Best Over-The-Counter Diet Pills | Types, Efficacy For Weight Loss, & Risks

When trying to lose weight, some people turn to over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills. Diet pills, also called weight loss drugs, are said to promote fat loss through appetite suppression, increased fat burning, or reduced absorption of calories. 

However, many people question the effectiveness and safety of OTC diet pills. In fact, most of them are not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here’s what you should know about the many different OTC diet pills before you decide to use them. 

Alli

Alli is a weight loss medication with an active ingredient called orlistat. Orlistat reduces the amount of calories you absorb from fat. 

It’s the only FDA-approved diet pill sold over the counter. However, it’s only approved for people aged 18 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more.

Efficacy For Weight Loss

According to some studies, over 40% of people who use Alli alongside a healthy diet and exercise lose 5% or more of their body weight in one year. If you are overweight or obese, this amount of weight loss may lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses. 

Possible side effects of Alli may include:

• stomach pain
• flatulence 
• loose, oily stools
• frequent, hard-to-control bowel movements
• vitamin A, D, E, or K deficiency
  

Capsimax

Capsimax is a weight loss supplement made from cayenne pepper. It’s said to reduce food cravings and boost metabolism. It’s also been called a thermogenic fat burner, which means it increases thermogenesis. Thermogenesis refers to heat production in the body that may help burn fat.

Efficacy For Weight Loss

Researchers have not yet determined whether Capsimax actually helps people lose weight. Also, like other weight management drugs, it may have unpleasant side effects, such as sweating, runny nose, and stomach pain.

Forskolin

Forskolin is a dietary supplement made from a plant in the mint family. Studies show it may burn body fat and increase muscle mass in overweight men. However, research has not determined whether the substance works for women.

Is Forskolin Safe?

There is also little information on the drug’s safety. Possible side effects include diarrhea, flushing, changes in heart rate, and low blood pressure. 

Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Garcinia cambogia extract is a natural supplement made from a tropical fruit. Research suggests it may aid weight loss by inhibiting the effects of an enzyme that produces fat.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects include dry mouth, headache, and dizziness.The substance may also raise your risk of liver damage, liver failure, and mania (an abnormally high and excitable mood), especially if you take high doses.

Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a natural weight loss aid extracted from the elephant yam. When taken before a meal, it can make you feel full faster. 

Efficacy For Weight Loss

Studies show that glucomannan may support the loss of excess fat in people who use it on a regular basis. Also, because glucomannan is a fiber, it can ease constipation. Side effects may include bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea.

Hydroxycut

Hydroxycut is a diet supplement made with a variety of ingredients, including caffeine, calcium, and chromium. A meta-analysis of five clinical trials showed that one of the main ingredients in hydroxycut (green coffee extract) caused a 5.5 pound weight loss compared to the placebo.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects of hydroxycut include anxiety, irritability, nausea, diarrhea, and high blood pressure. The substance has also been linked to cardiovascular problems and acute liver injury. 

Meratrim

Meratrim is a weight loss supplement made from two plant extracts: Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana. It’s said to burn fat and prevent fat cells from multiplying.

Efficacy For Weight Loss

Compared to other diet pills, meratrim is very new. That’s why researchers have not yet determined its effectiveness or safety. However, like many other weight loss drugs, it seems to cause side effects like flatulence, oily stools, and frequent bowel movements. 

Risks Of Over-The-Counter Diet Pills

OTC diet pills can have a number of unpleasant side effects. In addition, because most of them are not approved by the FDA, they may pose additional health risks we don’t yet know about. 

For example, many OTC diet pills are designed to mimic the effects of prescription weight loss pills like phentermine. These prescription drugs can cause physical dependence. 

That means when you stop using them, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and lowered energy levels. Physical dependence is often a sign of addiction, a disease that makes you feel unable to stop using a drug.

If you or someone you love feels unable to stop using over-the-counter weight loss pills, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. 

Our board-certified healthcare providers offer medical detox, mental health counseling, and other substance abuse treatments to keep you or your loved one healthy.