In a world filled with instant gratification: fast food, internet, smart phones, GPS systems, etc. people are looking for a weight loss pill that is going to have fast and effective results as well. The truth of the matter is…there is no safe weight loss pill on the market that is going to get you back into your “skinny jeans” in a matter of days and none that are going to work at all unless you are willing to put in some weight loss elbow grease for yourself.
If you expect to find a weight loss pill that is going to help you lose weight then you have to be willing to help yourself as well. Weight loss pills can be prescribed by doctors for the clinically obese, but what about those who want to lose weight on their own terms? For those of you looking for a safe and effective over-the-counter weight loss pill here is the skinny on the newest weight loss pills to hit the market.
Alli (Orlistat)
What: Alli was originally created as the prescription drug Xenical but is now available in a lower-dose version that can be purchased over-the-counter. The drug is taken up to three times daily with meals and stops you from digesting 25% of the fat you consume. The amount of fat you block depends on your diet but most users block between 100 and 200 fat calories per day.
Those who took Alli as a weight loss supplement lost 50% more than those who only dieted. Alli is also known to increase energy making you able to exercise for longer and more intensely. One of the best benefits of using Alli is that is promotes sustainable weight loss. When combined with proper nutrition and an exercise plan 80% of Alli users continued to lose weight and stick to their diet plan after they had stopped using the drug. Alli comes with a month’s supply of pills, a dietary guidelines guide, a calorie and fat counter, and a food journal, and costs about $54.
Risks: Alli should only be used by people who are overweight or who have a BMI (body mass index) score of 25 or above (you can calculate your BMI at http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/). Alli is a good weight loss pill for those who eat out often and don’t have a lot of control over the amount of fat they’re consuming in their meals. However, if you eat too much fat you’ll likely experience loose, oily stools because the excess fat that is blocked form absorption is quickly excreted. In extreme cases those who consume a high fat meal have issues controlling their bowels. Alli also puts patients at risk for vitamin loss. The body needs fat in order to absorb fat-soluble vitamins; if all of the fat is being blocked then your body is not able to absorb all of the vitamins it needs to stay healthy.
Proactol
What: Proactol is a fat-blocker that has proven to reduce fat intake from food by up to 28%. Proactol works by binding with the fats in the food you consume. Proactol contains two complex fibers, one is non-soluble and the other soluble. When the non-soluble fibers come into contact with dietary fats in your stomach, they bind with the fat and form a fluid gel. This gel makes the fat complex too large to be absorbed by your body and is passed rather than absorbed. After a meal you take 1-3 tablets depending on the fat content of your meal. The active ingredient in Proactol is Neoptunia which binds with the fat and stops it from being absorbed by your intestines. Proactol is sold starting at $58.
Risks: Proactol has no known side-effects as of yet. Unfortunately though, the FDA has only approved Proactol as a vitamin and not as a weight loss pill yet.
Hoodia
What: Hoodia is a weight loss product developed and manufactured in South Africa from the extract of the Hoodia flowering plant. Hoodia is a weight loss supplement that acts as an appetite suppressant that helps you eat less and stay fuller for longer thus leading to weight loss. Hoodia works with the satiety center in the brain by releasing a chemical compound similar to glucose (but not metabolized as a sugar) that is up to 100 times stronger. The hypothalamus recognizes this increase in a glucose-like substance and receives the signal that the body has had enough food to eat. Hoodia begins working right away and leads to fast and effective weight loss. Most Hoodia users commented that their caloric intake dropped to less than half within just a few days of starting Hoodia and they experienced no side effects. Hoodia comes in capsules or tables and is also available in chocolate chew form. A 30 day supply of Hoodia often costs $35 and up.
Risks: The reported risks from using Hoodia are mild and few. Jitteriness, insomnia, and headache are the most common side effects from using Hoodia but shouldn’t been seen if Hoodia is taken as directed and incorporated into a well-balanced nutrition plan. Doctors are also slightly skeptical of Hoodia because there haven’t been many studies or tests conducted on the product and there is therefore little scientific evidence that the product actually works.
Phentemine 375
What: Phentemine 375 is a pharmacy grade weight loss pill that acts as a combination fat blocker and burner. This pill combines hormones and coupounds in the body that decrease the body’s ability to store fat and increase the body’s ability to burn stored fat. This weight loss product contains energy boosting compounds that won’t leave you shaky but rather feeling like you can accomplish more throughout the day. Another effective compound within Phentemine 375 is L-carnitine which helps your body transport long-chain fatty acids (stored fat) and increases metabolism. Phentemine is manufactured in a laboratory and has been approved by the FDA for functionality and safety, and is taken in a 30 day cycle. Phentemine 375 usually runs between $69 and $95 per bottle.
Risks: The side-effects that are the most common with Phentemine 375 are blood pressure, increased heart rate, and anxiety.
Ephedrine
What: Ephedrine is an over-the-counter stimulant used to treat asthma, and is used alone or in combination with caffeine or aspiring for weight loss. Over 100 studies have been done involving Ephedrine and most proved to have positive and effective results. Ephedrine also comes in herbal versions that have proven to be effective as well.
Ephedrine increases fat burning abilities in the body and limits fat storage by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and elevating catecholamine levels. Catecholamine stimulates beta-1, 2, and 3 receptors in adipocytes (fat cells). This action results in increased lipolysis (the breakdown of fat) and decreased lipogenesis (fat storage) within fat cells and also increased thermogenesis (fat burning) in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Caffeine and aspiring are often combined with ephedrine to inhibit “negative feedback” or drug tolerance which are common effects if the drug is taken long-term.
Risks: Many people who use ephedrine products experience no side effects at all but some have been known to experience some side effects like: dizziness, excitability, headache, nausea, nervousness or anxiety, trouble sleeping, and weakness. If you experience any of these side effects over an extended period of time it is recommended that you see your health care professional and let them know that you have been using ephedrine as a weight loss supplement.
These 5 over the counter weight loss pills have proven to be effective for people wanting to lose excessive weight or only a few pounds. As always, weight loss pills should only be used as direct or side-effects are more likely to be seen. Check with your health care professional if you are wondering how one of these pills is going to fit in with your current lifestyle and weight loss goals. In order to see optimum results, any weight loss pill should be carefully combined with a nutritious, low-fat, low-sugar diet and an exercise plan so that your weight loss will be sustainable.