What Diet Pills Really Work for Weight Loss?
With so many diet pills available you may wonder, what diet pills actually work for weight loss? The answer is there are a few diet pills that actually work, but there are no magic pills. You can't take any kind of diet pill, continue to eat everything in site, lead a sedentary life and expect to lose weight. Shrinking your waist requires a change in lifestyle. This means making healthy changes in your diet and getting your body up and moving.
The diet pills available today may be safer than diet pills in the past, that doesn't mean they are safe and effective for every individual. Each diet pill is different and each comes with its own set of side effects. You should talk in depth with your physician about any diet pill or supplement you are considering taking. Here is a list of some of the more popular diet pills today and the pertinent information about each.
Meridia (sibutramine)
Meridia works on norepinephrine and serotonin, the brain's appetite-control center. Meridia alters these chemicals in a way that makes a person perceive they are full. People who feel full will eat less. It is available by prescription only and is used for very overweight and obese people only.
Meridia may be the answer for those individuals who are obese and are always hungry. It may help overcome that gnawing hungry feeling and may help a person feel satisfied. This drug is only given to people who are overweight and obese. It should not be used by someone wanting to shed a few extra stubborn pounds.
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 and Glucophage are diabetic drugs use to treat individuals with type 2 diabetes. These drugs are used to manage blood sugar levels. Glucophage is given orally while Byetta is an injectable medication.
Besides type 2 diabetics, people who suffer from hormonal conditions, which are linked to insulin resistance, that need to lose weight may be prescribed Byetta or Glucophage. Only a doctor can make this determination. Since these drugs are classified as diabetic medications, insurance companies will generally cover the cost of these drugs, unlike most other weight loss 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)
Orlistat is a prescription drug used to treat obesity. Alli is a reduced-strength version of Orlistat and is available over-the-counter, but it is still recommended that you consult your doctor before taking it. Alli helps weight loss by preventing fat in the food you eat from being absorbed in the body, specifically by the intestines. The undigested fat is removed from your body through bowel movements. By decreasing the absorption of fat in the body, Alli essentially reduces the number 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
Many people think that if a weight loss supplement is natural, it is safe. This is not necessarily so. For instance, some companies looking for a replacement of ephedra (the drug that was banned due to its adverse reactions, including strokes and death) are now using bitter orange extract in its place because it affects the body in a similar way as ephedra. This is a perfect example of how a supplement may be "natural" but not necessarily safe.
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!