If you are looking to lose weight, something that has the ability to make you lose weight quickly can be quite appealing. Many times this involves over-the-counter diet pills, which are extremely popular for those who are trying to trying to lose weight. However, one question that you need to ask is whether or not these non-prescription diet pills are safe for use.
First, it is important to understand that just because something can be purchased over the counter at your local supermarket or drugstore, this does not necessarily mean that it is safe to use. Many of these pills have not been tested or proved to be effective and others may be dangerous to use.
It is important to understand that diet pills and supplements are not regulated the same way that prescription drugs are. For this reason, many are sold without any seal of safety or effectiveness and most are not even approved by the FDA. At times, a product is introduced and is later determined to be dangerous by the FDA who then must ban it from production.
Check the Over-the-Counter Diet Pills Facts
Before choosing an over-the-counter weight loss pill, you should make sure to research your options carefully. It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning to take a supplement. Checking for recalls on the FDA website is also a good idea.
Below is information regarding some of the most popular over-the-counter diet pill ingredients and the results that you can expect to see:
| Product | Claim | Effectiveness | Side Effects |
| Alli | Dietary Fat absorption is decreased | Minimal weight loss but still effective | Bowel issues such as difficulties controlling bowls and loose stools |
| Bitter orange | Calories are burned at an increased rate | Most likely ineffective | Blood pressure and heart rate are raised |
| Chitosan | Dietary Fat absorption is blocked | Most likely ineffective | Minimal – nausea, constipation, headache, gas |
| Chromium | Calories are burned at an increased rate and appetite is suppressed | Most likely ineffective | Minimal mood changes, insomnia, headache, cognitive dysfunction |
| Conjugated linoleic acid | Body fat is reduced | Maybe effective | Loose stools, nausea |
| Green tea extract | Appetite control, calorie and fat metabolism is increased | Not enough information | Nausea, vomiting, gas dizziness, insomnia |
| Guar gum | Appetite control | Maybe ineffective | Stomach pain, gas, diarrhea |
| Hoodia | Appetite control | Not enough information | Not enough information |
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are considering taking an over-the-counter weight loss pill, talking to your doctor is an important step to take. You will be able to review any medical issues that you may have as well as the effects that your prescriptions will be having on your weight loss efforts. Your doctor will also be able to monitor your side effects and aid with your weight loss efforts by offering support and guidance.
It is also important to talk to your doctor so that you know how your body will react to the combination of drugs that you are about to put your body through. Some pills have multiple ingredients that may conflict with prescriptions that you are taking and it is important that your doctor knows about the additional things that you will be ingesting.
Even though weight loss pills are said to work quickly, it is important to realize that weight loss is a process and may take some time to complete. Even if you do begin taking an over-the-counter diet pill, you will still need to reduce the amount of calories that you consume each day as well as add a proper diet program to your activities.
You should remember that there is no magic pill that will help you lose weight. It is best to manage your weight through proper diet and exercise by eating healthy foods and watching the amount of food that you eat.
