EmailKeep in mind that when it comes to over-the-counter diet pills, it's always buyer beware. The FDA does not regulate these supplements (with the exception of Alli), so manufacturers can freely say that their product leads to fantastic weight loss or melts body fat without actually proving these claims. Every respected health organization will tell you that diet and exercise are how you achieve lasting weight loss. Experts say to also keep the following in mind if you're thinking about trying a diet pill:
- Despite the hype about diet pills, most experts say that calorie reduction and exercise are the best way for most people to lose weight. Prescription diet drugs are only recommended for obesity, and weight-loss supplements show little if any benefit at all. See our report on
weight-loss programs for some behavioral and nutrition options.
- Over-the-counter weight-loss supplements (with the exception of Alli) are not subject to approval by the FDA. That means that they are almost entirely unregulated, and manufacturers freely make inflated or fraudulent claims, as demonstrated in the recent FCC settlement against the makers of CortiSlim, Xenadrine EFX, TrimSpa and One-A-Day Weight Smart.
- Any diet pill should only be used in close consultation with your physician. If you are wondering whether a diet drug is an option for you, talk to your doctor. In a survey conducted by the University of Connecticut's Center for Survey Research and Analysis (CSRA) of 3,500 Americans, only one-third of overweight people consulted their doctor about their concerns.