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Over-the-counter weight-loss pills: Do they work?
The pitfalls of pills
Dietary supplements and weight-loss aids aren't subject to the same rigorous standards as are prescription drugs or medications sold over-the-counter. Thus, they can be marketed with limited proof of effectiveness or safety. Vendors can make health claims about products based on their own review and interpretation of studies without the authorization of the FDA. However, the FDA can pull a product off the market if it's proved dangerous.
For the consumer, it's hard to know what you're getting, or even if the list of ingredients matches what's in the bottle. Many weight-loss pills contain a cocktail of ingredients — some with more than 20 herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals or other add-ons, such as caffeine or laxatives. How these ingredients interact individually and collectively with your body is largely unknown. And using them can be a risky venture, especially if you're taking other medications.
Your own scrutiny and curiosity are your best protection. Read labels closely and talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any dietary supplements you're taking or considering taking.
No quick fix
There's no magic bullet for losing weight. The most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is through lifestyle changes: Eat healthy, low-calorie foods, watch portion sizes, and engage in regular physical activity. It's certainly no magic pill, but it works.
Keep in mind that even if you take a weight-loss pill, you still have to eat fewer calories than your body uses in order to lose weight. Even if these products were to help you lose weight initially, you'd have to continue taking them for the weight to stay off, which may not be practical or safe.
If you're concerned about your weight or have a condition that's exacerbated by extra pounds, talk to your doctor. Whether you have 10 pounds or 100 pounds to lose, you need to eat a healthy diet based on a variety of foods and burn calories through physical activity. Time has shown that there truly are no easy solutions to losing weight. And over-the-counter weight-loss pills could cause more harm than good.
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