Weight Loss Pills
It has been widely reported that weight loss pills are now available to buy over the counter. The two most common pills available in the UK are the Alli and the Appesat pills. The alli pills are slightly weaker version of the pill Orlistat which is the prescription only pill for weight loss.
How do they work?
The two pills work in different ways both resulting in the same effect, a decrease in calorie intake and therefore a decrease in weight. The Alli pills work by preventing the body from absorbing fats from the diet, therefore reducing calorie intake. The second pill, Appesat contains a seaweed extract that swells in the stomach and tricks the dieter into feeling full and therefore decrease the appetite and calorie intake.
Who can buy them?
These weight loss drugs are available to buy over the counter in all pharmacists by adults with a BMI of 28 (BMI Calculator) but I wouldn't mind betting than these pills and others can be found and brought on multiple online stores.
Do they work without exercise or dieting?
These aren't miracle drugs, there isn't some kind of chemical reaction which starts to melt away fat as soon as they are consumed. Alli decreases the amount of fat which is stored in the body from the NEW calories which you eat which is just the same as eating a diet low in fat (both resulting in weight lost) Appesat works by making you feel full without eating as much, just the same as eating less (again, both resulting in weight loss)
The pills effectively just make dieting easier but working with them alone will be pretty pointless. All experts recommend that the drugs are mixed with sensible exercise and a weight management programme.
What are the side effects of the drug
There are known side effects of the Alli pill relating mainly to the stomach and bowel areas but are more discomforts rather than serious problems. A quick search in google for 'weight loss pills side effects' threw just about every possible side effect going into the mixture for a range of different pills around the world. The problem is that the pills are new on the market which means no one really knows the long term effects of the pills.
Are the pills safe?
I'd like to think that you wouldn't be able to buy a pill over the counter if it wasn't safe but I am a fitness professional and not a doctor. Everyone will have a different medical background and will need to consult there own GP before making a decision to take on weight loss pills.
I am happy to work with the UK pills as part a weight management and exercise programme providing the GP approve has been given.
Article supplied by Alan Cook, amc-training.com