FDA Approved Weight Loss Pills & Possible Side Effects

The majority of FDA approved weight loss pills are appetite suppressants but there is also one known FDA approved weight loss pill that can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC). FDA approved weight loss pills are obtained through prescriptions given to you by your doctor. You can't simply go out and purchase these pills. Their use must be monitored because they act on the central nervous system and there is the possibility of experiencing certain side effects. If you have specific health problems, you may not be able to use this medication which is why it's necessary to obtain a prescription from your doctor.

The FDA approved weight loss pills talked about in this article, with the exception of the OTC one, are considered to be controlled substances. They're very similar to amphetamines, so doctors really need to monitor those taking these types of pills because there is the possibility of diet pill abuse which can lead to serious health problems.

With that said, if you are having trouble with weight loss and want to try something that has been proven to help people lose weight, you may want to speak with your doctor about either of the following FDA approved weight loss pills. 

The following FDA approved weight loss pills all act as appetite suppressants to help you lose weight. They basically fool the brain into thinking your full so that you don't eat as much - resulting in a loss of weight.

• Phentermine. This diet pill was originally launched during the 1970s and remains to be the most popular FDA approved weight loss pill today - at least in the United States. It is prescribed for short term use to people who are obese. This drug is also commonly abused and possible side effects include headache, dizziness, insomnia, diarrhea and feeling anxious or nervous. Withdrawal symptoms can also occur if this medication is stopped abruptly after a prolonged period of use.
• Phendimetrazine. This FDA approved weight loss pill is prescribed to obese patients who have not responded to losing weight by implementing diet and exercise. It's a stronger appetite suppressant than most and is available both as a generic and brand name (Bontril). Possible side effects include insomnia, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, diarrhea and changes in sex drive.

Fat blockers are also used to help people lose weight. These work differently than appetite suppressants though because they actually help to block fat after consumption and prevent it from being absorbed. There is only one FDA approved fat blocker at the time of this writing.

• Orlistat. This medication is marketed under the brand name of Xenical which you may have heard of previously. Orlistat is also the only FDA approved weight loss pill that can be used for a long period of time - currently up to 4 years. Possible side effects of Orlistat include vomiting, loose stools and gas among others. Side effects typically subside after your body becomes accustomed to the medication.

Alli is currently THE only OTC FDA approved weight loss pill. If you walk into any supplement store you'll notice that there is a plethora of weight loss pills, but Alli is the only one that is FDA approved.

The main ingredient in Alli is Orlistat. This medication basically works in the same way Xenical does, but it's about half the strength. Possible side effects of Alli are very much the same as Xenical considering they're made with the same active ingredient. It's important that you follow usage instructions correctly and be sure that each meal you eat during the day is no more than 30% fat. If you eat a diet high in fat while taking Alli you can cause serious damage within your intestines and stomach.

No matter which weight loss pills you and/or your doctor decide on, it's important that you do your part as well. This means that you absolutely need to eat as healthy as possible and exercise on a regular basis.

Keeping the weight off is the challenging part and once your weight becomes more manageable under the use of these pills, you can stop taking them. Then if you continue to eat healthy and exercise you will be able to manage your weight for the long term. This is the only way you're going to get the results you expect from any FDA approved weight loss pills. The bottom line is that you can't expect to take a pill and make it all better - for good. You need to be proactive and work on making healthy food choices and exercising regularly. You can do it!