Healthy Weight Loss Pills

Dozens of new weight loss pills are introduced to the market every month, making it difficult for most consumers to figure out what is healthy and effective, and what is equally dangerous to their pockets and their health. When choosing a weight loss pill, reading labels carefully becomes essential to figuring out what ingredients are part of the composition and what should be avoided to prevent potential problems.

Function

Because there is no single ingredient that can cause weight loss in large numbers or in every individual, it is difficult to pinpoint specific weight loss pills that can be safe for everyone. Certain ingredients, however, must be avoided, either because they don't work (such as the case of Chromium or guar gum) or because they have been linked to serious side effects (such as in the case of bitter orange, known as "the natural ephedra").

Significance

When shopping for healthy weight loss pills, avoid anything containing ephedra, which is now banned in the United States, but sometimes show up in weight loss pills sold over the Internet. Ephedra has been linked to high blood pressure, strokes, heart problems and even death. In the United States, teas containing ephedra are still legal and can cause the same problems as pills if consumed in excess.

Considerations

Most weight loss pills fall under the category of dietary supplements and as such are not regulated by the FDA. In fact, there is only one weight loss pills approved by the Food and Drug Administration that can be bought over the counter: Alli. Alli works by preventing fat from being absorbed into the intestines, causing weight loss even when eating the same amount of calories and meals as you always did.

Types

The two most commonly used ingredients in weight loss pills are conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and green tea extract, which have been shown in studies to accelerate fat burning, increase metabolism and cause a feeling of fullness (causing dieters to eat less). Neither ingredient directly leads to weight loss, but they do facilitate the process without any side effects or health risks.

Misconceptions

Weight loss pills that are sold as "natural" are not necessarily any safer, so you should still read labels and be careful about ingredients and maximum dosage. Chitosan, for example, is safe when consumed in the recommended amounts, but can cause bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort in large doses, while Hoodia is a great appetite suppressant but can lead to dehydration and unsafe blood sugar peaks and lows, if the safe recommended doses is exceeded.