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Despite what you may have heard from the numerous TV and online ads you’ve seen, there is no scientific evidence that supplement pills can help you burn fat without watching your diet or exercising.
Generally, many of the products marketed as weight loss pills fall under the dietary supplements category. Consequently, because they’re not categorized as drugs, they are not subject to FDA regulations, which means there isn’t enough credible research to ascertain whether they work.
However, while there’s no proof that weight loss pills work, the answer differs depending on who you ask. Doctors, for instance, rely on scientific evidence, research, and clinical trials – the lack of which leads them to the conclusion that weight loss pills are a marketing gimmick.
On the other hand, ask any weight loss trainer and there’s a chance they’ll agree that these pills work. However, a trainer will also tell you that they only work when combined with proper dieting and exercise.
Nonetheless, while supplementary weight loss pills don’t work from a medical perspective, there are prescription medications that have been scientifically proven to help you burn weight.
Can Prescription Weight Loss Pills Help You Burn Weight?
Yes, prescription weight loss pills have been clinically proven to help people lose weight. However, the reason they’re not as popular is that they’re prescribed by doctors to patients who’re at risk of serious health problems due to their weight.
As a result, most people who want to lose weight are unable to get these weight-burning pills as their weight doesn’t pose any adverse health effects.
Who is a Candidate for Prescription Weight Loss Pills?
Prescription weight loss pills are a great alternative for people who’ve tried dieting and exercising without the results they desire. Still, even with these pills, it’s essential that you still exercise and keep your diet in check for optimal results.
A doctor will prescribe weight burning pills if:
- You have a BMI (body mass index) over 30
- You have an obesity-based serious health condition (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.) and have a BMI of 27 and above
Your doctor will review your medical history before prescribing these drugs and talk you through their benefits and side effects. However, keep in mind that these pills are not for everyone – it’s highly recommended that you avoid them if you’re:
- Trying to get pregnant
- Pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How Effective are Prescription Weight Loss Pills?
According to Mayo Clinic, using weight loss prescription pills consistently for over 12 weeks can burn between 3 and 7 percent of your total body weight annually. Couple that with the weight you’d lose with lifestyle changes including dieting and exercise and the pounds add up significantly by the end of the year.
While that might seem like an insignificant number, losing anywhere above 5% of your total weight annually can lower blood pressure, and blood sugar and reduce your chances of contracting cardiac diseases significantly.
Do Prescription Weight Burning Pills Have Side Effects?
Yes, like most drugs, prescription weight loss pills have some side effects, including:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
However, serious side effects are rare. But perhaps what you should keep in mind is that you might regain the weight you’ve lost if you stop taking these medications. Still, maintaining an active lifestyle and watching what you eat will help you stay fit and prevent excessive weight gain.
How Long Do I Need to Take Prescription Weight Loss Pills?
A typical dose lasts about 6 months, after which your doctor will evaluate the progress to determine if the pills are helping. If you’ve lost significant weight over the six-month period to lead a healthy lifestyle, you may not have to take them any longer.
However, if the doctor determines the drugs haven’t had the expected effect, there’s a high likelihood they might recommend you continue taking the pills or they’ll prescribe a different weight loss pill.
Which Prescription Weight Loss Pills are FDA-Approved?
Unlike supplements, prescription weight loss pills are categorized as drugs, and hence are subject to FDA regulations. For you, it means these medications have been tested and proven to be safe for human consumption and effective at doing what they claim.
So, if you must take weight loss medication, go for prescription pills as they are the safest option. There are three main prescription weight loss pills approved by the FDA for long-term use, namely:
- Orlistat which is sold as Xenical
- Bupropion-naltrexone which is marketed as Contrave
- Phentermine-topiramate sold as Qsymia
Typically, these medications either decrease your appetite or increase the sensation of fullness. While some do both, others like Orlistat work differently – it interferes with fat absorption.
Below is a brief look at the three weight loss pills, what they’re most common for, and their side effects.
Contrave
CONTRAVE® is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help adults with obesity, or who are overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition, lose weight and keep the weight off. unlike other weight-loss medications, CONTRAVE® is not a controlled substance, scheduled drug, or stimulant. However, it has significant side effects, including:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Suicide risk
Xenical
While this drug is only available with a prescription, it has a weaker variant named Alli that’s available without a prescription. However, if you want faster results, stick to the prescription variant.
It’s essential that you switch to a low-fat diet when using Xenical for the best results. Like most drugs, it too has some side effects such as loose stool and flatulence. At worst, the drug is thought to cause serious liver damage although this is extremely rare.
Qsymia
Qsymia is a fusion of the anticonvulsant known as topiramate and phentermine, a weight-loss drug. While it’s one of the most effective appetite suppressant, it also has some serious side effects including nervousness, insomnia, elevated heart rate and high blood pressure, and a higher chance of birth defects.
Yet, its biggest con is that it is the most likely to be abused due to its addictive nature.
Final Verdict
While prescription weight loss pills are effective, medication is not the safest option if you want to lose weight. The best you can do is change your lifestyle to a more active one that involves exercise and a regulated diet.