People dealing with obesity and overweight-related health problems go for the best weight loss pills.
These pills aren’t for people with high Body Mass Index BMI.
Some people who are overweight or dealing with obesity may opt for a lifestyle program that brings a visible change in their behaviors.
Such programs also help in boosting up their eating and physical activities. This program may also inscribe other factors like eating triggers and how to deal with insomnia.
The Functions of Best Weight Loss Pills
The following are the different ways in which weight loss pills work.
- Such pills don’t allow your body to consume macronutrients that contain calories. Some best weight loss supplements, like orlistat, choke lipids or carbohydrates to absorb. This is how calories are transformed into body fat.
- They hold back your appetite. These pills stop you from taking excess calories by synchronizing your hunger hormones.
- They boost your metabolism. Diet supplements accelerate your metabolism, which is a helping hand in burning calories more efficiently.
Are Diet Pills Risky?
According to Dr. Sasse, Those drugs have been given consent by the US. The food and Drug Administration (FDA) have experienced and undergone substantial clinical trials.
They have shallow profile side effects. But still, such pills meet with unusual and damaging side effects and risks, even though it is clinically proven and tested by the FDA.
What To Choose: Prescription Or Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Medication
Doctors or dieticians sometimes prescribe anti-obesity pills. They recommend these pills, and proper workout diet plans to those with significant weight loss, typically a body mass index BMI of 27 or more.
Many diet pills and the best weight loss supplements are being sold over the counter, so you don’t need an Rx to pile up. Their intake is not much safer to use for everyone.
These products can cause complex health problems like liver damage or heart trouble.
So, before cracking new medication or supplement, confirm with your physician even if you buy Over the Counter.
Related Best Weight Loss Pills for Women 2020
7 Best Diet Pills & Supplements
The best weight loss supplements have crowded the market with several products. Following supplements and pills are the most common.
Let’s see how they work, what they are saying about their potency, effectiveness, and safety, and the information about potential side effects.
#1. Orlistat
Orlistat is also known as Xenical and Alli. They are the best weight loss pills in both prescribed capsule form i-e Xenical and as an over-the-counter capsule, i.e., Alli.
Alli can be taken and used by adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or higher.
Xenical is prescribed to overweight or people with obesity who may have diabetes, cardiac problems, high blood pressure, or cholesterol.
Is it FDA Approved?
No doubt, Xenical was approved as a prescribed product in 1999, and Alli was approved for over-the-counter use in 2007 by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
AfterEffects:
The effect of Orlistat is Gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Hives, itching, or rash
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite
Orlistat’s side effects are more likely to pop up if you take a diet rich in fats and can increase your cholesterol level.
That is why it is advisable that taking such pills must avoid foods containing more than 30 percent of fats, like steak, avocado, and certain processed and fast foods.
#2. Hydroxycut
Hydroxycut is a dietary supplement that contains ephedra, a plant containing weight-loss ingredients.
In 2004, the FDA forbade the sale of ephedra-containing products that could cause cardiovascular disease.
Multiple Hydroxycut formulations exist in the market now. Depending on the products, those products may contain ingredients such as caffeine and green coffee bean extract.
Is it FDA Approved?
Hydroxycut products were banned in 2009 by the FDA.
Side Effects:
There are several side effects of the new Hydroxycut formulation, which may include:
- Difficulty in sleeping or insomnia
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Headache
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
#3. Contrave
Only doctors are prescribing this anti-weight pill. It is a combination of two inclusive drugs, i.e., bupropion, an antidepressant, and naltrexone, used for drug addiction.
Is it FDA Approved?
Yes, the FDA approved Contrave in 2014.
Side Effects:
The side effects of Contrave may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts
- Seizures
- Increased suicidal thoughts
Contrave is prohibited for those with a seizure disorder, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or nicotine addiction.
#4. Belviq
The prescription weight-loss medication pairing Belviq with diet and exercise may help obese or overweight adults lose weight.
Is it FDA Approved?
Yes. In 2012, the FDA approved Belviq for weight loss.
Side Effects:
The side effects of Belviq include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
People with diabetes can have additional side effects, including low blood sugar and back pain.
If patients haven’t succeeded in losing 5 percent of body weight by week 12, of course, then they should stop taking Belviq.
#5. Saxenda
Saxenda is a trading name for liraglutide medicine. It is a prescription weight-loss injection that can be self-administered once daily.
Combined with a low-calorie diet and increased workout, it can help adults tackle obesity. It also helps those who have a BMI of 27 or higher.
Is it FDA Approved?
Yes, FDA approved Saxenda in 2014.
Side Effects:
The side effects of Saxenda include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Low sugar level
- Upset stomach or stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
The side effects of Saxenda include thyroid tumors, cancer, gallbladder problems, gallstones, kidney failure, and inflammation of the pancreas.
#6. Qsymia
This supplement is available by prescription only. Qsymia is a combination of two medications, i.e., phentermine, which reduces appetite, and topiramate, which treats seizures and migraines.
Qsymia is prescribed to those adults who are overweight or obese with weight-related medical problems.
Is it FDA Approved?
Surely Qsymia was approved by the FDA in 2012.
Side Effects:
The side effects of Qsymia may include:
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Tingling of the hands and feet
- Trouble sleeping and excessive tiredness
Women who expect or plan to conceive soon should not take Qsymia as it leads to congenital disabilities.
Avoid it when you are breastfeeding or if you have glaucoma or hyperthyroidism.
#7. Raspberry Ketones
Raspberry ketone is a compound found in raspberries that gives them their aroma. It is used in ice creams and cosmetics to enhance flavor and taste.
Is it FDA Approved?
Dietary supplements don’t undergo an FDA-approval process, so the FDA hasn’t approved raspberry ketones.
Constituents Of Best Weight-Loss Supplements
These supplements contain many elements like herbs, fiber, and minerals in different quantities and many amalgams.
They are sold as capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders. Some products have multiple ingredients.
Most products carry more than one ingredient. All ingredients have different functions when they’re mixed. The most common elements in diet pills are as follows:
#1. Bitter Orange
Bitter orange has an element synephrine. It is a stimulant that burns calories and stimulates fatty acids in your body to break down.
The products having bitter oranges also contain caffeine and some other elements. Bitter orange probably slightly increases the number of calories you have already burnt.
If you want to reduce your appetite, bitter orange is the best substance, but it is still unknown whether it reduces your weight. So, Bitter orange might not be safer for you.
Weight loss pills containing bitter orange can cause chest pain, anxiety, headache, muscle and bone pain, a faster heart rate, and higher blood pressure.
#2. Capsaicin
Capsaicin has been derived from chili peppers, so it tastes so hot. It is known for burning body fats and calories.
You feel like you are already full, so you try to eat less. Still, studies on Capsaicin are continuing to know whether it can lose weight.
Capsaicin is safer if it is taken at 33 mg daily for four weeks or 4 mg daily for 12 weeks. It can cause stomach pain, burning sensations, nausea, and bloating.
#3. Chromium
Chromium is a mineral that regulates your blood sugar levels. It is known for increasing muscle mass and helping in fat loss.
It lessens the appetite and food intake. This mineral probably loses a minimal amount of weight and fatty acids. It is safer to use if chromium is taken in a limited amount in food and other supplements.
The best range is from 20 to 45 micrograms a day for adults. Chromium can cause watery stools, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, and hives if taken in large quantities.
#4. Carnitine
The human body produces carnitine. It is found in meat, fish, poultry, milk, and dairy products.
Human cells help to break down fatty acids. This supplement can reduce a small amount of weight.
Taking a carnitine supplement of up to 2 grams daily for one year or 4 grams daily for 56 days is safe. They can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and a fishy body odor.
#5. Chitosan
Chitosan originated from the shells of crabs, shrimp, and lobsters. It is said that it helps keep body fats in the digestive tract, so the human body may not captivate it.
Chitosan tethers a small amount of fat, which is not enough to help lose weight.
It is secure enough if it takes up to 15 grams a day for six months. Flatulence, bloating, mild nausea, constipation, indigestion, and heartburn can occur.
If shellfish cause allergy, so is careful before its use as it can cause a reaction.
#6. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a fat in dairy products and beef. It probably reduces your fats.
CLA reduces a minimal amount of weight and fats. If CLA is taken up to 6 grams daily for one year, it is safer to use.
It can lead to an upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, loose stools, and indigestion.
#7. Green Coffee Bean Extract
Green coffee beans are unroasted coffee beans. These unroasted bean extracts lessen fat reserves.
Body cells use energy, which is converted from blood sugar. Green coffee bean extract might help reduce little weight.
Green coffee bean extract is safer in quantity if it is up to 200 mg daily for 12 weeks. It might be the reason for headaches and urinary tract infections.
It consists of the stimulant caffeine. In the case of high doses or combined with other tonics, it can cause problems.
#8. Green Tea and Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is also found in some best weight-loss supplements. It reduces body weight by increasing the calories your body burns.
It breaks down lipids and decreases fat cushioning and the new fats that the body builds up.
It is known to reduce a small amount of weight. If you take safe green tea, but if you take green tea extract, it might not be.
Green tea extract can be constipation, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and increased blood pressure. In some people, liver damage can also occur.
#9. Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a soluble dietary fiber extracted from the konjac plant’s root. It absorbs water in the gastrointestinal tract that helps to feel complete.
It does not reduce weight loss. But it might be a helping hand in lowering cholesterol levels, Low-Density Lipoproteins LDL, which are not good cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
It is clean and safer if most glucomannan forms are used up to 15.1 grams a day for several weeks in a powder or capsule form.
Loose stools, flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort are caused by glucomannan.
#10. Yohimbe
Yohimbe is located in a West African tree. It contains a compound which is known as yohimbine.
It is an element found in some best weight loss pills and is more likely to increase weight loss, improve libido, increase muscle mass, or treat male sexual dysfunction.
This compound doesn’t help in losing weight. Yohimbe might not be safer if you use 20 mg or higher doses.
Do not use it if you do not have proper guidance. Take guidance from a healthcare provider because the side effects can be severe.
Yohimbe can cause headaches, high blood pressure, anxiety, agitation, rapid heartbeat, heart attack, heart failure, and death.
Vital Truths About Best Weight Loss Supplements
Although these supplements are effective in kick-starting weight loss, some physicians are still hesitant to suggest them.
They are reluctant because of the uncertainties, risks, and side effects. Before visiting your doctor, here are some essential things that you must know about prescription weight loss medication:
- People With Significant Weight Problems are only prescribed weight-loss medicines.
- Many of These Drugs are restricted to Pregnant Women or those trying to conceive.
- The Results may be passable, but the health benefits can be remarkable.
- A combination of diet and workout plan is needed to meet Long-Term Goals.
- These Diet pills have side effects
- The dose must be changed over time by your doctor.
- You may have to be on long-term medication.
- The purpose of all weight loss drugs isn’t the same. Some stop building up fats, while others restrict appetite
- Only about one-third of insurance companies offset weight loss drugs
Best Alternate Methods for Weight Loss Pills
Diet pills are not made for everyone. Like all the best weight loss supplements, some other options fulfill the job of the best weight loss pills. The following are some weight loss methods that you can opt for.
#1. Maintain Some Balance in Your Calories
Every person has their Calorie requirements. Age, gender, body size, physical condition, and activity level are key factors that play a vital role in learning individual caloric needs.
The number of calories required by an individual’s body all around the day to do some involuntary, critical tasks, such as breathing, producing body heat, maintaining heart function, and sending messages to and from the brain, is called the basal metabolic rate or BMR.
A person’s BMR depicts about 60% of the body’s daily energy needs.
Approximately 30% of the body’s daily energy needs are used for movement. It includes simple jobs like walking to get the mail, folding laundry, or washing the dishes.
The body’s remaining 10% energy requirement is used to digest food and absorb the vitals from food.
The number of calories taken must equal the number of calories burnt in the body to keep up the weight.
For people struggling to reduce weight, the number of calories taken must be less than the number of calories burnt daily.
The most effective way to achieve weight loss is to minimize the take of calories by reducing food intake and boosting your physical activity.
#2. What Foods Need to be Increased?
Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free dairy products are healthy diets necessary for achieving imminent weight loss and maintenance.
Different fruits and vegetables, especially those that are brighter in color, like dark green or red and orange, come up with essential antioxidants that may play a critical role.
Fruits and vegetables are less abundant in sugars and naturally low in calories.
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are sources of sufficient nutrients and fewer calories from fats.
#3. What Foods Need to be Decreased?
In lipids, there are nine calories in each gram. It is more than twice the calories of protein and carbohydrates i-e four per gram each.
Reducing a high-risk factor for cardiovascular disease is done by limiting lipid intake. It will also lower overall dietary fat and calories.
Lowering sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams, which must be less than 1,500 milligrams for older adults, African Americans, or those with health conditions that increase the risk for high blood pressure, is also a vital component of a healthful diet.
Such foods with high percentages of sodium are processed and prepackaged and may have more calories from added fats and refined sugar.
Products high in sugar include sweetened beverages such as soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, and items such as cookies, pastries, ice cream, and candy.
These products are often highly processed and contain calories of little nutritional value.
#4. Change Your Eating Manners to Avoid Diet Pills
Some techniques can change your behavior and help you alter poor eating habits:
- Make a record of your unhealthy eating habits to learn the places, emotions, or activities that may cause inappropriate eating.
- If you want to rectify unhealthy habits, make changes such as eating away from the television or computer. When you are stressed, always choose to go for a walk.
Those who stay away from diet pills, change their eating habits, and keep themselves active are the most fortunate. Workouts burn calories, boost metabolism, and help to reduce fatty acids.
Some everyday activities and exercises can burn calories. Individuals can do their training briskly if they can talk but not sing while doing the activity.
Some everyday activities include walking, gardening, washing windows or floors, walking stairs, ironing, cycling, etc.
On the other hand, brisk walking, dancing fast, water aerobics, swimming laps, jumping rope, running, and playing volleyball are exercise activities.
Weight Loss Medication Summary
The weight loss pills don’t have magic. Although some diet pills and supplements mentioned in this article lead to weight loss, the amounts are usually passable.
According to most research, caffeine, green tea extract, and orlistat help reduce little weight loss.
Some of the best weight loss supplements may also have side effects, including stomach discomfort and bowel movement changes.
It is best to take a suggestion from a doctor, other healthcare professionals, or a nutritionist before taking any supplement.
The food for thought for people trying to lose weight must have a portioned meal, take on a protein diet and veggies, and do the workout daily.