Slimming Pills - The Great CON

The only medicines in the UK specifically licensed for the treatment
of obesity are called orlistat and sibutramine. Orlistat works by
reducing the absorption of the fat you eat. Sibutramine increases the
feeling of fullness when you eat by boosting levels of the chemical,
serotonin, which is naturally made in your body.

Both these drugs have been clinically proven to help people lose
weight. They are only prescribed if you are obese or your weight is
causing you health problems. You will also have to show that you have
seriously attempted to lose weight by diet, exercise etc.

There is however very little evidence that over-the-counter slimming
pills that you can buy at health food shops will help you lose weight.
Occasionally research evidence is quoted for over-the-counter slimming
pills, but this is usually from one- off small study, which hasnt been
repeated. Many over-the-counter slimming pills give you very little
information about the ingredients and how they are supposed to work.
They can also be expensive.

Over-the-counter pills often come with recommendations that you
follow a calorie- controlled diet and take more exercise, so a change
in life-style will help you to lose weight with or without the pills.

Weight loss pills that claim you will lose a lot of weight very
quickly, while eating normally, wont work as this isnt possible. If
they recommend cutting out certain foods, this may help you lose weight
but you probably wont be following a safe balanced diet.

Its possible that some slimming pills could be harmful if you have
a medical condition or you are on certain medication. For example they
may interfere with prescribed medication for an under-active thyroid if
the slimming pill contains a thyroid-stimulating ingredient. To lose
weight safely and sensibly, you need to change your eating habits and
do exercise.