Have you ever thought to yourself, “I sure do wish there was a pill that could just make my weight loss easier?” Let’s face it. Losing weight and achieving a healthy BMI takes work. That’s especially true if you’ve been caught up in bad habits for a long time. Losing weight is a series of lifestyle changes, and not all of them are easy to make.
Well, as it turns out, the weight loss industry is almost a 200 billion dollar industry. That’s billion with a B. There are diet plans and group weigh-in programs, sure. But there are also hundreds of weight loss tablets, pills and supplements on the market that you can use to help make weight loss simpler.
Once you decide you want to try weight loss tablets, a visit to the drug store can be overwhelming at best. With so many options, how are you to know which supplements are effective? Safe? Won’t have side effects?
We’re here to help! In this guide to weight loss pills and tablets, you’ll learn:
- About the most common natural supplements available to help with your weight loss
- About different types of weight loss pills and what they do
- About the most effective over the counter weight loss tablets – for men and women both
Ready to learn more about weight loss tablets and how they can help you reach your BMI goals? Read on to learn everything you need to know about weight loss supplements.
1. What is BMI?
It’s smart to think of your health not as a factor of your weight, but of your body mass index, or BMI. See, different people carry their weight differently. A five foot tall woman who’s 150 pounds is certainly going to carry that weight differently than a woman who’s five feet and nine inches and weighs the same.
Your BMI is a measurement that’s derived by taking your weight in kilograms and dividing it by your height squared in meters. The resulting number usually falls somewhere between 18 and 40, and it gives you and your doctors an indication of your present and future health.
People with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 are considered to be of a healthy weight for their height. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is said to be overweight. If your BMI falls above the 30 mark, you’re considered obese. Anything over 40 and you’re considered morbidly obese.
What does that mean for you? Well, if you’re in a healthy range for BMI, you’re less likely to be diagnosed with:
- Adult onset diabetes
- Depression
- Stroke
- Heart conditions
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
If your body max index is in the overweight range, your chance of those diagnoses goes up. If you’re in the obese range, you begin to enter the danger zone. And if your body mass index falls into the category of morbidly obese, it’s likely to be fatal.
2. Weight Loss Tablets and your BMI
So how do weight loss pills fit in to achieving your healthiest BMI? Well, there are different types of weight loss pills, including appetite suppressants, fat burners and fat blockers – we’ll talk about those later in this guide. Weight loss pills, when used correctly, can help make dropping the pounds easier on your body, and on your mind, too.
Much of achieving a healthy BMI is simply eating a healthy diet and exercising adequately. But if you feel like you need a little extra boost, it may be time to consider weight loss tablets.
Are you excited? Ready to learn more about weight loss pills and how you can reach a healthy BMI? Let’s talk about the science behind weight loss pills.
3. Science of Weight Loss Pills
The science behind weight loss pills is, obviously, dependent upon the type of weight loss pills you take. There are different types of pills – there are prescription tablets, over the counter blends and even illegal substances that can control your weight.
As we go through each of the weight loss pills covered in this guide, we’ll offer a few more specifics as to just how they work. However, there are a few types of supplements you should know about before you begin taking them.
Weight loss tablets usually work in one of four ways:
- They may decrease your appetite
- They may increase feelings of fullness
- They may block your body’s absorption of fat
- In some cases, they may alter your brain chemistry
Weight loss pills that alter your brain chemistry are few and far between – usually they’re prescription antidepressants reserved for patients with underlying mental health concerns. There are, however, natural supplements which will elevate the mood, and may be effective in helping speed weight loss efforts.
Appetite suppressants are one of the most popular types of weight loss pills. They, quite simply, make you stop craving foods. Some are designed to target sweets, while others take a holistic approach to appetite management.
Then, there are pills which make you feel more full. That may make you less likely to snack when you “shouldn’t” and will make you less hungry at meal times.
Finally, there are fat blockers. Fat blockers inhibit your body’s ability to absorb fat from the foods you eat. That fat passes through your body as waste and doesn’t “attach to your hips.”
We’ll look more at the science of weight loss pills as we go along. First, let’s look more in depth at the ways you can get weight loss pills, and which are the best to use.
4. Types of Weight Loss Pills and Tablets
There are three main types of weight loss pills: prescription pills, over the counter pills and illegal pills. Let’s take a look at each category and get a little more information about each.
Prescription Weight Loss Pills
If you’re very concerned about your weight, you may consider visiting a doctor. If you’re close to a healthy BMI, your doctor may do one of three things:
- Encourage you to change your lifestyle habits and incorporate more healthy foods and some exercise.
- Refer you to a nutritionist who can help you develop a healthy dietary plan that’s appropriate for your weight loss goals.
- Prescribe you a weight loss pill.
If you’re prescribed a weight loss pill, it’s typically because you’re in the “obese” to “morbidly obese” BMI range. Prescription weight loss pills are approved by your national government organization. For instance, in the United States the FDA evaluates and approves weight loss tablets.
Prescription weight loss tablets include:
- Xenical
- Alli
- Contrave
- Qsymia
- Belviq
- Saxenda
There are more, of course, but these are the most commonly prescribed aside from anti-depressants.
Again, if you feel the need to speak with your doctor about prescription weight loss supplements, please do so. It should go without saying that you should never purchase prescription weight loss pills other than through an approved pharmacy with a prescription from your physician.
Illegal Pills and Forbidden Substances
Some people, unfortunately, do not follow this advice. For that reason, there’s a large market out there for illegal weight loss pills.
There are three ways people can get illegal weight loss pills and forbidden substances. These include:
- Purchasing prescription pills without a prescription
- Buying “designer” weight loss drugs or street drugs
- Using weight loss products that have been banned by the FDA, MHRA or other regulatory organization
All three methods of obtaining illegal substances are dangerous. Prescription medications, although deemed safe for long term use, may interfere with your other medications of your natural body chemistry. All prescription drug use should be closely monitored by a doctor, and buying prescription drugs on the street is a very bad idea.
Designer drugs sometimes combine prescription drugs with over the counter ingredients. Oft times, they contain banned substances. And in extreme cases, they include extremely dangerous ingredients like speed or meth.
Finally, people can get illegal weight loss pills simply by buying banned ingredients. These products have been banned because they’ve been deemed unsafe for use. In some cases, these pills have caused heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, heart valve misfunction and even death. These drugs include ephedra, DMAA, Fen-Phen and Sibutramine.
Once again, it’s best to use your common sense. If you decide to begin taking a weight loss pill, check it out first! Know what’s in your supplement, and talk to your doctor about whether the ingredients are safe for you to use.
Over the Counter Weight Loss Pills
Over the counter weight loss pills are the most frequently used type of supplement. This category includes everything you find at the drug store, and encompasses all categories: fat blockers, appetite suppressants and drugs that make you feel full.
There are thousands of over the counter weight loss pills available. That’s the reason so many people get confused when trying to choose. It’s difficult to know which are the most effective and which are just another snake oil.
Over the counter weight loss pills fall into two categories: natural pills and chemical pills. The chemical types of pills are similar to prescription pills in that they’re not necessarily derived from natural ingredients. However, remember that these drugs have not been evaluated by the FDA or other organizations, so just because they’re on the shelf doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe to use.
Natural Weight Loss Pills
A majority of the weight loss pills you’ll find in drug stores and online are made from natural ingredients. Looking at the products on the shelves, you’ll find ingredients such as:
- Green tea
- Garcinia cambogia
- Chili
- Caffeine
- Cocoa
- Ginger
- Apple cider vinegar
- And many more!
Regulating agencies do not evaluate herbal products. Keep that in mind as you shop, and remember that “natural” is not the same thing as “safe.” Just because a product is derived from plants or herbs does not mean it won’t interfere with your health or your other medications.
5. When to Use Prescription Weight Loss Tablets
Obviously, illegal weight loss supplements are a category you’ll want to skip. But you may be wondering when it’s appropriate to use an over the counter and when you should use a prescription weight loss tablet to get your BMI in check.
If you’ve been trying to lose weight for a long time with no success, it may be time to talk to your doctor about beginning a prescription weight loss program. When you do so, your physician will sit down and talk to you about the other changes in your life that will be necessary for you to make.
No weight loss tablet is a miracle tablet. You’re still going to need to change your diet, and you’ll probably also have to begin to do a bit of exercise. If you begin a fat blocker pill like Alli, for instance, your doctor will probably tell you to cut down on fatty foods. Failing to do so can lead to digestive problems and lead to a very uncomfortable experience.
So when should you use prescription weight loss pills?
- When you’ve had difficulty losing weight for an extended period of time
- If exercise is not healthy for you due to your weight, cardiovascular or any other issue
- If you’re morbidly obese as an alternative to bariatric surgery
- If your doctor agrees that it’s a better option than diet or OTC weight loss pills
6. When Should I Use Over the Counter Weight Loss Tablets?
You could certainly begin to use an over the counter weight loss tablet of your own volition. If you’re a healthy adult who’s close to an optimal BMI, over the counter tablets may be just the extra push you need to achieve your ideal weight.
However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your physician before you begin any pill, tablet or supplement. This is especially true if you’re:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Diabetic
- Suffering from heart trouble
- Suffering from conditions related to your kidneys, liver or other organs
In short, be safe. Check with your doctor before you begin. Once you’re clear, there are a few circumstances that might warrant you beginning a weight loss tablet.
When Training
Weight loss tablets may be beneficial to you if you’re training. Whether you’re planning to run a marathon or you’re planning to enter a strongman competition, weight loss pills can help you achieve your goals.
Many weight loss pills have the additional benefit of giving you energy and increasing your stamina. This can be super-helpful if you’re working out more or need an extra push while you hit the gym. Bear in mind, though, that these supplements may also increase your heart rate.
Use weight loss pills with extreme caution if you’re training. An increased heart rate while you work out can be good for you, but if left unchecked it can also be extremely dangerous.
We’ve got to say it – if you’re training, check with your doctor before you begin taking any kind of pills. Don’t rely on the word of your trainer or other people who are training with you. Talk to a medical professional to determine whether supplements are safe for you to use.
When Increased Weight Loss is Wanted
In some cases, weight loss pills can be helpful if you just want increased weight loss. There are really two circumstances in which this is true.
First, if you’ve got a short term goal weight loss pills can be helpful. Granted, these pills won’t help you with your long term weight loss, but there are many pills which will help to flush fluids out of your body.
You know those ads that tell you that you can lose ten pounds in a week or two? They’re true. Unfortunately, that weight isn’t fat. It’s fluid, or “water weight.” And while that weight loss isn’t going to help you achieve a healthy BMI, it can certainly help you fit into that wedding dress.
Secondly, even the mildest of weight loss pills can help boost your weekly weight loss. Imagine you’ve been averaging around a pound a week in weight loss. Taking the right supplement can help increase that to, say, two pounds per week.
With most weight loss pills, you’ll experience a “burst” of weight loss when you first begin to take it. After that initial drop, though, expect your weight loss to stabilize to around two pounds per week, which is generally considered safe.
When You’ve Reached a Plateau
It’s true for just about everyone who’s ever tried to lose weight: eventually your body will reach a plateau. A plateau is when you’ve been losing weight for a while and then the scales suddenly stabilize – you’re no longer losing. It’s frustrating and annoying, but it happens to everyone!
Taking a weight loss supplement can, at least temporarily, give your weight loss a kick in the backside. Even if the results aren’t long term, a weight loss tablet can be just enough of a change for your body to resume losing weight at a healthy rate, around one to two pounds per week.
7. What Do Weight Loss Pills Contain?
Alright, now you know about the different types of weight loss pills. You know what you can safely take, what you should talk to your doctor about (everything, but especially prescription drugs) and what you absolutely should not, under any circumstances, put into your body. (Read: illegal or banned substances.)
Now it’s time to get into the good stuff. What should you take to enhance your weight loss? What do the different types of pills do, and how well do they work? Let’s look at a few of the most commonly found ingredients in weight loss supplements as we get started discussing the best weight loss pills.
Green Tea
Studies suggest that, when used in concert with a low fat diet, green tea can greatly increase your weight loss. These studies were originally conducted on mice, but since the initial studies have also been conducted on human subjects.
Green tea contains natural chemicals called catechins and, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, those catechins enhance exercise-induced weight loss. Specifically, they target belly fat and they also can help to improve your triglyceride levels.
Do you gag at the thought of drinking green tea? That’s okay! There are plenty of supplements on the market that contain green tea in a powder form. This powder contains those same catechins that enhance your weight loss and all you’ve got to do is swallow a tablet!
So how does it work? Well, preliminary studies find that green tea can alter your energy metabolism. In other words, it increases your fat metabolism, causing you to lose weight more quickly.
Chili
Another ingredient you’ll frequently find in weight loss supplements is chili. Yes, the stuff you put in your taco meat. Studies conducted at Arizona State University show that chili is effective in helping to boost your weight loss.
Chili doesn’t contain catechins. Instead, the peppers contain an ingredient called capsaicinoids. These capsaicinoids increase your body’s ability to burn energy. Chili is also effective in decreasing appetite, meaning you’ll eat less and consume more calories.
Studies regarding chili have been conducted on mice, with surprising results. Chili, when fed to mice, seemed to prevent those animals from gaining weight. That’s even true for mice who consumed an otherwise unhealthy, high-fat diet.
Does that mean you can eat what you want with the expectation that chili will make you magically reach your ideal BMI? Of course not. But chili may be just the boost you need to get your weight under control.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been thought to help improve health for a very long time. In recent years, it’s become more popular as celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Megan Fox and others have begun to swear by the stuff.
To put it frankly, apple cider vinegar is, perhaps, the first superfood. So does it work? What does science say about it?
The answer: “meh.”
Studies conducted on humans and mice suggest that apple cider vinegar may be an effective short term solution to weight loss. After all, it’s a diuretic, which means it will help flush fluids out of your body. And studies in obese rats show that apple cider vinegar may help increase the metabolism of fat.
But apple cider vinegar isn’t known to be an effective solution for long-term weight loss. If you’re looking to control your BMI, apple cider vinegar probably isn’t the way to go.
That said, apple cider vinegar (ACV) does have other benefits, and may be a good idea if you have health concerns. For instance, ACV is known to help regulate blood sugar spikes in diabetics. It also may help block starch absorption in the body which may or may not be beneficial to your weight loss efforts.
Should you take apple cider vinegar? Maybe. It certainly won’t hurt. The good news is that, if you don’t want to drink the stuff, you can find ACV in countless over the counter weight loss tablets.
Spinach
Frequently, you’ll find spinach in over the counter weight loss pills. There’s no doubt: the food is packed with nutrients and vitamins that are super good for you. Spinach is a low-calorie, high-nutrient food that’s good for your organs, your brain function and even your skin.
But does taking spinach in pill form really help jumpstart your weight loss? Well, that depends.
Spinach contains natural chemicals called thylakoids. Studies have shown that thylakoids can both help you lose body fat and reduce your cravings for foods when taken responsibly.
However, there are a few problems with spinach.
First, there are different types of spinach. There’s baby spinach, full grown spinach, organic spinach and regular spinach. There’s even frozen spinach! The type of spinach used in your supplement can make a difference in your weight loss – and your health.
For the best results, choose a product that’s made from organic spinach, as this plant is much less likely to have absorbed pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals. If you choose to eat spinach for weight loss rather than take a supplement, chose an organic, fresh leaf that’s small and dark. Freezing spinach may make the weight loss benefits less effective.
Herbs
Just as there are thousands of weight loss supplements on the market, there are thousands of herbs within those supplements. Some are more common than others, and you may have heard of them. Others are lesser known but may still be effective in helping you lose weight.
It would take months to outline each and every herb used in weight loss products. So let’s go over a few of the most common so you can get a feel for what natural ingredients can do.
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit
Garcinia cambogia has been around for quite some time, and it’s commonly thought to be an effective appetite suppressant. This herb, as with most herbs, is not evaluated for safety or efficacy by the FDA or other organizations.
However, people who have used the supplement say that it does, in fact, help to curb cravings. Cravings for sweets, in particular, can be lessened by using garcinia cambogia fruit. Interestingly, blind studies showed that garcinia cambogia helped to reduce the triglyceride levels in test subjects. That may mean garcinia cambogia is effective to help improve heart health.
Ginger
A study by the Philadelphia College of Oseapathic Medicine stated that ginger is one of the “top ten” ingredients found in drug store weight loss products. The effects of ginger on your health are well-known. Its got anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can reduce pain and swelling. It’s also great if you’ve got an upset tummy – it’s an anti-nausea remedy that dates back years.
So what about weight loss? Can adding ginger to your diet improve your chance of reaching your ideal BMI? Studies say probably not. Double blind studies administered a placebo to some subjects and ginger to others. There was no marked difference in the weight loss between the two groups.
Is ginger an effective weight loss remedy? Likely not. However, it may help to make you feel better if you’re feeling nauseous or have hunger pains!
Turmeric
Turmeric is found in your spice cabinet. It’s also found in many weight loss tablets sold over the counter. It’s a yellow spice that’s in the ginger family and is an awesome antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
So what about the weight loss? Does the yellow powder really help improve your weight loss efforts? Studies say that yes, it can! Curcumin, a polyphenol found in the spice, reduced weight gain in mice. It also helped to slow and suppress the growth of fat cells in their bodies.
In the studies, turmeric extract was fed to mice on a normal diet and on a high fat diet. Both groups consumed the same amount of food, which told scientists that turmeric isn’t a very effective appetite suppressant. But there was a surprising outcome to the study.
The mice who were fed turmeric, despite having eaten the same amount of food, gained less weight than the mice who didn’t ingest the herb. Therefore, studies suggest that turmeric may indeed be linked to effective weight loss.
Caffeine
Okay, so it’s not technically an herb. But caffeine is a naturally occurring chemical that’s frequently found in weight loss products. You’ve probably heard, at some point, that coffee and tea (the caffeinated kind) can help control your appetite and increase your weight loss. But what about if you’re not a coffee drinker? Could a supplement help your efforts?
Kind of.
Coffee and tea don’t, by themselves, cause you to lose weight. Drinking caffeinated products, or taking a caffeine supplement won’t help you at all if you maintain a sedentary lifestyle. However, in conjunction with an exercise program caffeine may just give your weight loss the push you need.
Caffeine has a few effects you may be interested in. First, and most obviously, caffeine increases your energy. Just that fact alone may be enough for some to get moving, therefore increasing their weight loss.
Secondly, caffeine is thought to increase endurance by increasing the amount of epinephrine that’s released into your bloodstream. Not to get too technical but that, in turn, causes the release of free fatty acids. As you work out, your body will use these free fatty acids to get energy.
Finally, caffeine can act as an appetite suppressant. That’s not to say you should chug coffee in the morning and skip breakfast. But taking a caffeine weight loss supplement can make you feel less hungry during the day, preventing you from overeating.
Other Herbs
As we mentioned, there are thousands of herbs in products on the market. Some are effective while others are nothing but a fad. No matter what you choose, you should always do your research on the ingredients in your pills.
It bears repeating: herbal supplements aren’t regulated or evaluated by governing agencies. Therefore while they may not be deemed unsafe, herbal products may not be completely safe for your specific situation. Just keep in mind that “natural” doesn’t always mean “harmless,” nor does it always mean “effective.”
8. Are Weight Loss Pills Safe to Use?
While we’re talking about safety of herbal weight loss pills, let’s talk about the safety of weight loss pills as a whole. Are weight loss tablets safe to use? Are they good for you?
Well, first things first. The most effective, safest way to lose weight and achieve your ideal BMI is by eating a healthy diet and getting adequate exercise. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and limited sugary and processed foods are the absolute best way to lose weight. If your body is healthy enough for exercise, that’s all the better.
Secondly, let’s talk about what “safe weight loss” really means. Many people begin a weight loss program with the expectation that they’ll drop 10 pounds or more in the first week or so. They anticipate a long-term loss of three to four pounds each week. In other words, we want things to be nearly instant.
That’s not realistic. You didn’t put that weight on over the course of a week. It’s going to take you more than a week to lose it. A weight loss goal of between half a pound and two pounds per week is both realistic and ideal.
Diet pills and supplements can help you reach that goal, but don’t expect a miracle. It’s like the old adage: if it seems too good to be true it probably is. Weight loss supplements that promise any more than a few pounds per week are probably just out to get your money. If they do work that way, they’re likely unsafe.
Now, on to your question. Are weight loss pills safe to use? Sure! Whether you’re using prescription weight loss tablets or over the counter herbal blends, weight loss pills can be both safe and effective.
9. Can I Lose Weight Quickly with Pills?
If your goal is to lose weight quickly, you have a few options. Your first option is to be a man. Just kidding. But it’s true: men do lose weight more quickly over a short-term period than women do. In one study, a two month plan saw men losing twice as much weight as women, and three times as much body fat.
If you’re a woman, that seems just plain unfair. But don’t worry, ladies. It all evens out over time. After six months of that same study, the rate of weight loss between the men and the women had become almost identical.
But whether you’re a man or a woman, you may be curious as to whether weight loss pills can help you lose quickly. If you’ve got a short term goal, like ten pounds before your wedding or fifteen before beach season, then the answer is yes, absolutely.
Most weight loss pills contain some sort of a diuretic. Diuretics flush fluid and waste from your body, causing a great deal to weight to be lost in a short period of time. Diuretics can help you rid your belly of bloating in no time flat, allowing you to look slim and trim in your tux.
For longer-term goals, it’s not so easy. Most over the counter weight loss pills will give you an initial bump in weight loss but then you’ll experience a significant slowing down. Set your expectations realistically and understand weight loss pills as what they are: a tool to assist you in your efforts. There are no miracle pills.
10. What are the Pros and Cons to Taking Weight Loss Pills?
As with any health decision you make, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of weight loss tablets before you begin to take them. Once again, (yes, we know, but we can’t repeat it enough) speak with your physician and come up with a healthy and holistic approach to your weight loss. Dietary changes, exercise and even improved sleep will all impact your weight loss, so take all factors into account.
So, you want to know the pros and cons of weight loss pills. Let’s take a look.
The Pros of Taking Weight Loss Pills
- Weight loss pills, even the over the counter kind, can jump start your weight loss efforts.
- They can help you curb your appetite while you adjust to the appropriate lifestyle changes you must make.
- Weight loss tablets can increase your stamina and energy, allowing you to exercise more and “harder.”
- Many diet pills contain additional ingredients that can improve your health. Lower cholesterol, lower triglycerides and more regulated blood sugar are a few examples.
- Weight loss pills can be effective even as a placebo. Taking that supplement each morning can remind you to make good choices throughout the rest of the day.
- Prescription weight loss drugs all but guarantee you’ll have frequent checkups with your doctor. This helps keep your health in check and gives you a sense of accountability.
The Cons of Taking Weight Loss Pills
- Some weight loss tablets are simply unsafe. Some research is required before you begin taking a supplement.
- People are sometimes tempted to use weight loss pills as a crutch. “I took my pill this morning, so this chocolate lava cake is, like, totally fine to eat.”
- Some weight loss supplements can seriously mess with your digestive tract. Fat blockers, for example, can cause diarrhea and stomach cramping.
- Weight loss pills can have side effects. They could make you jittery, sleepy, nauseous or even anxious. Different pills work differently from body to body, so this may be a case of trial and error.
11. What’s the Most Effective Type of Weight Loss Tablet?
We’ve talked about the different types of weight loss tablets. There are appetite suppressants, fat burners and fat blockers. If you’re like most people, you probably find yourself staring and the drug store shelves, wondering which option is best for you.
Well, let’s take a look at each of the types of weight loss pills and learn more about what they each do. While different lifestyles will require different types of weight loss pills, knowing how the pills impact your body will better assist you in making that determination.
For the purposes of this guide, we’re only going to talk about the over the counter weight loss tablets. Prescription pills are between you and your doctor, and it’s not for us to tell you which is best for your particular medical situation.
If you’re interested in a prescription weight loss pill, bring the subject up at your next doctor’s appointment. You and your doctor can fully discuss the benefits and side effects of each pill and determine which will work for you.
Ready to get started learning about the most effective weight loss pills? Let’s look at the three types of pills in turn.
Appetite Suppressant
Appetite suppressants work in one of two ways. Either they fool your brain into thinking you’re not hungry, or they make you literally feel full.
If you’re the type of person who snacks while you watch Netflix, appetite suppressants might be the best type of weight loss pills for you. The same is true if you eat seconds at supper… just because it tastes good.
Appetite suppressant diet pills are great for those who are just beginning a weight loss plan. The reason for this is that they can help stave off hunger and cravings while you adjust to your new dietary program.
Remember that a lot of overeating is habitual and psychological. You may automatically reach
for the pretzels while you drive home from work, or you may grab a bowl of ice cream if you’re really stressed. Appetite suppressants can help you calm those cravings while you seek out other ways to break your habits.
Hunger is natural. It’s how your body communicates with you, letting you know that you’re running short on fuel. But if you feel hungry when you’ve just eaten, or if you crave snacks simply due to circumstances, appetite suppressants are your best bet.
Fat Burners
Weight loss supplements that are designed to help boost your metabolism are called fat burners. Over the counter fat burners are not, of course, proven to do so. However, there are several ingredients in a typical fat burner supplement that may be more effective than others.
These are:
- Caffeine
- Chromium
- Green tea
- Turmeric
- Chili
As you already know, fat burners aren’t miracle drugs. You can’t down a few pills then sit back on your couch with a bag of corn chips, expecting to lose weight. But when you take fat burners and follow a healthy diet and exercise plan, they may provide that last little push you need to lose weight.
If you work out regularly and eat a relatively clean diet, fat burners are probably a good option. Because most contain ingredients that can accelerate your heart rate, it’s important that you’re in good health before you begin a fat burner weight loss pill. If you have any doubt, ask your doc.
Fat Blockers
The third type of weight loss tablets are the fat blockers. What these guys are supposed to do is impair your body’s ability to absorb the fat from the foods you eat.
Most contain an ingredient called chitosan, which comes from the exoskeletons of underwater critters like shellfish. This chitosan acts like fiber, in that it “sweeps” your digestive tract without being digested itself.
However, they’re unique to fiber in that they supposedly absorb fat along the way. Chitosans are said to absorb between six and ten times their own weight in fat, which is then eliminated as waste from the body.
Like any other over the counter drug, fat blockers aren’t proven to work. And if you’re thinking of giving fat blockers a try as part of your weight loss, be prepared for some side effects. They’ve been known to cause diarrhea, gas and abdominal discomfort.
Are fat blockers right for you? You should try them if you’re frequently eating restaurant meals, if you eat a lot of red or non-lean meats or if you just want to give your weight loss a jump start.
12. New Weight Loss Pills
If you want to learn about the latest and greatest diet pills, there’s no better place to go than to your doctor or nutritionist. It seems that just about every day there’s a new pill being put on the market. And, truthfully, it’s almost impossible to tell if these pills are effective or even if they’re safe.
We do have some advice for you, though, with respect to new weight loss pills. That is this: use your common sense. As we mentioned before, if something sounds too good to be true, there’s a darn good chance that it is too good to be true.
In May of 2017, Public Health England published a report stating that 63.8 percent of adults in England have a BMI of over 25.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, obesity affected 60 percent of American women and 75 percent of American men in 2013.
Think about it.
If every one of the pills on the market were as effective as the advertisements say they were, would we be experiencing an obesity epidemic?
When you’re beginning to lose weight, just use your common sense. Know that new weight loss pills are likely little more effective than the old ones. In other words, they’re likely not very effective at all. The best and guaranteed way to lose weight is to eat healthful foods, get off the couch and get some activity. Eat less, move more. Don’t worry so much about the pills.
13. Weight Loss Pills that Work
While we’ve certainly ensured that we cautioned you about the dangers of falling for the weight loss pill trap, we don’t want to sound too cynical. There are weight loss pills that do add a boost to a healthy diet and exercise. Let’s take a look at what they are, and when you should take them.
For the purpose of this article, we’re going to leave out the brand names. Not all brands may be available in all nations. Plus, mentioning just the ingredients will serve another purpose: it’s going to make you read the label!
14. Weight Loss Ingredients that Work for Men
Men, here are the ingredients you should be looking for in your weight loss supplements. Remember to check with your doctor before taking any supplement.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herb that smells a little like curry. It’s been shown to reduce cravings and curb hunger by making you feel full. Fenugreek is gentle enough to take daily without upsetting your stomach or your gastrointestinal tract.
Fenugreek does have one bizarre side effect. You’ll notice that, after just one dose of fenugreek, your urine may smell like maple syrup. Strange, sure. But not the worst side effect you could experience, by any means.
Black Pepper
Just as chili can help you lose weight, black pepper can, too. Black pepper contains a natural ingredient called piperine, which reduced the body weight of rats in studies.
It’s best to take black pepper in supplement form. Taking it as you’d find it in the spice cabinet can cause adverse effects in your stomach and digestive tract.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is a potent plant that can help men lose weight. In fact, it’s so powerful that in Hindi the plant is known as gurmar, which means “sugar destroyer.”
Gymnema sylvestre is awesome at regulating blood sugar levels in diabetics. However, it’s got an added benefit to your weight loss efforts. The plant changes the way you perceive sweet foods. That means fewer sugar cravings.
Chromium
Chromium is one of the best natural metabolism boosters out there. It, like other ingredients, helps to regulate your blood sugars. But chromium also works with the insulin in your body to help metabolize sugars you eat in your food.
The most common side effects reported by men who have used chromium are headaches and sensitive skin. They say that, after taking the supplement, skin feels irritable to the touch for a few hours.
Weight Loss Supplements That Work For Women
Women, here’s your list! Remember, don’t take any of these supplements if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Be sure to talk to your doctor or your midwife first.
Green Tea Extract
As we discussed earlier, green tea extract is thought to be effective in increasing your metabolism. Therefore, it can also be quite effective in helping women lose weight.
Women who participated in studies saw results faster when they consumed green tea than when they didn’t. Specifically, over a course of three months, women who used green tea lost 7.3 pounds more than women who didn’t use the supplement.
It doesn’t matter whether you drink the tea or use a supplement – the weight loss effects of green tea are the same.
Dandelion
Yes, that stuff you find out in the back yard. You thought it was just a nuisance, but the plant can actually help you lose weight.
Dandelion is full of nutrients, and it also has a few other beneficial effects. First, it’s a diuretic. That means it helps flush waste and fluids from your body. It also enhances the metabolism of fat. Furthermore, dandelion can help to reduce your cholesterol.
Just a note. Because of the risk of contaminants, we don’t recommend that you actually harvest dandelion from your back yard. Find a good quality, organic supplement to take and leave the other stuff to the squirrels and rabbits.
Psyllium
Psyllium is sometimes referred to as psyllium husk, and it’s a bulking agent like fiber. These bulking agents work to make you feel full before meals, and help to “brush” your digestive tract.
Psyllium has the added benefit of being a milk laxative. That means it will make bathroom visits much more comfortable. That’s especially helpful if you’ve chosen a high-protein diet like Keto which are known to cause constipation.
Garcinia Cambogia
Here we go with garcinia cambogia again. But what can we say. The reviews of the supplement are awesome. Garcinia cambogia fruit may not work for everyone. However, those who have loved it say they feel more full, crave less food and lose weight faster as a result.
You shouldn’t take garcinia cambogia for more than eight weeks. If the supplement isn’t working for you after that time, it’s time to try something different.
15. Best Weight Loss Pills
So, now that you know what the best ingredients are in weight loss tablets, we know you want to learn about the best weight loss pills overall.
We could take the easy way out and tell you that the best weight loss pill is one that you and your doctor agree upon. But we’re kinder than that. Based on reviews from around the world, here are the best weight loss pills to reach your ideal BMI.
Garcinia Cambogia Extract
As you may have expected, garcinia cambogia makes the list of the best weight loss tablets. The herb is gentle, it causes very few side effects and it’s naturally derived. Of course, natural doesn’t always mean better but it does mean you won’t be ingesting strange chemicals.
People who have used garcinia cambogia extract say they’ve felt results as soon as the first day. Taking a pill before breakfast and one before lunch helps curb cravings all day. Weight loss is, as a result, more noticeable.
Green Tea
We’ve mentioned it so much in this guide, you just knew green tea extract was going to make the list, too. Green tea is one of the most heavily studied supplements for weight loss, and it’s had some of the most surprising results. Men and women alike have had a lot of success in the long term when using this supplement.
The key phrase here is “long term.” Green tea extract isn’t an overnight miracle. But those who have used it for the duration of their weight loss have seen more drastic results than those who have not.
Apple Cider Vinegar
No, we’re not contradicting ourselves! Earlier in the guide, we mentioned that for long-term weight loss efforts, ACV may not be your best bet. But for short term goals (the prom dress of the blind date) apple cider vinegar is just about perfect.
Taking apple cider vinegar doesn’t just work to flush your system of toxins and fluids. It also provides some pretty great long term health benefits, too. So begin with ACV for the weight loss. Stick with it for the other health benefits.
Fiber
Yep, that’s right! Plain old fiber! You probably already know that adding additional fiber to your diet can help boost your weight loss. Fiber adds “bulk” to your diet, so you’ll feel full. But it can’t be digested. So foods that are rich in fiber pretty much pass right through your system.
If you can’t stomach the idea of adding cabbage to your weekly supper menu, fiber capsules work just as well. Fiber is, hands down, one of the most effective weight loss pills on the market. Plus, it’s totally safe when taken correctly!
16. Weight Loss Pills – the Best in Test
We’ve aimed to put together a pretty comprehensive guide to weight loss pills. We know it’s overwhelming to stare at a drug store shelf, only to be presented with hundreds of options. There are drinks, tablets, capsules, bars, shakes … you name it, it’s there!
If you come across and ingredient that you don’t recognize, or that we didn’t mention in this guide, be sure to do your research. And, too, do be sure to use common sense.
Weight loss pills “best in test” will honestly vary from one person to another. A man may lose differently than a woman. An older person will have a higher BMI than someone in their twenties. As you shop for your next diet pill or weight loss supplement, don’t make the mistake of falling for every advertisement you see.
Know your ingredients! If you look up one of the ingredients in your weight loss pills and you still feel unsure about it, don’t take it until you can sit down with your doctor. Some ingredients are quite simple. For instance, camellia sinensis is a hundred-dollar word for tea. Others aren’t quite so simple.
The best in test is the weight loss supplement that works with your lifestyle, with your body and with your health concerns or conditions.
17. Weight Loss Pills – Before and After
Now you’ve learned about the safety of weight loss tablets. You know which product ingredients are the most effective as proven by both reviews and scientific testing. You may, however, be wondering about how they’ll make you feel.
People who have tried weight loss supplements say that, even apart from the weight loss, they feel remarkably better. Many people report an increase in energy, which of course spurs more physical activity. More physical activity means more calories burned.
Many other people who have taken weight loss supplements say they’ve experienced a lift in their overall mood and confidence. You can’t go wrong with that, right?
Only by trying the weight loss pills you and your doctor decide upon can you get a feel for your own personal “before and after.” Results will definitely vary from person to person.
18. Are Weight Loss Supplements Right for Me?
We’ve stressed this many times throughout this guide, and we’ll repeat it once more. To lose weight, all you really need to do is eat a proper diet, filled with fresh, healthy and lean foods. Combined with adequate exercise (it’s recommended that you get 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week), you’ll lose weight at a healthy pace.
Weight loss pills won’t work miracles. Maintaining your current lifestyle and adding a diet tablet isn’t going to shrink fat and turn you into a supermodel. You’ll have to work at it, and it’s not always easy. You’re going to run into temptation, and every now and then you might fall back into an old habit.
Don’t worry. We all do it. Just pick yourself up, get back on track and start over with your new, healthy lifestyle.
With that in mind, weight loss pills can certainly help you stay on track. Choose an appetite suppressant if you have a tendency to snack or to stress-eat. Choose a fat blocker if you frequently eat at restaurants or if you tend to overeat at mealtimes. Choose a fat burner to complement your workout plan and burn more calories.
Whether you choose to use weight loss pills or not, losing weight and reaching an ideal BMI is tough, but you can do it! Find your motivation and get started! Your long-term health depends on it!