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What Diet Pills Really Work for Weight Loss?

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Written by Reagyn Miers

Monday, 14 April 2008

by ReagynMiers

When it comes weight loss, the million dollar question has always been, what diet pills really work? No one wants to waste their money, time and hopes on a pill that is ineffective. The good news is some diet pills may really work - to some degree. However, caution should be taken. Always consult with your doctor and make diet and exercise the cornerstone of your weight loss program - not the pills themselves.

What diet pills really work will depend on your current health and weight - and whether or not your body responds favorably to the myriad of options out there. Unfortunately, there isn't a "one size fits all" diet pill. You'll want to consult with your doctor and discuss what options are best for you. Following is a list of some of the popular diet pills that people are taking today and what you should know about each of them.

Meridia (sibutramine)

If you are very overweight or obese and are always hungry, you may want to talk to your doctor about Meridia, a prescription obesity drug that suppresses appetite. It is not known exactly how Meridia works, but it is believed that the loss of appetite that occurs in patients taking the drug is one of the key factors that aid in weight loss.

This drug is only used by people who are very overweight or obese. It is not prescribed to someone who thinks that five or ten pounds is a problem! This drug is for the individual who needs to lose some serious weight and who wants an aid that will help do away with that ravenous hunger feeling.

Before you start taking Meridia you should talk to your doctor about what to expect on the drug. Meridia has a bit of a reputation. It can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack and it can raise your blood pressure. Meridia has been banned in Italy due to people suffering bad reactions after taking the drug. There have been groups requesting that it be banned in the United States. While it hasn't been banned in the U.S., the pill's safety is being monitored by the FDA.

Byetta (exenatide) and Glucophage (metformin)

Byetta is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is an injectable diabetes medicine. Glucophage is also used for people with type 2 diabetes but it is an oral diabetes medicine. Both medications help control blood sugar levels.

If you are a type 2 diabetic, or if you suffer from hormonal conditions that are linked to insulin resistance, your doctor may prescribe Byetta or Glucophage to help you lose weight. Unlike other weight loss drugs, insurance companies will more than likely pick up the tab on these medications as they are classified as "diabetic medications."

Zimulti (rimonabant)

Rimonabant is an anti-obesity drug. While pegged a potential blockbuster by industry analysts, it hasn't been approved by the FDA over concerns that it has been shown to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. If, and when, the FDA approves this prescription drug, it will be marketed as Zimulti. However, it has been available in the European Union since 2006 under the name Acomplia.

Alli (orlistat)

Alli is a weight loss supplement available over-the-counter. It is a reduced-strength version of Orlistat, a prescription drug used to treat obesity. It decreases the amount of fat you ingest from being absorbed by the intestines. The undigested fat is excreted from the body in the bowel. By decreasing fat absorption, you decrease the amount of calories you absorb.

You should know that while Alli works to keep fat from being broke down and stored in the body, if you eat too much fat you may experience loose, oily stools. Some people report having "accidents" and problems with leading and soiling. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended you limit your fat intake per meal to 15 grams or less.

Supplements

Don't take any diet supplements until you know what you are consuming. There are some supplements, such as bitter orange extract, whose safety is being questioned. Bitter orange extract is often used as a replacement to ephedra. Ephedra was banned in the United States because it caused strokes and deaths-and a myriad of adverse reactions in consumers.

Two supplements which seem safe and may aid in weight loss are hoodia gordonii and green tea extract. Hoodia is a natural appetite suppressant that has virtually no side effects. Green tea contains EGCG, an antioxidant that may help boost metabolism, according to some studies.

What diet pills actually work for weight loss? As you can see, it depends on your situation and how you react to some of these drugs and supplements. What works great for one person may not work for you. Supplements may seem safer, but that is not always the case. The best solution for weight loss is diet and exercise. If you feel diet pills and supplements are necessary, then only look to them as a short-term aid and be sure to talk to your doctor first before taking them!

About the Author:

You may have heard of it but what is hoodia? It is a natural appetite suppressant that has virtually no side effects. Read more about Hoodia Gordonii here and get independent reviews and recommendations.

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