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By Ellie Rodgers, Contributing Writer
Is there a magic pill for easy weight loss? You might think so if you believe advertising gimmicks. But weight loss isn't that easy. The only "magic" formula is the one you've heard a million times. Eat fewer calories. Move your body more.
Should you avoid diet pills and other weight-loss products you can buy over the counter and on the Internet? The National Institutes of Health and other medical agencies believe you should avoid them.
The Federal Trade Commission offers "red-flag warnings" about bogus diet claims. The agency warns that products that make the following claims are likely fraudulent and may be dangerous:
- You will lose two pounds or more each week (over a month or more) and you don't have to diet or exercise.
- You can lose more than three pounds a week for more than four weeks, and the weight loss will be safe.
- You can eat all you want, and the more you eat, the more you lose.
- Your weight loss will be permanent, even when you stop using the product.
- Your body won't absorb calories and fat if you use the product.
Prescription weight-loss medicines
Although prescription weight loss medicines have been through rigorous study and approval processes, there are still cautions to take when using these drugs. The drugs, sibutramine and orlistat, are approved for long-term use, but keep these things in mind:
- They are recommended only for people whose weight is a health risk, not for cosmetic weight loss.
- They are usually prescribed as part of a program of lifestyle changes that includes cutting calories and increasing activity.
- People with certain health conditions can't take them.
- Some of their side effects can be unpleasant or dangerous.
- The effects of long-term use aren't known.
Most doctors only prescribe these drugs for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.
Sibutramine
Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant. It works on the brain's appetite center, making it think the stomach is full.
Studies show sibutramine causes a net weight loss of four to 22 pounds. Most of the weight loss happens within the first six months.
Because the drug raises blood pressure, those who take it need to monitor their blood pressure. People who have uncontrolled high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure or have had a stroke cannot take sibutramine. Also, pregnant women or women who are nursing should not take this medicine. Neither should people with severe kidney or liver disease.
Orlistat
Orlistat works by blocking the body's absorption of fat from foods. Instead of being absorbed into the body, up to one third of the fat a person eats is excreted in the stool.
But orlistat also keeps your body from absorbing fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as beta-carotene. So you need daily vitamins if you take the drug.
Side effects include bloating, diarrhea, anal leakage and oily stools.
Other medicines and herbal supplements
There are a few other prescription medicines, but they are only approved for short-term use. These medications are related to amphetamines and can be habit-forming. They cannot be used by many people, including those with heart disease, high blood pressure or glaucoma. Some have been linked to life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary hypertension and heart valve problems. These medications include:
- Mazindol
- Diethylpropion
- Phentermine
- Benzphetamine
- Phendimetrazine
Herbal weight loss formulas are not recommended. They could be harmful and have unpredictable amounts of active ingredients.
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This article was reviewed and updated
08-01-2009.
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