The temptation of using over-the-counter weight-loss pills to lose weight fast is often irresistible. But are these products safe and effective?


Most Popular weight-loss pills

A number of weight-loss pills are available at your local drugstore, supermarket or health food store. Most haven’t been proved safe and effective, and some are downright dangerous.

Herbal or dietary supplement

The claims

What you need to know

Bitter orange

Increases the number of calories burned

§  Touted as an “ephedra substitute” but may cause health problems similar to those of ephedra

§  Long-term effects unknown

Chitosan

Blocks the absorption of dietary fat

§  Relatively safe, but unlikely to cause weight loss

§  Can cause constipation, bloating and other gastrointestinal complaints

§  Long-term effects unknown

Chromium

Reduces body fat and builds muscle

§  Relatively safe, but unlikely to cause weight loss

§  Long-term effects unknown

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

Reduces body fat, decreases appetite and builds muscle

§  Might decrease body fat and increase muscle, but isn’t likely to reduce total body weight

§  Can cause diarrhea, indigestion and other gastrointestinal problems

Country mallow (heartleaf)

Decreases appetite and increases the number of calories burned

§  Contains ephedra, which is dangerous

§  Likely unsafe and should be avoided

Ephedra

Decreases appetite

§  Can cause high blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, sleeplessness, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and even death

§  Banned from the marketplace because of safety concerns, but may still be legally sold as a tea

§  Despite the ban, many ephedra products are still sold on the Internet

Green tea extract

Increases calorie and fat metabolism and decreases appetite

§  Limited evidence to support the claim

§  Can cause vomiting, bloating, indigestion and diarrhea

§  May contain a large amount of caffeine

Guar gum

Blocks the absorption of dietary fat and increases the feeling of fullness, which leads to decreased calorie intake

§  Relatively safe, but unlikely to cause weight loss

§  Can cause diarrhea, flatulence and other gastrointestinal problems

§  May cause intestinal obstruction if not taken with enough water

Hoodia

Decreases appetite

§  No conclusive evidence to support the weight-loss claim

 

In addition to these herbal and dietary supplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Alli — a reduced-strength over-the-counter (nonprescription) version of orlistat, a prescription weight-loss medication for adults age 18 and older. Alli promotes weight loss by decreasing absorption of fat by the intestines. The capsules are taken with meals, up to three times a day.

Alli sounds like a dieter’s dream, but there are no shortcuts to permanent weight loss. Alli is intended to be used only with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise. Side effects, such as diarrhea and gas with oily spotting, can be significant if you don’t reduce the amount of fat in your diet.

The pitfalls of pills

Dietary supplements and weight-loss aids aren’t subject to the same rigorous standards as are prescription drugs or medications sold over-the-counter. Thus, they can be marketed with limited proof of effectiveness or safety. Vendors can make health claims about products based on their own review and interpretation of studies without the authorization of the FDA. However, the FDA can pull a product off the market if it’s proved dangerous.

Many weight-loss pills contain a cocktail of ingredients — some with more than 20 herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals or other add-ons, such as caffeine or laxatives.

There’s no magic bullet for losing weight. The most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is through lifestyle changes: Eat healthy, low-calorie foods, watch portion sizes, and engage in regular physical activity. It’s certainly no magic pill, but it works.

Keep in mind that even if you take a weight-loss pill, you still have to eat fewer calories than your body uses in order to lose weight. Even if these products were to help you lose weight initially, you’d have to continue taking them for the weight to stay off, which could cause more harm than good.