- PRESCRIPTION: Available only through your doctor; closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); may cause side effects; often costly.
- NON-PRESCRIPTION: (fat burners, stackers, herbal pills and sports supplements) Minimal FDA regulation, may be lacking in purity or quality; some are fairly new, definitive data is lacking; may cause side effects.
1. Phentermine. (Fastin, Ionamin, Adipex-P, generic versions) Appetite suppressant that affects neurotransmitters in the brain; appears on our list of best diet pills for short-term obesity management.
- Pros: Approved and regulated by the FDA to promote weight loss.
Cons: Short-term use only; highly addictive.
Side effects: blurred vision, chest pain, breathing difficulties, headaches, decreased libido.
2. Xenical. (Orlistat) First drug in its class to be FDA approved (1999); blocks absorption of fat in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Pros: Gained a spot on our list of best diet pills for successfully preventing up to 30% fat from being stored by the body.
Cons: Despite effectiveness, also carries several dangers diet pills frequently exhibit. May block absorption of vital fat-soluble nutrients (Vitamins A, D, E, & K and beta carotene).
Side effects: bloating, diarrhea, oily stool.
3. Meridia. (Sibutramine) Enhances satiety by increasing the brain’s levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that signals a full stomach; brings several dangers diet pills can cause.
- Pros: In studies, achieved 5-10% weight loss in one year.
Cons: Elevated blood pressure; not for people with heart disease or stroke history.
Side effects: nausea, insomnia, constipation, headache.
The Non- Prescription
- Pros: Suppresses appetite, increases metabolism, burns fat, increases energy.
Cons: Some Hoodia Gordonii products do not contain adequate levels of Hoodia to be beneficial.
Side Effects: None.
2. Chromium picolinate. Mineral thought to boost metabolism and stabilize blood sugar.
- Pros: Some studies show benefit to diabetes patients.
Cons: Not proven for fat loss or muscle growth.
3. Conjugated Linoleic Acid. Believed to decrease the body’s deposit of fat.
- Pros: May increase lean tissue, in turn raising metabolism.
Cons: May increase risk for diabetes; more data needed.
4. CoQ-10. Compound found in beans and spinach, changes food into energy.
- Pros: On our list of best diet pills due to its anti-oxidant properties and claims of increasing energy.
Cons: Weight loss effectiveness not proven.
5. Fat Burners. (Hydroxycut, Zantrex, Leptoprin) Stimulates Central Nervous System for increased calorie burn, usually through Ephedra or Ma huang.
- Pros: May burn a few calories per day.
Cons: Dangerous; may cause coma, seizures, heart attack.
Side Effects: jitters, sweating, diarrhea.
6. Cholecystokinin. Peptide hormone in GI tract that suppresses appetite.
- Pros: May be a future possibility.
Cons: No successful drug or product on the market yet.
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