Weight loss tips and tricks are nothing new, and sometimes, it feels like our Stone Age ancestors might have also had their tricks to shed those extra pounds.
Weight loss medications are one such weight loss trick that many people swear by. However, some look down upon these medicines.
If you are still wondering whether you should give these weight loss medications a try or not, this blog might help you make a decision.
What are Weight Loss Pills?
Weight loss pills, in essence, are appetite suppressants. There are two types of weight loss pills – prescribed and non-prescribed.
Prescribed Weight Loss Medications
These are recommended and supervised by a licensed healthcare provider. But not everyone can go to a doctor and ask for diet pills. Patients with serious health issues due to excess weight are only suitable candidates for prescribed diet pills.
Reducing fat absorption, suppressing appetite, and increasing metabolism are some of the effects of these pills.
The Advantages
● Supervision
Because a healthcare professional will prescribe these medicines, you will get thorough guidance and supervision when using them. They can alter the dosage as per the effectiveness and your safety.
● Targeted Method
When used along with a balanced diet, exercise, and overall healthy lifestyle, diet pills can work wonders. These pills target specific physiological processes that will favor your weight loss efforts.
● Prompt Assessment
The main advantage of taking prescribed medication for weight loss is that you will not have to deal with the side effects but can enjoy its full benefits. The doctor will review your medical history and current health condition before prescribing a weight loss drug.
Non-prescribed or OTC Weight Loss Medications
We are sure that there are more than 100 different varieties of non-prescribe or OTC over-the-counter weight loss medicines available currently in your locality. These come in many forms; while some claim to help you lose weight without going on a diet or working out, some claim to be completely natural remedies for weight loss.
● Accessibility
As mentioned earlier, these medicines can be bought by anyone from anywhere. You won’t need to show any prescription or visit a doctor to buy these pills.
● Wide Range of Options
OTC weight loss pills offer their consumers a wide range of options. From overall weight loss to getting rid of those extra inches from your belly, you can find a product that perfectly aligns with your health objectives.
● Self-Supervision
You will be your supervisor when taking these commercially available pills. Therefore, you need to do your research on how to handle these pills that will be effective and secure.
How Much Weight Can I Lose with Prescribed and Non-Prescribed Diet Pills?
The answer to this question is not a simple one. Several factors can influence the weight loss rate when taking prescribed or non-prescribed pills. Weight loss is a tricky process, and it can be affected by your sleeping pattern, stress, calorie intake, and so much more.
Prescribed Diet Medications:
Effectiveness
On average, people taking even the most effective weight loss medication can lose 5% to 10% of their total body weight at the initial stage. This weight loss process might take up to one year (more or less), depending on the physiological differences of people.
Physical Differences
Speaking of physical differences, this factor is one of the most influencing aspects when losing weight. Metabolism function, hormonal disorder, and eating patterns fall into this category.
Lifestyle Modifiations
Prescribed pills might be effective, but these are not magical pills. You need to significantly change your lifestyle to see the changes it can bring. These are not standalone solutions; you should understand this factor before deciding.
Duration
Again, the duration of using these pills may vary from person to person and depending on the weight loss goals. Some people may stop taking these pills after some time, while some might need to go through long-term management.
Side Effects
It doesn’t matter if it’s prescribed; there is no safe weight loss medication, as all drugs have some side effects. You must work with a healthcare expert to immediately monitor the process and address the side effects.
Non-Prescribed Diet Pills (OTC or Supplements):
Effectiveness
Just like the prescribed ones, the effectiveness of non-prescription pills also depends on various factors. But before making your decision, you should know that there is no scientific evidence to back the effectiveness of these supplements. Some might cause a little impact, while others might only impact the weight of your wallet.
Safety Considerations
OTC supplements are not considered as a safe choice. Some of these pills may have ingredients that might cause critical side effects. Also, if you already take medications, interaction with these diet pills can sometimes be dangerous.
Sustainability
These pills might not be the best choice for long-term maintenance. You might see some weight loss initially, but that effect might lessen or stop altogether later.
The Best Way To Lose Weight
If you are not dealing with hormonal issues, you might not need weight loss medication to lose weight. Just an active lifestyle and the proper diet can do wonders for you.
The best effort you can make is to consult a nutritionist or dietitian and get a trainer. With their guidance, you will soon be losing weight healthily and safely.
