Weight Loss Pills And Supplements

Weight loss pills and other weight loss supplements are all the rage today. The weight loss industry has many options available to take advantage of the different genetic variations, metabolisms and exercise habits of people who desire to lose weight - and they are really cashing in!

Obesity is a problem that faces 2/3 of the American adult population and 15% of teenagers - obviously alarming statistics due to the multitude of weight related health and emotional problems many of us face because of the extra weight.

And the number of weight loss supplements is also growing as the waistline of Americans continues to expand and people desperately search for an appetite suppressant to help in their battle with weight issues.

Although the way to lose weight is simple in theory, the execution is a different story. Many people turn to supplements because changing eating habits that they have established over a very long time is very difficult, and using weight loss pills and supplements can sometimes help them over the hump - at least until they can get into a healthier routine.

And just as importantly - the weight loss is usually faster with supplements than doing it the natural way - a fact that would appeal to anyone who has tried unsuccessfully to drop those pounds in more natural ways.

Let's face it, for many people simply dieting and exercise alone just don't work - so more exercise and even weight loss pills may be the only way they can achieve their goals of a healthier weight. But it's important to understand that there are many supplements out there that can be very unsafe. There are literally millions of people out there who offer quick weight loss tips that they claim will help you to reach your goals, but one has to do their homework and be careful about what they put into their bodies and what kinds of diets they follow.

Weight loss supplements fall into two large categories; over the counter and prescription. Prescription weight loss pills are only available through your doctor and a licensed pharmacist.

Prescription medications have undergone severe testing by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the manufacturing of these products is also regulated.

Over the counter weight loss supplements are not regulated by the FDA and are not classified as drugs. Because they aren’t classified there is no regulation on their distribution or the manufacturing process.

And there usually are no stringently performed research studies that evaluate the efficacy and side effects of the over the counter supplements.

One example of weight loss pills that have shown a high success as an appetite suppressant is Ephedra. However, very serious side effects from using Ephedra diet pills have been reported, including blood pressure problems, cardiac issues and death.

Hoodia diet pills is another supplement that has shown to have some difficulties. Even though there is credible weight loss associated with it, Hoodia Gordonii is the only one of over 13 types of Hoodia thought to contain 'p57', which is the appetite suppressant.

There is pure Hoodia out there, but few manufacturers will guarantee the authenticity and quality of the product. Some research also shows indications of side effects on the liver associated with using Hoodia weight loss.

The Phentermine diet pill (Adipex) which is by prescription only, is considered by many to be the best diet pill on the market.

But side effects that have been reported after using the Adipex diet pill include inability to fall asleep, headaches, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and constipation, among others.

Many of the over the counter weight loss pills use caffeine as their active ingredient. Caffeine dehydrates the body and the client feels an initial ‘thinness’ but there is rebound bloating when the body attempts to retain as much fluid as possible for survival.

When you choose a supplement look at the ingredients – both the active and inactive ones. Weight loss pills often have inactive ingredients that can affect people as adversely as the active ingredients.

Remember that anything you purchase and put into your body should be treated as a medication or drug. Just because it is labeled a supplement, or all natural, or herbal, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have side effects or can’t interact with medications you may be already taking for medical conditions.

Weight loss supplements should only be used in conjunction with a change in eating habits since once you stop taking the supplements, going back to your old habits will cause your weight to rebound and you’ll gain even more.

Weight loss pills or supplements are one tool in the battle of the bulge. Used correctly and with care they will help you to develop good eating habits that you can continue when the supplements are no longer being used.