Weight Loss Pill - Is It Really Working?

The weight loss pill has been around for ages. The concept of taking a pill to get thin is definitely not a fad but formulas and brand names do become very popular for a while and then would fade away from the public's memory until another one comes along. The questions people often ask about diet pills are: "Are they safe?" "Are there any negative side-effects?" "Do they really work?"

Diet pills are associated with quick and easy weight loss. For people who are not willing to put in the discipline and commitment that a complete weight loss program requires, these pills are a very attractive option.
If you are reading this article because your interest was piqued by the title, let me tell you upfront that most weight loss pills are fakes. Not only do they not work, but they can actually be harmful to your health. Do not be fooled by advertising gimmicks or even recommendations from well-meaning friends.

According to statistics, Americans spend nearly fifty billion dollars a year for weight loss programs, pills and other related products with almost six billion of it going into the purchase of the same items but of questionable worth and quality.

There are two basic types of weight loss pills--prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Prescription drugs are diet pills that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after being tested for their effectiveness and safety. These pills have been specifically designed as weight loss aids for obese people. However, these pills are not meant to work on their own but are supposed to be a part of a bigger weight loss plan which includes diet and exercise.

Over-the-counter weight loss pills, on the other hand, have become very popular. They are considered more as food supplements rather than weight loss drugs. What distinguishes them from prescription diet pills is that they have not gone through testing by federal drug agencies and their labels do not contain the same kind of details found in prescription drugs. In spite of these, sales of these pills continue to skyrocket.

It appears that people tend to be more wary of prescription diet drugs than over-the-counter weight loss pills. The latter seem less threatening and are practically available everywhere. Aside from that, they are advertised just like any other consumer product and many people are fooled by the outrageous claims and promises made about these supplements in product websites and late night infomercials. Also, there are certain herb-based pills which people often assume to be safe and more effective. Unfortunately, such is not the case. Ephedra, which is an extract taken from the Chinese herb Ma Huang, was once the weight loss ingredient of choice until it was banned from the market for a year due to its severely harmful side-effects.

There is no diet pill, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, that can take the place of diet and exercise as an effective way to lose weight. No one has claimed to have successfully lost weight using a diet pill after failing to do so on a good diet and exercise program. Furthermore, there is no strong evidence which suggests that diet pills allow for faster weight loss either.

In conclusion, if you want to lose weight effectively and avoid experiencing harmful side-effects, be ready to commit to a serious diet and exercise program. Diet pills have always had a bad reputation and as we have seen, it does have some basis in fact.

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