Weight gain can creep up on a person before he realizes it has happened and losing it is no easy task. One look at television ads, radio ads and the Internet show just how obsessed people are with losing weight. Over the counter diet pills are a multi-million dollar business, but do they work?
Curbing the appetite is the primary goal of most OTC diet pills although some do contain other chemicals that are supposed to help metabolize fat or flush excess water from the body. Finding the right appetite suppressant that works without a prescription can be overwhelming; however, using the experience of others is a good place to start the search.
According to the February 15, 2008 online article “Over-the-counter weight-loss pills: Do they work?”, by the Mayo Clinic Staff most OTC diet pills aren’t all they are touted as being or have not have clinical trials to prove those claims. A few of the reviewed OTC diet pills are examined here for guidance.
Hoodia
Just a few years ago Hoodia was touted as the latest and greatest weight loss product to hit the market. Experience with Hoodia has shown that it does have an appetite combating effect but not a strong enough one to cause weight loss. It may also cause stomach problems.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is available as a tea or in capsules. It is supposed to increase fat metabolism to increase the speed of weight loss. It is full of caffeine which can cause jitters and has also been shown to have unpleasant stomach effects. Green tea extract also claims to reduce the appetite although this has not been clinically proven.
Ephedra
Ephedra has been banned from being sold but is still available on the Internet and in many teas claiming to be weight loss supplements. Although it does decrease the appetite, it has an adverse effect on blood pressure, heart rate and has caused seizures. The weight loss is not worth the health risks which are why it was banned.
Alli
Alli, once a prescription only diet medication, is now available over the counter. It is effective in helping to lose weight by decreasing the amount of fat absorbed by the body. However, it can have very nasty side effects if not taken as directed and if the recommended dietary pattern is not followed.
OTC diet pills or appetite suppressants that don’t require a prescription all need to be monitored for long term side effects. This is regardless of whether they are purchased at the local pharmacy or online. The simple fact of the matter is that weight loss requires cutting caloric intake and increasing caloric burning – eat less and exercise more.
Sharon Chapman - Writing has been a passion of mine for as far back as I can remember. There are at least two novels floating around in my head waiting to ...
