Diet Pills: Reviews

For each person that says hoodia gordonii works to control their appetite, another says it doesn't. While some experts say hoodia seems safer than a lot of over-the-counter diet pills, there's really no convincing… evidence for or against hoodia gordonii. If you do want to try hoodia, experts say to be sure you're getting the real thing -- certified hoodia gordonii from South Africa. Many manufacturers mix hoodia with stimulants like bitter orange or green tea extract, and researchers take an even dimmer view of the safety of those ingredients. DEX-L10, like all diet supplements, hasn't been approved by the FDA and hasn't been subjected to clinical studies, but at least it contains authentic hoodia gordonii and no added stimulants. However, there are not enough studies to show its efficacy, and some advocates, including Consumer Reports and ConsumerLab.com, do not recommend hoodia for weight loss at all.

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Unlike most over-the-counter diet pills, Lean System 7 has at least been the subject of a couple of clinical studies -- even if the studies were both short (eight weeks) and involved a small number of subjects (about 30… adults each). The limited studies do seem to suggest that Lean System 7 and its main ingredient, 7-keto, do have some positive effects on resting metabolic rate (RMR). However, critics of the supplement worry that its long-term safety and efficacy are not conclusively known. In addition, Lean System 7 contains bitter orange and green tea extract, stimulants against which many advocates and researchers advise caution. As with all diet pills and supplements, experts just say there's too little information on Lean System 7's long-term safety, asserting that the best way to lose weight is through behavior modification -- not diet pills.

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While there are a handful of new prescription weight loss drugs now on the market, phentermine has been around since the 1950s. Because of this, phentermine's side effects are well known, and doctors are more familiar… with its usage. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that's indicated for short-term use; after about 12 weeks, it can negatively impact blood pressure and can become addictive (it is chemically similar to amphetamines). Reviews say that when used properly under a doctor's supervision, phentermine can provide a short-term boost at the onset of weight loss for obese persons who use it in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan.

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