Finding the best weight loss pill isn’t as easy as it might seem. There are several popular brands that are touted as being able to shed pounds without risking your health. However, before you buy into these promises, it’s important to do your research and know what you’re getting into.
The following will go over the various types of weight loss pills and the benefits and risks associated with each one so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for you.
Vytorin
If you’ve ever been to a drugstore or health food store, then you might have came across Vytorin. This is a prescription weight loss pill that’s been around for years and is considered to be among the safest and most effective anti-diabetic medicines available. It’s also shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. Vytorin is usually recommended for patients who need to lose pounds but are not able to do so safely through diet and exercise. It’s considered to be a last-resort medication for people with Type 2 diabetes. As a result, it has some pretty high patient satisfaction ratings. (1)
Unfortunately, Vytorin is also one of the most expensive pills on the market. It can cost up to three times more than other types of weight loss pills. While this might mean that it’s good for those who can afford it, it also means that it’s probably not the best choice for those who can’t.
The good news is that there are alternatives to Vytorin. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to shed pounds, then you should consider one of these pills:
Lipotropic Acid
Lipotropic acid, or just “lopropic,” is a weight loss pill formulated with a compound called conjugated linoleic acid, or “CLA.” This is a substance that’s naturally found in large amounts in foods like oil and fat. While many people believe that CLA is helpful in improving the looks of rats and other animals, there’s no scientific evidence that it can do the same for humans. However, there is a lot of evidence that CLA can help reduce body fat and improve overall health. There are several studies that show that CLA can help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, resulting in a healthier heart and better overall appearance. (2)
The best part about Lipotropic Acid is that it’s completely natural and has no known side effects. It also doesn’t need to be taken with food, so it’s easy to administer. The result is that many people experience good weight loss with this option, even those who need to lose a lot of weight. The main draw back is that you have to take it in addition to a diet and exercise program. If you’d like to try it without restriction, then Lipotropic Acid is probably not for you. (3)
Acarbose
Acarbose is a pill that’s been around for years, specifically designed to help patients with Type 2 diabetes control their condition. It’s also been shown to be effective in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. While it’s main advantage is that it’s a safe and effective treatment for diabetes, it also has the side effect of helping people lose weight. Specifically, patients who use Acarbose experience a 1 to 2 pound loss per week. (4) One issue that patients have raised, though, is that since Acarbose is taken orally, it can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects such as gas, indigestion, and diarrhea. These symptoms can sometimes be alleviated by taking it with food or medication. (5)
Orlistat
Orlistat is a weight loss drug that comes in a twice-daily pill form and is available in drugstores and at online retailers. It is a combination of the drugs called orlistat and L-arginine, which helps inhibit the enzyme lipase, preventing fat from being absorbed in the body. The main purpose of Orlistat is to reduce the absorption of dietary fat by inhibiting the enzyme lipase, which is present in large amounts in the human digestive system. (As a result, it has been shown to be effective in treating Type 2 diabetes and hyperlipidemia.) (6) Orlistat is generally considered to be safe, although there is some evidence that it may cause liver damage in some people. (7)
Xenical
Xenical is a weight loss pill made by Pharmaceutical Companies AstraZeneca and Eli Lilly, with a proprietary blend that contains both Sibutramine (a weight loss drug), and Orlistat (as mentioned above). Its main purpose is to help people lose weight by blocking the absorption of fat in the digestive system, resulting in a decreased appetite. It has also been shown to increase energy levels, decrease both cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increase insulin sensitivity. Because of its multiple mechanisms of action, it’s been touted as being a “full-spectrum” weight loss pill. The main side effect of Xenical is increased nausea, which in some cases can be severe. (8)
As you can see, there are several different types of weight loss pills that are worth your consideration. It’s important to keep in mind the various risks and side effects associated with each type before making a decision. For instance, Vytorin isn’t recommended for people with heart disease, while Acarbose is known to cause gastrointestinal issues in some people. The key is to find a medication that helps you lose weight without too many restrictions or side effects.