Non Prescription Weight Loss Drugs

The weight loss industry generates millions of dollars a year through the sale of diet pills and supplements. For consumers, it usually turns out to be a confusing search for the one pill that works. When it comes to non-prescription weight loss drugs, there are five basic categories to consider and from which consumers may choose.

Alli

• Alli is the only non-prescription weight loss drug approved by the FDA. A milder version of Xenical, a prescription medication, Alli works by blocking part of the fat consumed from diet from being absorbed by the intestines. While Alli should be used along with a sensible diet low in fats and an exercise program, the major draw of the pill is that it works even if no other changes are introduced to lifestyle. Alli does have some major drawbacks, as the fat being blocked will pass through the intestines undigested and can cause oily spotting, gas, diarrhea, cramps and loose stools.

Fat Burners

• Fat burners like apple cider vinegar, DHEA and pyruvate are purported to cause the body to burn fat at an accelerated rate. Fat burners are sometimes combined with metabolism busters to create more effective diet pills. They are meant to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and an exercise program and usually do not work as well when used alone. Drugs that regulate blood sugar also lead to decreased body fat, as high blood sugar increases the production of insulin, which in turn causes fat to accumulate. Blood sugar regulators include chromium and glucomannan.

Appetite Suppressants

• Appetite suppressants do just what the name suggests. They often don't require the dieter to follow any type of specific diet, as they are meant to cause a reduction in the amount you eat, rather than forcing you to eliminate specific foods. Appetite suppressants usually contain high amounts of fiber, which produces a feeling of satiety. Other appetite suppressants stimulate the production of ATP in the brain, which in turn wards off hunger. Examples of appetite suppressants in the market include Hoodia, green tea, seaweed and chitosan (also marketed as a fat blocker and a natural alternative to Alli).

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

• CLA is a component in fat burning pills (also sold alone as a supplement) that reduces body fat while helping the body gain muscle more easily. This may affect the total body composition but usually does not reduce body weight, unless used alongside a low-fat, low-calorie diet and an exercise program. CLA can cause a series of gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, cramps and indigestion.

Metabolism Busters

• Bitter orange, guarana and yerba mate are all metabolism busters or thermogenic pills. They cause weight loss by increasing the speed and intensity at which your body burns fat. Ephedra, which was banned in the United States because of serious side effects, was also in this group of drugs. Metabolism busters are more effective when used alongside an exercise program, and are a good option for people with low stamina who have a hard time keeping active. The main problem with these pills is that they contain high concentrations of caffeine or stimulants that can cause rapid heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing and allergic reactions. People with high blood pressure or heart conditions should avoid metabolism buster drugs.