamin to avoid malnutrition and wear dark pants.
Qsymia is associated with an increased risk of birth defects in babies, so women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should not take this drug.
Determine for Yourself
In case you’re wondering, the majority of weight loss pills lining store shelves and those found online haven’t been proven effective. Some may actually be harmful. While prescription medications are likely safer, over-the-counter options aren’t as well regulated and haven’t undergone strenuous testing.
Before taking a diet pill, be sure to talk with your doctor. Many weight loss aids contain ingredients that can interact with other prescription drugs you may already be taking. Remember—just because a product is labeled “all natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe!
Should you decide to use a diet pill, follow the instructions and heed the warnings on the packages. People who have diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, glaucoma, heart disease, kidney problems, or depression shouldn’t take appetite suppressant medication.
