Over-the-Counter Appetite Suppressants That Really Work

Appetite suppressants supposedly work by either making you feel fuller for longer, using a bulky or swelling substance that stays in your stomach, or by altering the brain signals that tell you you are hungry. While there are many pills on the market making such claims, only a few of them have been proven to be effective.

Hoodia

• Hoodia is a cactus like plant that grows in Africa. Bushmen have been taking it for years to stop hunger pangs, and recent research has shown very positive results. The BBC reported a trial on inmates, where they administered hoodia and a placebo: those on hoodia reduced their calorie intake by 1000 calories a day. It apparently works by administering a molecule to the nerve cells in your brain that tell you when you are full. This molecule makes you think you have eaten when you haven't. But beware of fake hoodia, some companies offer hoodia pills with no discernible hoodia in them.

Appesat

• Appesat apparently contains a fiber complex extracted from seaweed; the seaweed expands in the stomach and stimulates hunger sensors in the stomach wall to let your brain know you are full. The manufacturers claim it is clinically proven to improve weight loss by 67 percent, over dieting alone. However, as of 2010 there haven't been many clinical trials, and while the initial trials seem positive with those on Appesat losing 9.4 kilos a month compared with 5.6 kilos on dieting alone, more research is required.

Zotrim

• Zotrim is a herbal tablet containing three South American herbs: yerba mate, guarana and damiana. It claims to reduce hunger and suppress appetite. As of 2010, Zotrim is backed by eight clinical trials. Manufacturers of Zotrim claim you can lose five percent of your weight in just 6 weeks and trials show an average weight loss of 11 pounds in 6 weeks. It apparently works by slowing the emptying of your stomach so you feel fuller for longer.