The pharmaceutical companies who manufacture weight loss pills are enjoying a boom time at the moment feeding off the desperation of a populus that is increasing in weight year after year.

Sales of prescribed weight loss pills and over the counter variants are going through the roof since the health scares surrounding types of this product caused it to be removed from circulation during the late 1990s. Links to heart valve disease were something of a death nail to the weight loss pill market.

Nowadays, the weight loss pill is experiencing a renaissance. According to the pharmaceutical companies these weight loss pills are made completely of natural ingredients and are no longer of risk but yet they are still dogged by health issues.

Weight loss pills can be either prescribed or bought over the counter and the difference between the two are briefly highlighted here:

Prescription Weight Loss Pills:

Weight loss pills that are prescribed are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration agency. These pills have been monitored and scrutinized by the administration prior to use by the general public and as such are deemed the safer option.

The most popular of these is Xenical which works by reducing the amount of fat consumed by the body by 30 %. Unfortunately, Xenical is still dogged by side effects that include passing gas, abdominal cramping, increased number of bowel movements, leakage of oily stool and a loss of total control over bowel movements.

Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills:

The temptation to use over-the-counter weight-loss pills is often irresistible and the fact that many are not regulated warrants the question, are these products safe?

There are many pharmaceutical companies cashing in on the revived weight loss pill market and this is mirrored by the myriad of products available. Here is a shortlist of products, their claims and what you need to know:

1 Hoodia:

Possibly one of the better known products, claims to decrease appetite substantially.

Verdict: No conclusive evidence to support any of their claims.

2. Alli:

Reduces fat absorption by the intestines. A lesser strength variant of Xenical.

Verdict: As one of the few FDA approved over the counter weight loss pills it has the benefit of backing to substantiate its weight loss claims.

3. Guar gum:

Stops absorption of fat and suppresses appetite.

Verdict: Unlikely to cause weight loss, can cause gastrointestinal problems.

4.Green tea extract: Much revered in certain circles as it is claimed to increase metabolism

Verdict: Limited supportive evidence.

There are literally hundreds more all with relatively the same verdict. There is one resounding factor that all of these weight loss pills have in common. They all state that they are more effective when used in conjunction with a diet and a exercise routine.

If you decide to use a weight loss pill and follow its instruction to use a diet and an exercise program isn’t that hiding whether or not the tablet is effective or not?

Personally, I would forget the weight loss pill and look for an effective weight loss plan that will:

1. NOT tell me to go on a low calorie diet yet still provide me with fast but sustained weight loss

2. NOT put my health at risk

3. NOT cost a fortune

4. NOT be difficult to keep up

Never take diet drugs if pregnancy is suspected or if you are allergic to sulfites and tartrazine. Individuals under 18 or over 60 should consult their doctor prior to taking weight loss pills