OTC Weight Loss Capsules: Do They Work?

     The appeal of droping weight ultra fast is hard to pass up. But do over-the-counter weight loss tabs and aides lighten anything but your wallet? And are they a safe option for weight loss? Here's a look at some non-prescription weight-loss meds and what they will and won't do for you.

Popular weight loss tabs: A number of weight-loss prescriptions are available at your local drugstore, supermarket or health food store. Even more options are available online. Most haven't been proved safe and effective, and some are downright dangerous.

Herbal or dietary supplement The claims What you need to know: Bitter orange Increases the number of calories burned. Touted as an "ephedra substitute" but may cause health problems similar to those of ephedra with long-term effects unknown.

Chitosan Blocks the absorption of dietary fat Relatively safe, but unlikely to cause weight loss. It can cause constipation, bloating and other gastrointestinal complaints, Long-term effects unknown.

Chromium Reduces body fat and builds muscle Relatively safe, but unlikely to cause weight loss and long-term effects unknown.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) Reduces body fat, decreases appetite and builds muscle Might decrease body fat and increase muscle, but isn't likely to reduce total body weight. But can cause diarrhea, indigestion and other gastrointestinal problems.

Country mallow (heartleaf) act as an appetite depressor and increases the number of calories burned Contains ephedra, which is dangerous and likely unsafe and should be avoided.

Ephedra also acts as an appetite suppressant and can cause high blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, sleeplessness, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and even death. It was banned from the marketplace because of safety concerns, but may still be legally sold as a tea. Despite the ban, many ephedra products are still sold on the Internet, but many of them are diluted and or not real Ephedra as they claim.

Green tea extract Increases calorie and fat metabolism and act as an appetite suppressant. There is limited evidence to support the claim and it can cause vomiting, bloating, indigestion and diarrhea and may contain a large amount of caffeine.

Guar gum acts as a fat binder allegedly blocking the absorption of dietary fat and increases the feeling of fullness, which leads to decreased calorie intake Relatively safe, but unlikely to cause weight loss. It can however, cause diarrhea, flatulence and other gastrointestinal problems and may cause intestinal obstruction if not taken with enough water.

Hoodia however does work to decreases the appetite and initial evidence supports its weight-loss potential.

In addition to these herbal and dietary supplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Alli — a reduced-strength over-the-counter (nonprescription) version of orlistat, a prescription weight-loss medication for adults age 18 and older. Alli promotes weight loss by decreasing absorption of fat by the intestines. The capsules are taken with meals, up to three times a day.

Alli sounds like a dieter's dream, but there are no shortcuts to permanent weight loss. Alli is intended to be used only with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise. Side effects, such as diarrhea and gas with oily spotting, can be significant if you don't reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Alli has also recently been linked with liver risks and is being investigated for same.

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