by MiS11

Created on: September 01, 2009   Last Updated: August 26, 2010

Diet pills work if they are the right type for you. Everybody is made different. From your height, bone structure, and frame, people come in all shapes and sizes. Things you must consider before purchasing diet pills include; did your doctor prescribe them, are they available over the counter, or did you get them from a friend. If your physician prescribed weight loss medication, it is most likely okay. Doctors are not going to risk losing their license by prescribing incorrect medication and it may be more beneficial to the patient to take diet pills than remain obese. Over-the-counter medication is a different story. Even though an over-the-counter diet pill says it is all natural or organic, it is not necessarily the case. Learning about and considering the facts about diet pills will help you discern the myths and facts.

Physician prescribed weight-loss medication does work. Prescription weight-loss medication such as Adipex and Bonitril are very beneficial to people who take them as long as it is for a limited amount of time and they are well educated about a healthy diet and physical activity. Most physicians prescribe these for a three month time period and then have the patient discontinue for at least one month before taking them again. As long as a medical professional prescribes it for you and is in direct control of the weight loss program, prescription diet pills do work for most people.

There are hundreds of diet pills available over the counter. These are a different story. Most over the counter diet pills are little more than a capsule containing caffeine, green tea, or some other natural stimulant. One of the most dangerous stimulants in over the counter diet pills is ephedrine, or otherwise known as guaranine. It is okay in small doses and acts as a stimulant much like caffeine, however when taken in large amounts, ephedrine may cause a heart attack or stroke. Other over the counter diet pills such as Hydroxycut and Alli are no more than diuretics that cause the person taking them to have soft stools and, at worse, diarrhea after eating fatty foods.

The bottom line is you must eat right and have plenty of physical activity in order to lose weight. There is no magic pill that keeps the pounds off forever. However, prescription diet pills do provide the jump-start needed for a long-term weight loss program. Of course, the program also must include a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and physical activity. Think of it this way, the same lifestyle that keeps weight off also helps you live a longer and healthier life.  

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