What Are the Best Weight Loss Pills? Do They Really Work? (original) (raw)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best weight loss pill

What are the best prescription weight loss pills available today?

Prescription weight loss pills available today are Xenical, Contrave, and Qsymia. There are also once-daily and once-weekly injections available today (Saxenda, Wegovy, Zepbound, and IMCIVREE). Another medical product available is Plenity, a superabsorbent hydrogel that fills up your stomach, making you eat less. All of these are used only in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and appropriate physical exercises designed to help you lose weight.

There are many options, and there is no single type of best prescription weight loss pills for everyone, because obesity treatment has to be individualized. Your physician can advise you on what is the best option for you, based on the reason for your obesity, your overall health condition, comorbidities, and your tolerability to the medication.

What are the best weight loss pills for women?

The best weight loss pills for women are no different from those meant for men. However, women should avoid weight loss medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is generally not advisable for women to try losing weight during pregnancy because it can harm the developing fetus. It is ideal to achieve optimum body weight before becoming pregnant.

How do weight loss pills work to reduce body weight?

Weight loss pills and injections work in various ways to reduce body weight. Some suppress appetite and increase energy output, some make you feel full with a small quantity of food, and some reduce fat absorption from the food in the intestines. Different appetite suppressants work on different hormones and receptors in the brain, which are involved in the regulation of appetite, satiety, food cravings, and energy expenditure. Ultimately, the target for all the weight loss medications is to reduce calorie intake and increase energy expenditure.

Are there any safe and natural weight loss pills?

There is a huge number of dietary supplements available over the counter in the market that claim to aid weight loss. The purported benefits of most of these supplements are from lab or animal tests. Rigorous clinical trials that establish their benefits and safety for humans are lacking. Some may be safe for human consumption, but may not really work for weight loss, and others may not be safe to take.

The most important thing to remember about these "safe and natural" weight loss pills is that they are sold as supplements and are not stringently regulated by the FDA the way prescription drugs are. Most of them contain many different ingredients, and very often, labels don't match the contents, and some may even be contaminated with unsafe substances. If you do need to take weight loss medications, it is best to stick to prescription medications as directed by your physician because these are weight loss pills that actually work and are safe to take.

What should I consider before taking weight loss pills?

The following are some points to consider before you start taking weight loss pills:

• Have you tried making lifestyle changes that can help you lose weight, such as a healthy weight loss diet and physical activity? You can enlist the help of a dietitian and a physical trainer to achieve your weight loss goals. Weight loss pills are an option only if you are unable to lose weight with lifestyle changes alone.
• There are many prescription weight loss medications available. Consult a physician, discuss with them your health condition, other medications you take, and the benefits and side effects of weight loss drugs, so they can determine and prescribe the medication that may suit you best.
• Be aware that your body may get used to the medication, and your weight may plateau. In addition, you may put the weight back on when you stop taking the medication.
• You should not stop physical exercise and a healthy diet. Pills are only an additional aid for weight loss. By continuing a healthy lifestyle, you may be able to wean off medications and keep off your weight with just diet and exercise.

Can weight loss pills help in losing weight without exercise?

Weight loss pills can technically make you lose weight without exercise in the short term, but it is not sustainable. Your body will develop tolerance, your weight will plateau, and if you increase dosage, side effects and risks will go up as well. Weight loss pills should be the last resort, and taken only when you are unable to lose weight with just exercise and a weight loss diet. They are never a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.

What are the side effects of taking weight loss pills?

Side effects may differ depending on which weight loss medication you are taking. The most common side effects of weight loss pills are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas (flatulence), and abdominal distension, discomfort, and pain. Other symptoms include headache, dizziness, rapid heart rate, anxiety, and joint pain. Some serious side effects include gall bladder disease, pancreatitis, kidney failure, and a higher risk for thyroid C-cell tumors.

How quickly can I see results with weight loss pills?

You may start seeing results from 2 to 4 weeks after you start weight loss medications. With most weight loss medications, doctors usually assess your weight at around 6 to 12 weeks. If you have not lost at least 3% to 5% of your weight in 3 months, the medication may not be working for you, and your doctor will likely ask you to discontinue.

Are weight loss pills effective for long-term weight management?

It depends on which medication you are on, because some weight loss medications are for short-term weight management. The prescription medications approved by the FDA for long-term use, along with healthy lifestyle habits, are expected to be effective for controlling obesity over a long period. However, medications do have side effects, and the ideal scenario is to try and wean off medications, but with certain health conditions, it may not be possible.

Can anyone take weight loss pills, or are there restrictions?

Depending on the medication, there are restrictions on who can safely take which weight loss pills or injections. It is generally unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women to take any weight loss medication. There are other conditions that are contraindications for taking weight loss medications, but these may differ with each medication. Talk to your physician about any health conditions you have and all the medications and supplements you take, so that they can prescribe the medication that is right for you.

How do I choose the right weight loss pill for my needs?

The safest way to decide on the right weight loss pill is to discuss with your physician your health condition, the medications and supplements you are already taking, and your weight loss goals, and let them advise you. The doctor will evaluate your weight loss as well as the side effects after 12 weeks, typically, and decide if the medication is working for you.