Weight Loss Supplements

How effective are weight-loss pills. Do they do anything but reduce the weight of your wallet? The allure of losing weight quickly is hard to resist. Effectiveness is not the only concern, are weight loss supplements safe? When choosing an over-the-counter weight-loss pill there are things you need to know.

Many of the over-the-counter weight-loss supplements are not proven to be effective and may even be dangerous. Weight-loss aids and dietary supplements are not regulated like prescription medicines. These products may be sold with very little proof of safety or effectiveness. After a product is on the market the FDA, Food and Drug Administration, begins to monitor the safety of the product. If a product is found to be unsafe the FDA can ban or recall products they determine are dangerous.

If you are considering trying a weight-loss supplement you need to do some research. You may want to talk with a pharmacist or your physician as well as reading the labels of the product. Check out the FDA’s web site for any alerts regarding any safety concerns of see if there is a product recall. Look at what the product claims is will do and try to determine if the product is effective and safe.

Here are some of the more common weight-loss supplements and the current information available on their effectiveness and safety.

Alli can be purchased over-the-counter any by prescription. Alli claims to decrease the absorption of dietary fat. The over-the-counter version is less effective than the prescription version. Currently the FDA is investigating reports of liver damage.

Bitter Orange claims to increase the number of calories burned. This product is possibly unsafe and there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of Bitter Orange.

Chitosan is said to block the absorption of dietary fat but there is no reliable evidence to prove the effectiveness of this product. Chitosan is more than likely safe to use.

Chromium claims to increase the number of calories burned and decreases your appetite and helps build muscles. This product is probably safe but there is not evidence to prove its effectiveness.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces body fat and builds muscle and is more than likely effective and safe.

Country mallow (heartleaf) decreases your appetite and increases the number of calories burned. This product is banned by the FDA as probably unsafe.

Ephedra decreases the appetite and is effective but is banned by the FDA.

Green Tea extract increases fat and calorie metabolism and decreases appetite and is probably safe but not proven to be effective.

Guar Gum blocks the absorption of dietary fat and makes you feel full. Probably safe but ineffective.

Hoodia decreases the appetite is it is not known whether it is safe or effective.

Talk with your physician if you are beginning a weight-loss program and considering using a weight-loss pill. Your doctor can be a big help with advice and will be able to monitor your progress and look for any possible side effects. If you on any other medications she can advise you of any potential negative interactions with the weight-loss supplement.

Realize that you have to eat fewer calories than your body uses to lose weight. There is no magic method that will do this for you. If you work with your doctor and begin a weight-loss program and choose a dietary supplement that is safe it may help you to achieve your weight loss goals.