To take weight loss pills or not to take weight loss pills? Many individuals, struggling to lose excess body fat, mull over this question every day. Numerous diet pills are available as over-the-counter medicines, so availability is not the issue at hand. The problem revolves around whether weight loss pills actually work, and what adverse health effects can plague the individual after diet pill consumption. Most of the weight loss pills have been declared to be unfit for long term consumption!
Only people with a BMI of thirty and above and no signs of obesity related health issues, and those with a BMI of 27 and above and obvious obesity related problems such as diabetes and heart attack, can consider the option of prescribed weight loss pills. These diet pills should ideally only be consumed after all else has failed, and after your health consultant feels that prescribed weight loss pills may be the only way out.
Two of the most common types of weight loss pills are appetite suppressants and fat absorption inhibitors. Appetite suppressants work by making your body feel like it is full and not hungry. Fat absorption inhibitors literally prevent the absorption of fat content in the body and expel the fat out of the system through bowel movements. Both types of weight loss pills are for short term usage. Xenical, a fat absorption inhibitor, is the only drug that has been approved for two year usage.
Let’s examine the effects of various weight loss pills to get a better understanding of whether these diet pills actually work!
This diet pill works as a fat absorption inhibitor, and according to the research carried out by the Mayo Clinic, it results in only a minimal change in body weight. It can however, cause loose stool, frequent bowel movements, oily spotting, and in some rare cases, serious liver injuries too.
This diet pill works by increasing the calories burned in the body. Its effectiveness however, is debatable. Moreover, it also increases the chances of high blood pressure and high blood rate.
This weight loss pill is also a fat absorption inhibitor whose effectiveness has not been established. It can result in nausea, upset stomach, gas and constipation.
This appetite suppressant can cause headaches, insomnia, mood swings and cognitive dysfunction.
This diet pill reduces body fat and has been found to be somewhat effective. However, it can cause nausea, loose stools and upset stomach.
This diet pill combines the functions of appetite suppressants and fat absorption inhibitors. It is noted to be possibly ineffective, and can cause diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain.
Both weight loss pills function by suppressing the appetite. There is not enough evidence to establish the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of these diet pills. It has been noted however, that green tea extract can cause dizziness, agitation, nausea, insomnia, bloating, gas and vomiting.
For some individuals, prescribed weight loss pills may be the only way to eliminate excess fat, and reduce the risk of obesity related problems. These individuals too should maintain a healthy diet and exercise plan along with their diet pill program. For other people who have not been prescribed weight loss pills, natural methods such as healthy eating and regular exercise should do the trick!
References
Mayoclinic.com
Webmd.com
