In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleHow Do Diet Pills Work?The Most Popular Diet Pills, Weight-Loss Medications and SupplementsThe Best and Healthiest Way to Lose WeightFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
How Do Diet Pills Work?
The Most Popular Diet Pills, Weight-Loss Medications and Supplements
The Best and Healthiest Way to Lose Weight
FAQs
Close
Photo: Getty Images
On the heels ofceleb tales about their experiences with Ozempic—and the fact that the shot originally developed to help treat type 2 diabetes was experiencing shortages due to its popularity—the conversation around this weekly shot and diet pills and supplements have reached a fever pitch.
That’s why, in January 2023,the American Academy of Pediatricsannounced new guidelines about how doctors might consider treating children whose body mass index (BMI) qualifies them as having obesity.Body mass index(BMI) is a measure that’s often used in healthcare to determine a person’s body weight category such as overweight or obese, and therefore, chronic disease risk. However, it has limitations and does not account for individual factors that influence one’s health status, such as body composition, ethnicity, race, sex and age. This is why it shouldn’t be used as a comprehensive measure of someone’s health andcan be a source of body size stigma and bias.
If pediatricians follow these recommendations, kids as young as 12 could be prescribed “obesity weight-loss pharmacotherapy, according to medication indications, risks and benefits, as an adjunct to health behavior and lifestyle treatment.” With teens and adults as the target market for weight-loss medications and diet pills, read along to learn about this complex and controversial topic.
Jameela Jamil Has Had Enough of Celebs Promoting Rapid Weight Loss—Here’s What She Had to Say
Both have become quite popular: TheNational Institutes of Healthestimates that about 15% of adults in the U.S. have tried a weight-loss supplement at some point in their lives, and even more are hopping on the prescription Ozempic train.
FDA-approved options are generally recognized as safe when used as prescribed, according to Leon, and theAmerican Heart Association and the American College of Cardiologyreport that these weight-loss medications can work. On average, an individual can anticipate losing about 5% to 10% of their weight in the first six months of use, initial studies suggest, such as one published inJAMA Network Openin 2022, but it’s simply too soon to know the long-term health impacts.
“There aren’t substantial long-term and large research studies about whether some of these medications can hold up to their claim and effectiveness,” addsCrystal Scott, M.S., RD, LD, CDCES, CSSD, CSP, a registered dietitian in Dallas, Texas. “As someone who has been a practicing dietitian for 16 years, I would recommend anyone looking into diet pills to evaluate their relationship with foods and behavior around foods first. Some people who start Ozempic may have a challenging relationship with food. By addressing that first, the need for these medications would decrease,” and the health outcomes would likely be more sustainable over the long term.
As far as those infomercial-promoted diet pills that often take up prime real estate at pharmacies and supplement shops, theGovernment Accountability Officeconcluded that “little information on potential safety concerns from dietary supplement AERs [adverse event reports] is publicly available and accessible to consumers, health care practitioners, and others.” In fact, some options are absolutely unsafe and have led to serious illnesses and even deaths, theFDAconfirms.
Especially among the less-regulated mail-order and over-the-counter options, “These can interact or interfere with certain medications, so you should always speak to your health care provider about potential benefits and risks before starting any supplement or medication,” Scott says.
Most Supplements Are Totally Unregulated—Here’s the #1 Way to Tell If They Are Safe
Definitely proceed with caution and don’t use these without medical supervision, especially if you have any conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, liver disease or heart disease, or if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have digestion issues or have a history ofdisordered eating.
If you have weight-loss goals, your best bet, according toRoxana Ehsani, M.S., RD, CSSD, a Miami-based board-certified sports dietitian, is to work with a registered dietitian. It’s also helpful to consider your “why.” Research hints that healthy habits such as physical activity andeating more fruits and vegetableshave much more to do with wellness outcomes than the number on the scale or your BMI.
Ahead, a debrief on the aforementioned Ozempic and some other frequently advertised diet pills.
Ozempic/Wegovy
Should You Check Your Blood Sugar Even If You Don’t Have Diabetes? What Dietitians Have to Say
The existing literature related to Ozempic/Wegovy and weight management involves trials that are fairly small and short-term. Leon adds that more independent studies are needed to determine a successful long-term solution. Some common side effects have been reported, such as nausea and diarrhea.
Other FDA-approved weight-loss shots and pills include Contrave, Qsymia, Saxenda and orlistat.
Orlistat
Speaking of orlistat (common brands include Xenical and Alli), since it also ranks among the most popular weight-loss medications, we’ll dive deeper here, too.
“This medication prevents some of the fat found in food from being absorbed in the intestine. The unabsorbed fat exits the body through the stool,” Ehsani clarifies.
Caffeine
It’s not just found in coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks anymore.
“This stimulant for weight loss is most commonly used as an appetite suppressant and for its thermogenic, or metabolism-boosting, qualities. In the short-term, it can have a small positive effect, but no substantial evidence shows that it helps long-term,” Leon says.
What we do know about the long haul, however, is that high consumption of caffeine supplements appears to actually contribute to weight gain, hormone imbalance, increased blood pressure, insulin resistance and sleep disturbance. So enjoy yourcup of coffeein the morning if you like, but know that studies don’t support consuming caffeine in supplements as a long-term weight-loss solution.
High doses of caffeine found in caffeine diet pills can be fatal, Ehsani continues, and can be especially harmful to teens, young adults and anyone sensitive to the effects of caffeine. It may alsocause side effectssuch as anxiety, sleep issues like insomnia, dehydration, digestive issues, rapid heart rate, diarrhea or vomiting.
“The FDA says that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is OK, but some of these may be higher, and some pills in combination with a cup or two of caffeinated beverages may be very dangerous,” Ehsani says.
Green Tea Extract
Like the tea it shares its name with, green tea extract is rich in catechins, antioxidants andcaffeine. Leon explains that the latter’s thermogenic (calorie-burning) effect has been promoted as a way to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation.
“Several clinical trials found that it can possibly have a modest effect on body weight,” Scott says.
However, if consumed in high doses or for an extended period, green tea extract can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Beyond that, excess green tea extract can lead to serious issues, including heart palpitations andliver damageor failure.
“Weight-loss benefits are seen in limited cases and tend to be modest at best. It’s best to enjoy your green tea for its healthy, antioxidant benefits,” Leon says.
If you follow his guidance and sip green tea instead of a supplement, you might score someblood sugar and inflammation-taming benefits.
Green Coffee Bean Extract
For this diet pill, manufacturers sell an extract made from coffee beans that have not been roasted. Again, it provides a source of caffeine, which can increase resting metabolic rate and fat metabolism. The levels of chlorogenic acids found in green coffee bean extract are also said to reduce carbohydrate absorption in the digestive tract.
“The studies done on green coffee bean extract have been short and with a small sample size; therefore, there are limitations, and researchers can’t yet verify whether it’s effective or safe. Also, there isn’t a dosage amount for green coffee bean extract, so it’s hard to say what amount is OK compared to what amount is unhealthy and dangerous to health,” Ehsani says.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a fatty acid naturally found in food like beef anddairy products.
In diet pill form, CLA marketers claim that it canhelp burn body fatand, as a result, lead to weight loss.
“The studies that ‘work’ have been only done on animals, not humans. Among people, the results were not clear, and people only lost 1 pound over the course of a 12-week study. There’s very little evidence showing it actually helps or works. More research studies need to be conducted before I’d recommend this,” Ehsani says.
Side effects of CLA supplementation can trigger inflammation. Additionally, it may lead to liver enlargement, insulin resistance, abdominal discomfort and pain, constipation or diarrhea, and adverse effects on blood lipids, Leon and Scott add.
Hydroxycut
Marketed for weight loss and as a “fat burner,” Hydroxycut was originally released with a combination of caffeine and ephedra. In fact, after its release on the market, ephedra was found to be poisonous and deadly, per a 2015 article published inThe New England Journal of Medicine.
After reformulation to remove the now-banned substance, ephedra, “it now contains coffee extract, apple-cider vinegar, plum, baobab extract, cardamom, caffeine from coffee extract, and high doses of vitamin B12,” Ehsani says. “There is no solid evidence or research showing that these supplements are even effective.”
Reported adverse side effects from users include jitters, stomachaches, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating and nausea. And Leon says that even after reformulation to remove the now-banned ephedra, Hydroxycut may lead to liver disease, high blood pressure, seizures, heart disease and death.
The dietitians agree that thebest way to lose weight and keep it offis to eat a well-balanced, colorful, nutritious diet focusing on nutritious foods, scoring enough sleep, integrating some physical activity and carving out time for self-care stress reducers.
Here are a few pro tips to get you started:
The Bottom Line
Even though many are marketed as such, “these products are not magic pills and commonly fail when used alone,” Leon says. “Most, if not all, will carry a disclaimer that they are effective along with sustainable nutritional, physical activity and behavioral changes.”
Instead of turning to what may be a short-term fix—with some very real potential for side effects—if you have weight-loss goals, turn to healthy habits that can help you reach them.EatingWelldietitians recommend trying simple steps like filling half your plate with veggies, mixing up yourmacronutrients(carbs, fat and protein), consumingmore fiberand integrating more physical activity.
Consult with a registered dietitian if you’d like additional guidance, and don’t begin taking any new medication, FDA-approved or otherwise, without first discussing it with your doctor.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, doctors can prescribe certain FDA-approved weight-loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide), Contrave, Qsymia, Saxenda and orlistat. Many other unregulated diet pills are on the market, though, and are available via mail or over the counter at pharmacies and supplement stores.We simply don’t know enough about most of them to confirm their long-term safety. The FDA-approved pills and shots appear to be safe for use for at least when they’ve been studied and among specific populations, but more research is needed to confirm their eventual safety and effectiveness.Speak with your primary care doctor before beginning any new medication or supplement. Everyone, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, liver disease or heart disease, or if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have digestion issues or have a history of disordered eating, should consult with a health care provider before using weight-loss medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, doctors can prescribe certain FDA-approved weight-loss medications like Wegovy (semaglutide), Contrave, Qsymia, Saxenda and orlistat. Many other unregulated diet pills are on the market, though, and are available via mail or over the counter at pharmacies and supplement stores.
We simply don’t know enough about most of them to confirm their long-term safety. The FDA-approved pills and shots appear to be safe for use for at least when they’ve been studied and among specific populations, but more research is needed to confirm their eventual safety and effectiveness.
Speak with your primary care doctor before beginning any new medication or supplement. Everyone, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, liver disease or heart disease, or if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have digestion issues or have a history of disordered eating, should consult with a health care provider before using weight-loss medications.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
