You already know the secret to weight loss. Eat less and exercise more. It really is that simple. Except that you don’t always have the time or energy needed to exercise, and those pastries look so good when you’re hungry; even worse, those pastries look just as good when you’re not hungry. So despite your nutritional knowledge and good intentions, you still don’t lose weight.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, 61 percent of adults were over weight in 1999 in the United States. This trend does not appear to be reversing, either. Food is more plentiful than ever, and most jobs require people to be sedentary for eight hours a day. At the same time, obesity can cause heart problems, diabetes, and other health problems. As people search for quick cure, many turn to pills that promise to induce weight loss. There are hundreds of weight loss pills on the market. Some are fairly natural and have a low risk of side effects, but others have been linked to serious problems.

Stimulants and Appetite Suppressants

When you think of diet pills, you probably think of stimulants and appetite suppressants. These heavily advertised pills promise quick weight loss by providing a significant energy boost while suppressing your appetite. For a long time, diet pills containing Ephedra were among the most popular on the market. However, Ephedra was banned by the FDA after it was linked to heart problems and other serious side effects. The situation was very similar to what had occurred years earlier when fen-phen diet pills were removed from the market due to health concerns.  

There are many products that are very similar to Ephedra that are still legally available. Some products are even advertised as “herbal Ephedra.” These pills have the same weight loss properties of Ephedra, but are supposed to be a lot safer. However, any pill that claims to boost energy and suppress appetite is a stimulant. Some stimulants, such as caffeine, are fairly harmless when consumed in reasonable amounts. Other stimulants, including illegal drugs like Speed and Cocaine, are very dangerous. It is also possible to have a severe reaction to any type of stimulant; common side effects include headaches, mood problems, sleep problems, and elevated blood pressure. Before taking a stimulant diet pill, you should consult your doctor. You should also follow the directions; never take more than the recommended amount.