It can be frustrating when it comes time to consider diet pills. Do they work or don’t they when it comes to weight loss? Not only can they be expensive, but some simply aren’t going to be effective. The good news is there are some diet pills that do work when they are taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Still though, keep their roles in perspective. While they may provide some weight loss help, their overall effectiveness is limited.

The diet pills available today may be safer than diet pills in the past, that doesn’t mean they are safe and effective for every individual. Each diet pill is different and each comes with its own set of side effects. You should talk in depth with your physician about any diet pill or supplement you are considering taking. Here is a list of some of the more popular diet pills today and the pertinent information about each.

Meridia (sibutramine)

Meridia works on the brain’s appetite-control center and alters the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin. These chemical regulate how full a person feels after eating. Meridia is available by prescription only and it intended for very overweight or obese individuals.

Meridia works well for some people who seem to never feel “full” after eating. If you have a ravenous appetite and never feel satisfied, Meridia could help you overcome that feeling. This drug is only prescribed to obese and overweight individuals. If you are struggling to lose that last ten pounds, Meridia is not the drug for you since its use is reserved for individuals with more serious weight issues.

It’s important to know that Meridia can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack and it can raise your blood pressure. In fact, the drug has been banned in Italy because so many people were having adverse reactions to it. The FDA is currently monitoring Meridia to see if it is indeed safe.

Byetta (exenatide) and Glucophage (metformin)

Byetta is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is an injectable diabetes medicine. Glucophage is also used for people with type 2 diabetes but it is an oral diabetes medicine. Both medications help control blood sugar levels.

If you are a type 2 diabetic, or if you suffer from hormonal conditions that are linked to insulin resistance, your doctor may prescribe Byetta or Glucophage to help you lose weight. Unlike other weight loss drugs, insurance companies will more than likely pick up the tab on these medications as they are classified as “diabetic medications.”

Zimulti (rimonabant)

Rimonabant is an anti-obesity drug. While pegged a potential blockbuster by industry analysts, it hasn’t been approved by the FDA over concerns that it has been shown to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. If, and when, the FDA approves this prescription drug, it will be marketed as Zimulti. However, it has been available in the European Union since 2006 under the name Acomplia.

Alli (orlistat)

Orlistat is a prescription drug used to treat obesity. Alli is a reduced-strength version of Orlistat and is available over-the-counter, but it is still recommended that you consult your doctor before taking it. Alli helps weight loss by preventing fat in the food you eat from being absorbed in the body, specifically by the intestines. The undigested fat is removed from your body through bowel movements. By decreasing the absorption of fat in the body, Alli essentially reduces the number of calories you absorb.

You should know that while Alli works to keep fat from being broke down and stored in the body, if you eat too much fat you may experience loose, oily stools. Some people report having “accidents” and problems with leading and soiling. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended you limit your fat intake per meal to 15 grams or less.

Supplements

Don’t take any diet supplements until you know what you are consuming. There are some supplements, such as bitter orange extract, whose safety is being questioned. Bitter orange extract is often used as a replacement to ephedra. Ephedra was banned in the United States because it caused strokes and deaths-and a myriad of adverse reactions in consumers.

There are two supplements, however, that many agree are safe and may be effective in weight loss. They are green tree extract and hoodia gordonii. EGCG, an antioxidant found in green tea, may help boost the body’s metabolism. Hoodia gordonii is a natural appetite suppressant. It tricks the brain into thinking you are full. The idea behind hoodia diet pills is that if you feel full, you’ll eat less. Thus, you’ll lose weight.

What diet pills actually work for weight loss? As you can see, it depends on your situation and how you react to some of these drugs and supplements. What works great for one person may not work for you. Supplements may seem safer, but that is not always the case. The best solution for weight loss is diet and exercise. If you feel diet pills and supplements are necessary, then only look to them as a short-term aid and be sure to talk to your doctor first before taking them!

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