Do weight loss pills work? Some dieters swear by them, and others have tried several different diet pills for weight loss with no success. There are many different dietary supplements and weight loss pills sold over-the-counter that vary in effectiveness and how they work in your body. Some dieters use weight loss pills for quick weight loss, as most weight loss pills are not healthy to take long-term.

Which Weight Loss Pills Are Most Effective?

Because weight-loss pills are not subject to the same standards as prescription drugs, they can be sold over-the-counter with limited proof of their safety or effectiveness. It can be very confusing for consumers to try to determine which weight loss pills are most effective.

Some weight loss pills contain several herbs, vitamins, minerals, and a combination of other ingredients that work differently in your body. Research has indicated how some of the ingredients can help with weight loss individually, but it is widely unknown how effective the combined ingredients work together.

Before you buy or take any weight loss pills or supplements, be sure to ask your pharmacist, dietician or nutritionist for recommendations.

How Do Ingredients in Weight Loss Pills Work?

The following ingredients in weight loss pills are marketed to help with temporary weight loss. Some people believe they work in helping them lose weight. Other people do not agree. It is not recommended that any weight loss pills are taken long-term due to other health risks:

• Bitter orange: contains chemicals that act as stimulants, and may temporarily suppress your appetite and increase the number of calories burned by increasing your rate of metabolism, but these chemicals also may cause other health problems including high blood pressure and an irregular heart rate,which can lead to heart attack, stroke and even death.
• Chromium: is a mineral that helps to regulate insulin, which helps to build muscle and burn body fat, but it is not likely to decrease your overall body weight.
• Guar gum: may help to block absorption of fat and increase your feeling of fullness, but it is not proven to result in overall weight loss.
• Hoodia: is a cactus-like plant that may temporarily suppress your appetite, but weight loss results are unproven.

How to Successfully Lose Weight with Weight Loss Pills

If you decide to try weight-loss pills to lose bodyweight, you will still need to burn more calories than you eat in order to lose body weight. The weight loss pills you try might help to suppress your appetite or burn fat, but they cannot help you lose any weight if you consume more calories than you burn off while you take them.

A healthy, balanced diet containing the basic food groups, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids--combined with regular physical activity--is the healthiest and most effective way to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight. Moderation is key to a healthy lifestyle and ongoing weight management.

If you need help with a diet plan or exercise program, or if you are considering taking weight loss pills or supplements, it is recommended that you consult with your health care practitioner.