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For those who are overweight and obese, (With a BMI of 30 or above) there are both prescription and over-the counter pills available that can be taken to assist in weight loss. Unfortunately, there are some serious side effects to be aware of. It is essential that you weigh the benefits versus the risks of any medication prior to deciding if they are right for you. Diet pills should not be taken by someone looking to lose only a few pounds or by individuals with other underlying health issues. (Once you see what some of the side effects are, the gym may look more appealing than ever!) You should always consult your physician prior to starting any weight-loss supplement.

Lets start with the prescription formulas and how they work:

Prescription Appetite Suppressants:
These pills effect the appetite-regulating part of the brain, known as the Hypothalamus. They work by blocking the reuptake of norepiniphrine and serotonin - the chemicals which are responsible for creating that feeling of "satiety" after eating. Because you have these two chemicals more readily available when taking prescription appetite suppressants, you feel full more often and therefore eat less.
The downside: most appetite suppressants can significantly increase blood pressure (which puts you at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke) and also can cause insomnia and headaches.

Prescription Fat Blockers:
These pills work by blocking the body's ability to break down, absorb and store fat. This means that a percentage of the fat you ingest from food will be released in your bowels, rather than stored as fat. One major side effecs to be weary of is GI upset, diarrhea, and the inability to control your bowels should you consume high-fat meals. (Need I say more?!) Is the risk worth the benefit?

Over the counter weight-loss pills promise to "burn fat without dieting or exercise" and "give you unbelievable amounts of energy". Seeing they are not FDA approved and the ads are mostly too good to be true, there ARE serious side effects you need to know, and the effectivness of anything that is not FDA-approved IS questionable.

OTC Weight-loss pills often contain high amounts of either caffiene or Ephedra, both of which are thought to stimulate the metabolisim and increase energy, which should supposedly induce weightloss. Again, keep in mind that the use of caffiene and Ephedra are NOT FDA approved or proven to be used for or to induce weight loss. OTC pills containing these ingredients also claim to suppress appetite-another supposed side effect of Ephedra and caffiene. The side effects you can expect from OTC pills containing caffiene or Ephedra are: blurred vision, shakiness, racing heart and/or hypertension or even heart attack.

Other OTC weightloss supplements are herbal, and also NOT FDA approved. Some of the names you may see on the marked now are guar gum, hoodia, and green tea. Remember "herbal" doesn't mean "safe". Some of the ingredients in herbal weight loss supplements are unproven and untested to be used for weightloss. And because the FDA has not approved or tested the herbs used in these OTC products, you can suffer from numerous unanticipated side effects.

Diet pills can only do so much, the rest is up to you. Talk to your doctor and weigh and risks and benefits. The only way to avoid the unpleasant side effects of diet pills is to go it the old fasioned way: diet and exercise. And really, how bad is that? Would you rather suffer from a racing heart, insomnia, and uncontrolable bowels rather than hopping on a treadmill?

Sources: http://health.howstuffworks.co m/diet-pill2.htm

Learn more about this author, Amy Lynne.
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