Several over the counter weight loss pills and drugs are being made available with claims to help in losing weight fast. The appeal of these drugs may be rather difficult to pass up, but will these weight loss products really help you lose weight? And more importantly, are they safe to use?
Weight loss pills may be categorized into two classes: the appetite suppressants and the fat blockers. Appetite suppressants help regulate your appetite by affecting a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus. Two chemicals that create a feeling of fullness, namely Seratonin and Norepinephrine, are kept at high levels in your brain. Some well known examples of appetite suppressants are Meridia, Adipex-P, Fastin, Tenuate, and Phentermine. Fat blockers on the other hand inhibit the enzyme known as Lipase. Lipase breaks down and processes fat as it enters the body. By inhibiting Lipase, fat is allowed to simply pass straight through your body. A popular example of a fat blocking weight loss pill is Xenical.
At present, pharmaceutical companies are also looking to develop a different kind of weight loss pill. One of the new and promising areas being looked into is the body's hormones. Some of the new products copy the effects of hormones that tell the body that it is full. Another new weight loss pill blocks the hormone that increases the appetite.
As with all drugs and medication, weight loss pills have disadvantages and may cause some side effects. Most fat blocking weight loss diet pills cause cramping and diarrhea while appetite suppressants can increase your blood pressure. Weight loss pills are also not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA - these pills and supplements are not subjected to the strict standards set for prescription drugs and other medications. Diet pills can therefore be marketed with very limited proof of safety and effectiveness, health claims regarding these pills may be made without the authorization of the FDA; however, the FDA can pull any product off the market if they prove it to be dangerous. This lack of strict regulation can be a great disadvantage to people who want to use weight loss pills - you may not even be sure of the ingredients in the pills.
To keep yourself safe, use your curiosity to your advantage - read as much as you can about the diet pill. Ask questions and consult your physician before using any of those pills as some ingredients may not work well with some types of medication.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Allergies
By: connie | 05-08-2008
I have itchy throat and itchy inner EAR.i ALSO SNEEZE FROM TIME TO TIME.What allergy med is good for itchy throat and inner ear?
Lose Weight and Strengthen Body
By: zoneiac | 28-07-2008
Hi.
I need to lose some weight and get healthier. I also want to learn how to strengthen my upper and lower body.
How do accomplish both goals?
Thanks
Changes in obesity
By: BlckFri | 27-07-2008
How have obesity rates in teenagers changed than that of say, 20 years ago? And how may they change by 2020?
Wieght loss tips PLZ!
By: taekwondogirlx72 | 23-07-2008
I only have one month to lose at least 10 pounds...... what do i do!!! i need to look good for the newe school year!!!!
Click Bank's #1 Affiliate Program
By: workingant | 21-07-2008
What do you think about ClickBank's #1 Rated Affiliate Program?
http://1abundantjoy.com
I am a 20 yr old female with BACK FAT that will ...
By: cherriangel973 | 20-07-2008
I am a 20 yr old female with BACK FAT that will not budge. The back fat is unsightly! It really upsets me because its not like i can suck in my back lol i can't wear a tee without love handles and muffin tops! I have a flat stomach and a horrible back so I know it's hereditary. My vices are eating a large dinner (but usually low-fat) late at night @ 10 and going to bed 3 hours later. I get light to moderate cardio in the daytime. What exercises do I need to be doing that will really get in there and TONE so i can change my shape.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Health Articles
Alberta Cosmetic Dentist - Let Them Put a Smile Back on Your Face
By: Hilary Lowe | 12/10/2008
Looking for the best Alberta Cosmetic Dentist? Someone to help make your smile a prettier one? Or are you looking to get some teeth surgery or procedure done? It is vital for a person to choose the person who would be working on their teeth carefully because a smile is...
Finding the Right Los Angeles Sedation Dentist For You
By: Claire Goldstein | 12/10/2008
How many times have you suffered from the discomfort that a toothache can bring but endured it anyway because you were too afraid of paying your dentist a visit? Well, you do not have to fear no more. With a Los Angeles sedation dentist, the last thing you have to...
Hair Care With Essential Oils
By: Louise Forrest | 12/10/2008
When it comes to caring for hair the best methods are to use a range of essential oils to help keep the hair healthy and strong. The oils that you use will clearly depend on your hair type but will range from sage to fenugreek.
These oils will help to nourish...
Natural Plant Phytoestrogens Can Ease Symptoms of Low Estrogen in the Body
By: Darrell Miller | 12/10/2008
Phytoestrogens mainly belong to a group of phenolic compounds known as flavonoids: the coumestans, prenylated and isoflavones are three of the most active in estrogenic effects. Phytoestrogens are not considered as nutrients because the lack of in the diet will not produce any characteristic deficiency syndromes nor do they participate...
Support the Immune System With Natural Supplements
By: Darrell Miller | 12/10/2008
The immune system is the ultimate bodyguard that can prevent illnesses before it even takes hold in the body when it is properly taken care of. Immune impairment has become a major concern within recent decades among health professionals. The strength of the immune system directly influences the quality of...
To Compare Diet Pills and Analyze How They Work!
By: Stewart C | 12/10/2008
Thanks to continuous scientific innovations, people who find it hard to lose weight now have various options that can help them shed off some extra pounds in no time. A prime option that most people find is the use of diet pills.
They are many types of diet pills that are...
Stress Relief Made Easy and Fun With the Right Exercise
By: Cindy Papp | 11/10/2008
How to get stress relief through exercise
Restoration Via Meditation: Sleep Better Tonight!
By: Daniel Topp | 11/10/2008
Meditation is a simple and powerful way to improve sleep and enhance dreams. By entering sleep with a clear mind and a relaxed body, you tap into an amazing resource for rejuvenation - physically, mentally as well as spiritually.
Health 
