Prescription Pills

Being very similar to drugs, prescription weight loss pills are monitored by the FDA and require the agency's approval before they can be marketed. Fentermine, Xenical, and Meridia are some examples of such pills. In order to receive FDA approval, these drugs are subjected to several tests to prove whether they are effective for weight loss and also to test for side effects.

Non-Prescription Pills

Available over-the-counter, non-prescription weight loss pills are only subjected to nominal FDA regulation and are also referred to as weight loss supplements.

There are several types of healthy weight loss supplements available in the market today. Some of the common ones include:

• Stimulant-Free Fat Burners
• Thermogenic Fat Burners
• Fat Blockers
• Carb Blockers
• Appetite Suppressants
• Cortisol Blockers
• Thyroid Hormone Increasers
• Transdermal Fat Loss Gels

The best weight loss supplements work by increasing the body's energy expenditure, or by modulating carbohydrate metabolism. Some of the supplements also function by reducing the process of fat synthesis in the body, increasing distaste for food, etc.

Some of the common weight loss supplements used are given below, according to the method they follow for losing weight.

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Increase Energy Expenditure

• Ephedra
• Guarana
• Bitter Orange
• Country Mallow
• Yerba Maté

Modulate Carbohydrate Metabolism

• Ginseng
• Chromium

Increase Distaste

• Glucomannan
• Psyllium
• Guar Gum

Increase Fat Oxidation/Reduce Fat Synthesis

• Hydroxycitric Acid
• l-carnitine
• Vitamin B5
• Green Tea
• Conjugated Linoleic Acid
• Licorice
• Pyruvate

Block Dietary Fat Absorption

• Chitosan

Certain miscellaneous products such as Spirulina (commonly known as blue-green algae), apple cider vinegar, laminaria, etc. are also said to aid in weight loss. However, the results of these are yet to be proven.

While there is no guarantee as to if weight loss supplements really work or not, combined with proper exercising and diet plan, and under medical supervision, weight loss supplements can be effective. However, not only does the body adjust quickly to these supplements, rendering them ineffective after some time, but the long term effect of these supplements are also unknown.

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