Weight Loss Pills: An Overview
There seems to be an endless variety of non-prescription weight loss pills available. It can be difficult to sort through all of these products, avoiding those that are unsafe or ineffective. Most of these products contain several different herbal products, although some may also contain stimulants. It is important to closely examine the labels of these products, noting each of the active ingredients. It is not a good idea to take a product that does not list its active ingredients or that lists them simply as a "proprietary blend" of herbals.
This article will discuss the following:
- Herbals and evidence-based medicine
- How to choose a good weight loss pill
- Possibly safe and effective weight loss pills
- Weight loss pills with insufficient evidence
- Possibly unsafe or ineffective weight loss pills.
Herbals and Evidence-Based Medicine
Evidence-based medicine is the process of making medical decisions based on credible, validated scientific evidence. Usually, this means that decisions are based on the results of clinical studies, but it is important to note that some clinical studies are more credible and valid than others. In addition, evidence-based medicine examines the entire body of evidence (all the valid clinical studies pertinent to a specific topic), rather than relying on isolated studies.
It is difficult to assess herbals using the principles of evidence-based medicine, as there are usually very few (if any) good clinical studies for most herbal products. In addition, herbal products are governed by rules and regulations that are much less stringent, compared to conventional medications. Healthcare providers often feel uncomfortable recommending many herbal products, generally because they cannot currently be evaluated using evidence-based medicine.
Also, because of the less stringent rules concerning the manufacturing and regulation of herbal products, many healthcare providers are concerned that some herbals may not contain the ingredients listed on the label, or that they may contain a different amount or even a different ingredient than what is listed on the label.
Choosing Good Weight Loss Pills
If you decide to take non-prescription weight loss pills, it is important that you make informed and thoughtful decisions. "Trial and error" is simply too dangerous when it comes to your health. Do your research carefully, realizing that information from the manufacturers of such products (or individual success stories or recommendations) should be considered to be of little value. Seek independent assessments of the product or read the active ingredients of the product. If you do not feel equipped to adequately research a product, do not hesitate to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. However, do not be surprised if your healthcare provider recommends against the product without any consideration or research.
It is also important to make sure that the manufacturer of your weight loss pill is trusted and reputable. It is a good sign if a manufacturer abides by the rules of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). It is also a good sign if a product has the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) seal, which means that the product has been independently tested and shown to contain the correct ingredients in the amounts listed on the label. Your pharmacist is a good resource for information about which manufacturers are most reputable.
Safe and Effective Weight Loss Pills
Alli™ (
orlistat) has been recently approved and is a non-prescription medication that has been shown to be safe and effective for weight loss. It is not an herbal product; it is actually a version of the prescription medication
Xenical®. It is the only FDA-approved, non-prescription weight loss product. Therefore, it has the most evidence in its favor.
Other products that may be safe and effective weight loss pills (although their evidence is not strong) include:
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): There is some evidence that conjugated linoleic acid may help increase muscle mass and decrease body fat, although it does not seem to reduce weight overall. However, this product may not be safe for people with diabetes or those at risk for the condition.
- Calcium with vitamin D: Studies have shown that people with a low intake of calcium have a higher risk for being overweight or obese. However, there is conflicting evidence concerning whether calcium and vitamin D supplementation (instead of increased dietary intake) also provide these benefits. Calcium and vitamin D at recommended dosages appear to be safe for most people.
- Diacylglycerol (DAG or diglyceride): While not technically a weight loss pill, this dietary supplement appears to be safe for most people and may be effective when used in place of fat in foods.
- Fish oil: There is some evidence that fish oil may help with weight loss. However, you should check with your healthcare provider before taking fish oil if you take an anticoagulant medication (a "blood thinner") or if you have cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, an implanted heart defibrillator, or a seafood allergy.
Weight Loss Pills With Insufficient Evidence
Most ingredients in weight loss pills do not have sufficient evidence to recommend them as being safe and effective. These ingredients include:
While it is possible that these ingredients may be safe and effective for weight loss, it may be a good idea to wait until more information is available about them.
Possibly Unsafe or Ineffective Weight Loss Pills
Some products have evidence that suggests they are unsafe or ineffective or both. If the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that a product is unsafe, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may actually step in and ban certain products or ingredients. This was the case with
ephedra. Ephedra was a popular ingredient in weight loss pills and may have been effective. However, ephedra has stimulatory effects, increasing the heart rate and
blood pressure, and increasing the risk of
strokes,
heart attacks,
seizures, and other serious problems. Even though it has been banned, you may still be able to find ephedra products, especially on the Internet. Please remember that these products were banned for a very good reason.
Sometimes, people take non-prescription decongestants for weight loss. Like ephedra, these products may suppress the appetite, but tend to have stimulatory effects. Using decongestants (such as psuedoephedrine or phenylephrine) for weight loss can be dangerous.
Some products appear to be ineffective as weight loss pills. These include:
- Blue-green algae
- Garcinia
- Glycerol
- Guar gum
- Inulin
- Tiratricol.
Currently, available evidence does not support the use of these products for weight loss. However, future studies may provide additional information that indicates these products may be effective.
Final Thoughts on Weight Loss Pills
Weight loss pills should not be viewed as a "quick fix." Even the most effective weight loss pills require you to make significant dietary and exercise changes. Keeping this in mind, you may decide that it is best to save your money and focus on diet and exercise alone to help you lose weight. Your healthcare provider can be an excellent resource in your journey toward weight loss. Do not hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider about your weight concerns, and be sure to tell him or her about any medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications, herbals, or supplements.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print