Several prescription and non-prescription weight loss pills are available. If you decide to take non-prescription weight loss pills, you should closely examine the label, note the active ingredients, make sure the manufacturer is credible, and seek independent assessment. In addition, consult your healthcare provider on recommendations for using such medications.
Most of the non-prescription weight loss pills contain several different herbal ingredients, although some may also contain stimulants. It is important to closely examine the labels of these products, noting each of the active ingredients. It is best to desist from taking a product that does not list its active ingredients or that lists them simply as a "proprietary blend" of herbals. |
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Evidence-based prescription medicine is the process of making medical decisions based on credible, validated scientific evidence. Usually, this means that decisions are based on the results of clinical studies, but it is important to note that some clinical studies are more credible and valid than others. In addition, evidence-based medicine examines the entire body of evidence (all the valid clinical studies pertinent to a specific topic), rather than relying on isolated studies.
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It is difficult to assess non-prescription weight loss pills using the principles of evidence-based medicine, as there are usually very few (if any) good clinical studies for most herbal products. In addition, herbal products are governed by less stringent rules and regulations, as compared to conventional medication. Healthcare providers often feel uncomfortable recommending many herbal weight loss pills, generally because they cannot currently be evaluated using evidence-based medicine.
Orlistat (Xenical) a prescription weight loss pill, has been approved and shown to be a safe and effective weight loss pill. It has the most evidence in its favor. |
In case of some products or ingredients if the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that they are unsafe or ineffective or both, then such products or ingredients are banned. This has been the case with ephedra. Ephedra, a popular ingredient in weight loss pills, was found to have certain stimulatory effects, increasing both heart rate and blood pressure, and increasing the risk of strokes, heart attacks, seizures, and other serious problems. As a result ephedra has been banned as an ingredient in weight loss pills. But, ephedra products can still be found on the Internet. Anyone looking to use this product must remember that it was banned for a very good reason and its use may adversely affect one's health.
Weight loss pills should not be viewed as a "quick fix". Even the most effective weight loss pills require you to make significant dietary and exercise changes. Keeping this in mind, you must first focus on diet and exercise regimen and then go for prescription medication to aid in adequate weight loss. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications, herbals, or supplements. Your healthcare provider can be an excellent resource in your journey toward weight loss any solving any weight concerns that you might have. |
