With a growing number of diet pill brands available over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription, it can be difficult for moms who are ready to lose weight to determine which remedies might or might not be safe to try. While diet pills usually carry the risk of potential side effects, you may want to try one or more of the common medications noted by organizations, such as the Mayo Clinic, or the federal government website MedLine Plus. Always remember that no diet pill can guarantee weight loss; your efforts toward changing your eating and exercise habits go a long way toward your weight reduction goals.
Alli
Alli, a reduced version of the prescription diet drug Xenical, is an OTC diet pill that works as a fat absorption blocker, according to the Mayo Clinic. The primary ingredient, orlistat, does not work as an appetite suppressant. Rather, it blocks your intestines from absorbing all the fat you eat. While this might sound miraculous to busy moms, keep in mind that the Mayo Clinic, as well as the manufacturer, warn about some potentially messy side effects. If you eat too much fat, Alli might cause you to lose control of your bowel movements or have other fecal accidents. Also, some Alli users reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 that they believe the medication caused injury to their livers. However, the Mayo Clinic notes that, as of 2010, there is no medical evidence linking orlistat as a cause of liver injury. An average Alli user, who eats no more than 15 grams of fat per meal, may lose an additional 6 lbs. of body weight each year.
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Phentermine
Phentermine is a prescription appetite suppressant sometimes marketed under the brand name Adipex, according to MedlinePlus. However, this drug may be habit-forming and is usually intended for short-term use. If your doctor prescribes phentermine, you can usually select from an instant or extended-release formula; the decision is between you and your doctor. Like virtually any diet drug, phentermine may not work for you and can also create potentially unpleasant side effects. Possible adverse symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and dry mouth. The Mayo Clinic recommends that only those people who are significantly overweight consider trying phentermine, and to be mindful of its amphetamine-like effects.
Meridia
Meridia is a prescription diet drug that might make it possible for you to lose an additional 5 to 11 lbs. in your diet and exercise regimen, according to the Mayo Clinic. Meridia, like orlistat, is considered medically acceptable for long-term use as you as you don’t experience excessive side effects, such as hoarseness, dry mouth, dizziness, weakness or back pain. The drug’s primary active ingredient is the appetite suppressant sibutramine, according to MedlinePlus.
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