Main Pills Available

The main pills on the market now include:

1) Bontril:
     Bontril is an appetite suppressant for use in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.

2) Didrex: This is similar to an amphetamine.

3) Meridia (Sibutramine):
     This is used in weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Sibutramine (Meridia) is one of the new classes of appetite suppressants. It also works on the brain's appetite center - making it think the stomach is full - by raising levels of seratonin, an important neurotransmitter in the brain. In clinical studies involving 6000 obese people, Meridia resulted in an average 5 percent to 10 percent weight loss over 1 year.

- Risks: People who have a history of stroke, heart disease, congestive heart failure, or uncontrolled high blood pressure should not use Meridia. Although this drug was not associated with heart-valve abnormalities, it can cause significant elevation in blood pressure in some people.

4) Chitosan:
     Chitosan is derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeleton of shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, and or crabs. Sellers claim that chitosan causes weight loss and a lowering of cholesterol by binding fats in the stomach and preventing them from being digested and absorbed.
- While there have been some promising studies that show chitosan to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in animals, there has been no such evidence in humans. And to date there is no research indicating that chitosan is effective for weight loss.

5) Phendimetrazine: This is similar to an amphetamine.

6) Phentermine (Fentramine):
     This is the most popular weight loss pill in the U.S.A . Fentermine weight loss pills are prescription-only appetite suppressants for the short-term management of obesity. Like all weight loss drugs, Fentermine pills are more effective when combined with a healthy program of diet and exercise, and if necessary, lifestyle modification. They are not an effective weight loss substitute for healthy eating and regular exercise. Fentermine weight loss drugs are designed to affect neurotransmitters in the brain, thus reducing appetite cravings. Fentermine pills are highly addictive, therefore not recommended for individuals with a history of drug dependency or abuse.

* Fentermine diet pills may be an effective weight loss option when combined with a healthy weight control program which reduces calorie-intake and increases exercise, although - as with most weight reduction drugs - there are side effects.

* Side effects may include: blurred vision, breathing difficulties, chest pain, depression, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, change in libido, nausea, swelling in lower legs. If these side effects persist, inform your doctor as soon as possible.

* Overdose symptoms include: rapid breathing, confusion, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting.

* General Instructions for Using Fentermine Pills: Fentermine is available in three different forms: resin capsules, regular capsules and tablets. In general, please follow the directions as provided by your doctor and the manufacturer. For example, take your dose in the morning before breakfast or 2 hours after breakfast as directed by your doctor. Fentermine may cause tiredness so avoid taking it late in the day. You must consult your doctor before taking Fentermine weight loss pills. Some drugs or medical conditions may interact and/or interfere with this medicine. Inform your doctor of ALL prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking. Explain any other medical conditions you have, including allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Here are some extra precautions:

- Do not over-use Fentermine weight loss pills
- Do not take 2 doses simultaneously
- Do not increase the dosage
- Do not use in combination with other appetite suppressants
- Fentermine weight loss pills are designed for short-term use - usually 8-12 weeks. Longer use does not increase the weight loss effects of the pills

7) Tenuate: This is similar to an amphetamine.

8) Xenical (Orlistat):
     This weight loss medication targets the absorption of fat in your body rather than suppressing your appetite. Orlistat (Xenical), which was approved by the FDA in April 1999, is the first prescription drug in a new class of anti-obesity drugs that works by blocking the body's absorption of dietary fat. Orlistat (Xenical) works in the gastrointestinal tract, blocking an enzyme that is needed to digest fat. Instead of being absorbed into the body, up to one third of the fat that a person consumes will accumulate in the intestines and be excreted in the stool. Orlistat (Xenical) also blocks the absorption of needed fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as beta-carotene, so daily vitamin supplements must be taken. The makers of Xenical claim that it reduces the amount of fat that can be absorbed into the bloodstream by up to thirty percent. This corresponds to about 600 calories a day, which should lead to a weight loss of about 1 pound a week.

* Orlistat's most commonly reported side effects include bloating, diarrhoea, and oily stools.

* Because excess fat goes straight through the body when Xenical is taken, dieters are advised to eat a low-fat diet, otherwise they can get diarrhea.

9) Appetite Suppressants Drugs:
     Appetite suppressants typically affect hunger control centers in the brain. However, hunger is not the only trigger for eating. We have a lot of very powerful forces that drive our eating. The idea that eating is a simple physiological response is not true. Culture, emotions and faulty metabolism are also eating-triggers, so behavior restructuring therapy is also important for obesity control.

* Also, some appetite suppressants can create psychological dependence because they contain amphetamine-like ingredients. Others can cause insomnia, drowsiness, irritability or depression.

* Clinical weight loss trials of over-the-counter appetite suppressants are so scarce that the weight loss effectiveness of such pills is doubtful. Weight loss trials involving prescription appetite suppressants suggest that these weight loss drugs are only effective when combined with sensible diet and regular exercise.

10) Fat-Burners - Fat-Burning Pills:
     Some diet pills promise to burn fat as you sleep, but the truth is there is nothing in an over-the-counter diet pill that burns fat.

* The main active ingredient in so-called fat-burners is typically ephedra or ma huang, a powerful central nervous system stimulant. Ephedra may burn a few extra calories, but by itself it won't produce lasting weight loss. Their are a great deal of risks that accompany these weight loss drugs. Hundreds of adverse events that have been reported to the Food and Drug Administration ranging from coma and seizures to heart attack and death.

11) Weight Loss Laxatives:
     Using laxatives is not a good way to lose weight. Most weight loss is usually fluid-loss and health dangers can be significant. Laxative abuse is a common form of "weight control," particularly in those suffering from eating disorders.

     The actual purpose of taking a laxative is to stimulate the large bowel to empty, which occurs only after the food and calories have been absorbed via the small intestines. Some who takes laxatives to control weight is only going to cause their body to lose fluid, which can be followed by periods of water retention and an appearance of bloating (causing the individual to want to lose more weight and use more laxatives).

* Therefore, taking laxatives for weight control or weight loss purposes is neither good for fat-loss, nor good for health. Prolonged use leads to cramps, bloating, water retention and - when laxative-use stops - withdrawal symptoms.

12) Cholecystokinin (CKK)
     Cholecystokinin (CKK) is a kind of naturally occurring appetite-suppressant chemical. As food is digested and your body cells are 'fed', CKK is released and your brain tells you when to stop eating. Researchers believe that the CKK appetite mechanism is faulty in some people - possibly due to excessive dieting or binge eating/purging. This can cause the person to stop eating too soon, or overeat. Weight loss drug companies are developing Cholecystokinin-booster supplements to reduce appetite in those who suffer from severe obesity. How effective these CKK boosters are remains to be seen.

Related Links

Weight Loss Drugs
Effective Consumption
Side Effects