Weight Loss Pills in the News

It seems like every time you turn around there's a new weight loss pill being advertised as the answer to all of your weight related problems. Weight loss pills and supplements make up a multi-billion dollar industry, which is highly unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is a problem because they target individuals who are already overweight and out of shape and are more likely to have weight related health issues. The cocktail of unregulated vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals found in most over-the-counter weight loss pills can pose substantial health risks, and they don't even produce long-term results.

Most people have heard of the weight loss supplement, ephedra, which was banned from American markets because it was linked to high blood pressure, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and even death in severe cases. It took years for this very harmful weight loss pill to be pulled from the markets. Yet, people continue to buy new "ephedra free" weight loss pills that are also untested and unregulated and may eventually be proven to cause severe health problems as well. Why? Because they're looking for weight loss solutions that don't involve diet and exercise.

Okay everyone, here is the cold, hard truth about weight loss. You will not be able to lose significant amounts of weight or improve your health without following a healthy eating plan and a balanced exercise program. Weight loss pills that promise results without diet and exercise are setting you up to lose money - not weight!
Even weight loss pills that are prescription strength, such as Xenical or it's less potent over-the-counter version, Alli require you to follow a low-calorie, low-fat diet and a regular exercise plan to see results. These drugs work by decreasing the absorption of fat in the intestines. Side effects from these drugs include a whole array of gastrointestinal unpleasantness. Yet, they have only proven to increase weight loss by an average of 6 pounds in one year for Xenical and 3 pounds in one year for Alli. Additionally, as with most weight loss pills, once you stop taking them, the weight you lost usually comes back pretty quickly. So, if you're considering going out and buying the latest miracle weight loss pill to assist your efforts to get in shape, you may want to reconsider. At the very least, consult your doctor before you decide to take an unregulated weight loss pill that may cause substantial long-term health complications. Even better, spend your money on a personal trainer or on a nutrition and exercise guide. In the end, if you truly want to get in shape and improve your health, you'll have to make some lifestyle changes, which include healthy eating and regular exercise. Weight loss pills are generally dangerous, ineffective and the results, or lack of results are not worth your time or money.