Are weight loss pills or supplements really effective?

Several prescription weight loss pills, supplements, and drinks are available in the market. But, do these prescription pills actually work and are they safe for consumption. The following article will provide some facts about various pills and supplements used for weight loss.

Obesity affects several individuals all over the world.  It is a disorder in which there is an excess accumulation of fats, which produces undesirable effects on the body. Weight can be reduced and controlled by following a healthy lifestyle. However, some people require weight loss pills or supplements for controlling their weight.

Some of the best weight loss pills contain one or more principal components that help to burn the fats faster, reduce appetite or decrease the fat absorption.

Not every weight loss pill or supplement produce the desired effect. Some of them also produce unpleasant side effects.

Some of the weight loss pills and supplements used for weight management include  

• Alli (Orlistat)

• Caffeine

• Green tea extract

• Prescription weight loss pills

Alli:  Alli is the brand name for Orlistat. It is the most commonly used weight loss pill. It is available both on prescription and as an over the counter medicine. It helps in losing weight by preventing the body from breaking down some of the fats that people consume. When the intestinal fat absorption is less, weight loss occurs. A scientific study has stated that Orlistat may reduce weight by a small amount. The results have shown an average of 2.9 percent more weight loss in individuals taking Orlistat than those who do not consume this medicine. This medication may show a change in bowel pattern. The commonly observed side effects in persons taking this medication include abdominal pain, indigestion, and difficulty in controlling the bowel movements.

Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant found that is present in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. It is present in most of the weight loss pills and supplements. A scientific study carried out on 76 obese people concluded that individuals who took large amounts of caffeine had a greater reduction in fat mass, weight circumference, and overall weight than the individuals who consumed lower amounts of caffeine.  The commonly observed side effects of caffeine include nervousness, increased heart rate, and difficulty in sleeping.

Green tea extract: Several weight loss pills contain green tea extract as it improves the ability of the body to burn fat, and especially fat around the abdomen. Even though sufficient evidence is not available, some research shows that drinks containing green tea extract may encourage the loss of fat around the abdominal area. Generally, green tea extract is well tolerated. However, it can cause abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea at times.

Prescription weight loss pills: As already stated, most weight loss pills work by making it tougher for the body to absorb dietary fat or by reducing the appetite. The most commonly prescribed weight loss pills include Belviq and Qsymia. The help in losing weight to a certain extent, but they can have side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, and dry mouth.

The bottom line

Although some of the weight loss pills and supplements mentioned above may help in weight loss, they also have their share of side effects.

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