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.

Natural Alternatives

If you want a diet pill with fewer possible side effects, you have some good options. Although they have typically have less dramatic effects than the aforementioned stimulants, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and cider vinegar have both been used to safely lose weight. CLA is a natural fatty acid that is supposed to boost the immune system while encouraging fat loss and muscle gain. Cider vinegar is supposed to help detoxify the body, burn fat, and reduce appetite. Both CLA and cider vinegar are available in pill form from a lot of different companies. Dosage size and price vary considerably, so you should compare labels carefully in order to get the best deal.

Some pills are able to suppress appetite by a completely different method than stimulants. Fiber pills feel allow you to fill up on fiber; the soluble fiber can hold water, which you are directed to drink with the pills, and swell in your stomach, thus making you feel incredibly full. Fiber may also inhibit fat absorption. Although the effects of fiber pills can be achieved simply by eating high fiber foods and drinking lots of water, some people find the pills to be more convenient and effective.

Water pills are diuretics that are taken to encourage weight loss and decrease bloating. Water pills may also decrease hypertension. As long as the recommended dosage is not exceeded, most people do not experience negative side effects when taking water pills.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) supplements are taken in order to raise serotonin levels. Serotonin is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that regulates mood and appetite. Increased levels of serotonin may result in improved mood and reduced appetite.

The Next Generation of Diet Pills

Because obesity is a serious problem, and because there is a lot of money to be made in the diet industry, many drug companies are currently working on new and improved diet pills. One new drug, Melanotan, helps people to lose weight, get a great tan, and increase their sexual drive. Dubbed the “Barbie Pill,” Melanotan could seriously reduce health problems that are related to obesity and sun damage. 

Are Diet Pills Right For You?

The effectiveness of most diet pills has not been properly studied. There is no substitution for a healthy diet and exercise. Although some diet pills may help you lose weight, you still need to watch what you eat and exercise regularly. In fact, almost all diet pills state that in order to lose weight, the pills must be used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Before deciding on a weight loss plan, whether or not it includes weight loss pills, you should consult your doctor or nutritionist.

Most diet pills come with strict instructions that must be followed in order to ensure safety and effectiveness. You should never take more than the recommended dosage or continue taking the pills for a longer period of time than is considered safe. And, of course, if you start to notice any negative side effects, you should immediately stop taking the pills and consult your doctor.

You should also be sure to set realistic, healthy goals. The media is filled with extremely thin women, and this body shape has become the ideal even though it is next to impossible for most women to attain. If you are actually over weight, then weight loss is important for health reasons. But if you are already at an average, healthy weight and simply want to be super model thin, then you should carefully consider your motivations. Excessive dieting, especially when diet pills are involved, can be emotionally and physically damaging.