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Weight Management: Should I Use Over-the-Counter Diet Aids?
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Weight Management: Should I Use Over-the-Counter Diet Aids?
1Get the | 2Compare | 3Your | 4Your | 5Quiz | 6Your Summary |
Get the facts
Your options
- Use an over-the-counter diet aid to help you lose weight.
- Get to a healthy weight by eating right and exercising.
Key points to remember
- No over-the-counter diet aids have been proven to be both safe and effective for everyone.
- When a diet aid does work, it's usually because the person followed the manufacturer's recommendations to follow a healthy eating plan and get more exercise while taking the supplement.
- It's wise to talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter diet aid.
- Most over-the-counter diet aids and other supplements are not regulated, so makers can make any claims they want to about how well their products work.
- Are you at a healthy weight? If you are, you're better off forgetting about weight loss. Instead, learn healthy eating and activity habits that will help you stay at a healthy weight.
Are you at a healthy weight?
Before you consider whether to use any over-the-counter diet aid, find out if you really need to lose weight. A healthy weight is a weight that lowers your risk for health problems. For most people, body mass index (BMI) and waist size are good ways to tell if they are at a healthy weight.
If you practice healthy eating habits and are active enough to stay healthy, then weighing a few extra pounds is not bad for your health unless you have other medical problems. On the other hand, dieting can be bad for your health. Diets almost never work, and they can cause many people to fall into an unhealthy cycle of losing and gaining weight. This is often called yo-yo dieting. It may be harder on the body than just being overweight.
If you are thinking about losing weight, ask your doctor whether it's a good idea for you.
What are over-the-counter diet aids?
There are many products for weight loss that you can buy without a prescription at drugstores and supermarkets and over the Internet. Many of these have never been proved to work, and those that do work usually come with warnings.
What about Alli?
Alli (say "AL-eye") is a lower-dose version of the prescription drug orlistat (Xenical), which is used to treat obesity. You can buy Alli without a prescription.
Orlistat has been proved to help people lose weight.footnote 1 It works by preventing fat absorption, so that the fat you eat moves through your intestines undigested. But the weight loss amounts to only a few pounds, and the drug's side effects can be very unpleasant.
The side effects include sudden loose stools and oily spotting on your underwear. The more fat you eat, the worse the side effects are, so it's best to limit fat while you are taking this drug.
Do not take Alli if you:
- Have had an organ transplant.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Talk to your doctor before you take Alli, but especially if you:
- Take blood-thinning medicines.
- Have diabetes or thyroid disease.
What are the risks or side effects of over-the-counter diet aids?
Most over-the-counter diet aids don't have to pass government tests for safety or effectiveness.
Long-term studies are the only way to tell if a medicine or supplement works and is safe. And there are very few such studies of diet aids. But we know about the following risks:
- Over-the-counter appetite suppressants shouldn't be used by people who have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or depression.
- Appetite suppressants are only intended for use for a short time (8 to 12 weeks). But staying at a healthy weight is a lifelong effort. It is costly and possibly dangerous to depend on these medicines to control your weight for long periods of time. If you are going to use these drugs to help you lose weight, be sure to also make healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise.
- Water-loss pills (diuretics, such as Aqua-Ban) only get rid of water and do not reduce the amount of fat in your body. Using water-loss pills to lose weight is not recommended and can be dangerous.
- Because diet supplements are not regulated, manufacturers sometimes make claims that aren't true. For example, just because the label says the supplement is "all natural" doesn't mean it's safe. Many things that are "natural" can still hurt you. And manufacturers may cite only their own studies to show how well their products work.
- Many products contain 20 or more ingredients, so it's really hard to know how all the ingredients will interact with each other in your body and how they will interact with any other medicines or supplements you are taking.
- You shouldn't take cough or cold medicines while you take some of these diet pills. They contain some of the same medicine, and you could get too much. Ask your pharmacist if it's safe to take cold medicine with the diet pills you are taking.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns people not to use certain diet aids that are known to be tainted with drugs or chemicals. You can find the FDA's warning list, which includes many popular diet aids, at www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm103184.htm.
The FDA has banned the sale of ephedra (also known as ma huang) because of concerns about safety. The product has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and some deaths.
It's wise to talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter diet aid.
Why might your doctor recommend an over-the-counter diet aid?
Your doctor is not likely to recommend that you use an over-the-counter diet aid in your efforts to reach a healthy weight and stay there. The best way to get to a healthy weight and stay there is to eat right and exercise regularly.
To be safe, always talk to your doctor before using any weight-loss product.
Compare your options
Compare
What is usually involved? | ||
|---|---|---|
What are the benefits? | ||
What are the risks and side effects? |
- You buy a diet aid at a store and follow the instructions on the package.
- Some diet aids may help you feel less hungry so you don't eat as much.
- Studies show that Alli helps some people lose a small amount of weight.
- There is no proof that most over-the-counter diet aids work.
- You shouldn't use them if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or depression.
- Using water-loss pills to lose weight can be dangerous.
- Most diet aids don't have to pass government safety tests.
- You manage your weight by eating healthy foods and getting the right amount of physical activity.
- Learning to eat healthy foods and getting the right amount of physical activity is the best way to control your weight.
- You avoid the possible risks and side effects of diet aids.
- You won't lose weight unless you learn to eat healthy foods and get the right amount of physical activity.
Personal stories about using over-the-counter diet aids
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I have a lot of weight to lose, and I want to try an over-the-counter diet aid. I'm not technically obese, but my weight is definitely not healthy. I've tried to make healthy eating and exercise work, but I think I need more help.
Nathalie, age 51
I thought about using a diet aid to help myself lose weight, but I've decided against it. I know that I'm overweight because of some bad habits I've developed. I plan to improve my eating and activity habits by taking a few small steps at a time.
Mohammed, age 32
I plan to use an over-the-counter diet aid. I talked to my doctor about it, and she wasn't too enthusiastic. But we agreed on a plan where I will check in with her often so she can monitor my progress and any side effects I may have.
Jada, age 44
I was all set to start using a diet aid, but my doctor talked me out of it. He told me how the research just doesn't support using these supplements, especially considering some of the possible side effects. He said changing my lifestyle habits would be better for my health in the long run.
Nadia, age 29
What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to use over-the-counter diet aids
Reasons not to use over-the-counter diet aids
I'm desperate and have to try something else, even though I know that diet aids don't usually work.
I don't feel so desperate that I have to try something that I know probably won't work.
I'm not worried about spending money on diet pills that may not work.
I don't want to spend money on something that I know may not work.
I'm willing to have my doctor monitor my progress while I use a diet aid.
I'm not willing to have my doctor monitor my progress.
I'm not worried about using supplements that may have unknown side effects.
I'm very worried about using supplements that may have unknown side effects.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Using over-the-counter diet aids
NOT using over-the-counter diet aids
What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Your Summary
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Your decision
Next steps
Which way you're leaning
How sure you are
Your comments
Your knowledge of the facts
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Getting ready to act
Patient choices
Credits and References
| Author | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Rhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator |
Weight Management: Should I Use Over-the-Counter Diet Aids?
- Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the Facts
Your options
- Use an over-the-counter diet aid to help you lose weight.
- Get to a healthy weight by eating right and exercising.
Key points to remember
- No over-the-counter diet aids have been proven to be both safe and effective for everyone.
- When a diet aid does work, it's usually because the person followed the manufacturer's recommendations to follow a healthy eating plan and get more exercise while taking the supplement.
- It's wise to talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter diet aid.
- Most over-the-counter diet aids and other supplements are not regulated, so makers can make any claims they want to about how well their products work.
- Are you at a healthy weight? If you are, you're better off forgetting about weight loss. Instead, learn healthy eating and activity habits that will help you stay at a healthy weight.
Are you at a healthy weight?
Before you consider whether to use any over-the-counter diet aid, find out if you really need to lose weight. A healthy weight is a weight that lowers your risk for health problems. For most people, body mass index (BMI) and waist size are good ways to tell if they are at a healthy weight.
If you practice healthy eating habits and are active enough to stay healthy, then weighing a few extra pounds is not bad for your health unless you have other medical problems. On the other hand, dieting can be bad for your health. Diets almost never work, and they can cause many people to fall into an unhealthy cycle of losing and gaining weight. This is often called yo-yo dieting. It may be harder on the body than just being overweight.
If you are thinking about losing weight, ask your doctor whether it's a good idea for you.
What are over-the-counter diet aids?
There are many products for weight loss that you can buy without a prescription at drugstores and supermarkets and over the Internet. Many of these have never been proved to work, and those that do work usually come with warnings.
What about Alli?
Alli (say "AL-eye") is a lower-dose version of the prescription drug orlistat (Xenical), which is used to treat obesity. You can buy Alli without a prescription.
Orlistat has been proved to help people lose weight.1 It works by preventing fat absorption, so that the fat you eat moves through your intestines undigested. But the weight loss amounts to only a few pounds, and the drug's side effects can be very unpleasant.
The side effects include sudden loose stools and oily spotting on your underwear. The more fat you eat, the worse the side effects are, so it's best to limit fat while you are taking this drug.
Do not take Alli if you:
- Have had an organ transplant.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Talk to your doctor before you take Alli, but especially if you:
- Take blood-thinning medicines.
- Have diabetes or thyroid disease.
What are the risks or side effects of over-the-counter diet aids?
Most over-the-counter diet aids don't have to pass government tests for safety or effectiveness.
Long-term studies are the only way to tell if a medicine or supplement works and is safe. And there are very few such studies of diet aids. But we know about the following risks:
- Over-the-counter appetite suppressants shouldn't be used by people who have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or depression.
- Appetite suppressants are only intended for use for a short time (8 to 12 weeks). But staying at a healthy weight is a lifelong effort. It is costly and possibly dangerous to depend on these medicines to control your weight for long periods of time. If you are going to use these drugs to help you lose weight, be sure to also make healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise.
- Water-loss pills (diuretics, such as Aqua-Ban) only get rid of water and do not reduce the amount of fat in your body. Using water-loss pills to lose weight is not recommended and can be dangerous.
- Because diet supplements are not regulated, manufacturers sometimes make claims that aren't true. For example, just because the label says the supplement is "all natural" doesn't mean it's safe. Many things that are "natural" can still hurt you. And manufacturers may cite only their own studies to show how well their products work.
- Many products contain 20 or more ingredients, so it's really hard to know how all the ingredients will interact with each other in your body and how they will interact with any other medicines or supplements you are taking.
- You shouldn't take cough or cold medicines while you take some of these diet pills. They contain some of the same medicine, and you could get too much. Ask your pharmacist if it's safe to take cold medicine with the diet pills you are taking.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns people not to use certain diet aids that are known to be tainted with drugs or chemicals. You can find the FDA's warning list, which includes many popular diet aids, at www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm103184.htm.
The FDA has banned the sale of ephedra (also known as ma huang) because of concerns about safety. The product has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and some deaths.
It's wise to talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter diet aid.
Why might your doctor recommend an over-the-counter diet aid?
Your doctor is not likely to recommend that you use an over-the-counter diet aid in your efforts to reach a healthy weight and stay there. The best way to get to a healthy weight and stay there is to eat right and exercise regularly.
To be safe, always talk to your doctor before using any weight-loss product.
2. Compare your options
| Use an over-the-counter diet aid | Don't use an over-the-counter diet aid | |
|---|---|---|
| What is usually involved? |
|
|
| What are the benefits? |
|
|
| What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
Personal stories
Personal stories about using over-the-counter diet aids
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I have a lot of weight to lose, and I want to try an over-the-counter diet aid. I'm not technically obese, but my weight is definitely not healthy. I've tried to make healthy eating and exercise work, but I think I need more help."
— Nathalie, age 51
"I thought about using a diet aid to help myself lose weight, but I've decided against it. I know that I'm overweight because of some bad habits I've developed. I plan to improve my eating and activity habits by taking a few small steps at a time."
— Mohammed, age 32
"I plan to use an over-the-counter diet aid. I talked to my doctor about it, and she wasn't too enthusiastic. But we agreed on a plan where I will check in with her often so she can monitor my progress and any side effects I may have."
— Jada, age 44
"I was all set to start using a diet aid, but my doctor talked me out of it. He told me how the research just doesn't support using these supplements, especially considering some of the possible side effects. He said changing my lifestyle habits would be better for my health in the long run."
— Nadia, age 29
3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to use over-the-counter diet aids
Reasons not to use over-the-counter diet aids
I'm desperate and have to try something else, even though I know that diet aids don't usually work.
I don't feel so desperate that I have to try something that I know probably won't work.
I'm not worried about spending money on diet pills that may not work.
I don't want to spend money on something that I know may not work.
I'm willing to have my doctor monitor my progress while I use a diet aid.
I'm not willing to have my doctor monitor my progress.
I'm not worried about using supplements that may have unknown side effects.
I'm very worried about using supplements that may have unknown side effects.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Using over-the-counter diet aids
NOT using over-the-counter diet aids
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1. Are most diet aids safe for anyone to use?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
2. Do I need to make any lifestyle changes while I'm using a diet aid?
- Yes
- No
- I'm not sure
Decide what's next
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
- I'm ready to take action.
- I want to discuss the options with others.
- I want to learn more about my options.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Rhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator |
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.
Current as of: August 25, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Rhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator