Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by
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When you have a medical problem finding the right professional to help you is an important step. Weight loss is not just about losing pounds and being able to fit into your old clothes again. It’s about feeling healthy, which is why you should find an expert who understands how we gain weight, and how we can lose it without unnecessary suffering. After all, if you want to take control of your weight, then this is the way to go. Here is why: I’m going to talk about Medical Help For Weight Loss, make sure you read this article.
Medical Help For Weight Loss

If you’ve tried and failed to lose weight, a visit to your GP surgery could help.
Your GP or practice nurse can:
- assess your general health
- help identify the cause of your weight gain
- work out if there are any health issues causing you to put on weight
- discuss a plan to help you lose weight that suits you
Assessing your weight
First, your GP or practice nurse will want to assess whether your current weight is healthy or not. This means measuring your weight and height to calculate your body mass index (BMI).
You may also have your waist measured. Measuring your waist is a good way to check you’re not carrying too much fat around your stomach, which can raise your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.
You can have a healthy BMI and still have excess tummy fat – meaning you’re still at risk of developing these diseases.
Your GP may take your blood pressure and carry out other tests, such as a blood test, to check for any health conditions that may be related to your weight.
You can also check your BMI by using our BMI calculator.
Diet and exercise
If you’re overweight, changes to your diet and physical activity levels are the first step to helping you lose weight.
Your GP or practice nurse can help you assess your current diet and levels of physical activity, and set personal goals for change.
Your diet
You may be asked to keep a food diary – a written record of everything you eat – for 1 week.
This can help you and your GP identify habits, such as adding sugar to your tea, that you can change.
Exercise
Your physical activity levels can be measured with an activity diary.
Your GP may also suggest that you wear a pedometer for a week. A pedometer measures the number of steps you take and gives an indication of your daily activity levels.
Set personal goals
Once your GP or practice nurse has a clearer picture of your diet and level of physical activity, they can help you identify simple lifestyle changes.
Together, you will work out a game plan to lose weight healthily and for the long term. It’ll be a plan tailored to your lifestyle and your preferences.
Your GP surgery should offer you regular follow-up appointments, usually every 2 weeks to a month, to monitor your progress.
Other weight loss services
Your GP surgery may refer you to other services, such as local weight loss groups. These could be provided by the NHS, or may be commercial services that you pay for.
If it’s appropriate, you may be referred for exercise classes under the supervision of a qualified trainer.
Depending on where you live, the exercise programme may be free or offered at a reduced cost.
Weight loss medicines
If you’ve made changes to your diet and levels of physical activity but you’re not losing a significant amount of weight, your GP may recommend medicines that can help.
Medicines are only used if your BMI is at least 30, or 28 if you have other risk factors such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
The only medicine prescribed for weight loss is Orlistat. For more information on weight loss medication, see Obesity: treatment.
Weight loss surgery
If lifestyle changes and medicines don’t work, your GP may talk to you about weight loss surgery.
Weight loss surgery is usually only recommended for people with a BMI of at least 40, or 35 if you have a weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Weight loss surgery can be effective but it’s a major procedure that comes with health risks of its own.
What are overweight and obesity?
Health care professionals use the Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure of your weight in relation to your height, to define overweight and obesity.
People who have a BMI between 25 and 30 are considered to be overweight. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or greater. You can calculate your BMI NIH external link to learn if you are overweight, have obesity, or have severe obesity, which may increase your risk of health problems. Your health care professional can assess your individual risk caused by your weight.
If you are struggling with your weight, a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity may help you lose weight and keep it off over the long term. If these lifestyle changes are not enough to help you lose weight or maintain your weight loss, your health care professional may prescribe medications as part of your weight-control program.
How common are overweight and obesity?
Obesity is a chronic disease that affects more than 4 in 10 adults in the United States, and nearly 1 in 10 Americans have severe obesity.1
How do weight management medications work?
Prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity work in different ways. For example, some medications may help you feel less hungry or full sooner. Other medications may make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods you eat.
Who might benefit from weight management medications?
Weight management medications are meant to help people who have health problems related to overweight or obesity. Health care professionals use BMI to help decide whether you might benefit from weight management medications. Your health care professional may prescribe a medication to treat your overweight or obesity if you are an adult with
- a BMI of 30 or greater
- a BMI of 27 or greater, and you have weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure NIH external link or type 2 diabetes
Weight management medications aren’t for everyone with a high BMI. If you are overweight or have obesity, you might be able to lose weight with a lifestyle program that changes your behaviors and improves your eating and physical activity habits. A lifestyle program may also address other things that cause you to gain weight, such as eating triggers and not getting enough sleep.
Can children or teenagers take weight management medications?
Most of the weight management medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration External link (FDA) are for adults only. Two prescription medications, orlistat NIH external link (Xenical)2 and liraglutide (Saxenda),3 are approved by the FDA for children ages 12 and older. A third prescription medication, setmelanotide (IMCIVREE),4 is approved by the FDA for children ages 6 years and older who have rare genetic disorders causing obesity.
Can medications replace physical activity and healthy eating habits as a way to lose weight?
Medications don’t replace physical activity or healthy eating habits as a way to lose weight. Studies show that weight management medications work best when combined with a lifestyle program. Ask your health care professional about lifestyle treatment programs for weight management that will work for you.
Weight management medications don’t replace physical activity and healthy eating habits.
What are the benefits of using prescription medications to lose weight?
When combined with changes to behavior, including healthy eating and increased physical activity, prescription medications help some people lose weight and maintain weight loss. On average, after 1 year, people who take prescription medications as part of a lifestyle program lose 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight than people in a lifestyle program who do not take medication.
Research shows that some people taking prescription weight management medications lose 10% or more of their starting weight.5,6 Results vary by medication and by person.
Weight loss of 5% to 10% of your starting body weight may help improve your health by lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. Losing weight also can improve some other health problems related to overweight and obesity, such as joint pain and sleep apnea. Most weight loss takes place within the first 6 months of starting the medication.
What are the concerns about using prescription medications to lose weight?
Experts are concerned that, in some cases, the side effects of prescription medications that treat overweight and obesity may outweigh the benefits. For this reason, never take a weight management medication only to improve the way you look. In the past, some weight management medications were linked to serious health problems, and they were removed from U.S. markets.
Possible side effects vary by medication and how it acts on your body. Most side effects are mild and most often improve if you continue to take the medication. Rarely, serious side effects can occur.
Tips for taking weight management medication
- Follow your health care professional’s instructions about weight management medications.
- Buy your medication from a pharmacy or online distributor approved by your health care professional.
- Only take weight management medication to support your healthy eating and physical activity program.
- Know the side effects and warnings before taking any medication.
- If you are not losing weight after 12 weeks on the full dose of your medication, ask your health care professional whether you should stop taking it.
- Talk with your health care professional about any other medications you are taking, including supplements and vitamins, when considering weight management medications.
- Never take weight management medications during pregnancy or if you are planning a pregnancy.
Which weight management medication might work for me?
Choosing a medication to treat overweight or obesity is a decision between you and your health care professional. Important factors to consider include
- the likely benefits of weight loss
- the medication’s possible side effects
- your current health issues and other medications
- your family’s medical history
- cost
How long will I need to take weight management medication?
How long you will need to take weight management medication depends on whether the drug helps you lose weight and keep it off and whether you experience serious side effects.
If you have lost enough weight to improve your health and are not experiencing serious side effects, your health care professional may advise you to stay on the medication indefinitely. If you do not lose at least 5% of your starting weight after 12 weeks on the full dose of your medication, your health care professional will probably advise you to stop taking it. Your health care professional may also
- change your treatment plan or consider using a different weight management medication
- have you try different lifestyle, physical activity, or eating programs
- change your other medications that might be causing weight gain
- refer you to a bariatric surgeon to see if weight-loss (bariatric) surgery might be an option for you
Because obesity is a chronic disease, you may need to continue your new eating and physical activity habits and other behaviors for years—or even a lifetime—to improve your health and maintain a healthier weight.
Will I regain some weight after I stop taking weight management medication?
You probably will regain some weight after you stop taking weight management medication. Developing and maintaining healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity may help you regain less weight or keep it off.
Federal physical activity guidelines External link (PDF, 14.5 MB) recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and at least 2 days a week of muscle-strengthening activities. You may need to do more than 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week to reach or maintain your weight-loss goal.
Will insurance cover the cost of weight management medication?
Some, but not all, insurance plans cover medications that treat overweight and obesity. Contact your insurance provider to find out if your plan covers these medications.
What medications are available to treat overweight and obesity?
The table below lists prescription drugs approved by the FDA for weight loss. The FDA has approved five of these drugs—orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), and semaglutide (Wegovy)—for long-term use. A sixth approved drug, setmelanotide (IMCIVREE), is limited to people who have been diagnosed with one of three specific rare genetic disorders, which must be confirmed by genetic testing. You can keep taking these medications as long as you are benefiting from treatment and not experiencing serious side effects.
Some weight management medications that curb appetite are approved by the FDA for short-term use only, for up to 12 weeks. Although some health care professionals prescribe them for longer periods, not many research studies have looked at how safe and effective they are for long-term use.
Never take weight management medications if you are pregnant. If you are planning to get pregnant, you should also avoid these medications, as some of them may harm the fetus.
Prescription medications approved to treat overweight and obesity
Weight Management Medication | Approved For | How It Works | Common Side Effects | Warnings |
---|---|---|---|---|
orlistat NIH external link (Xenical) Available in lower dose without prescription (Alli) | Adults and children ages 12 and older | Works in your gut to reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs from the food you eat | diarrheagasleakage of oily stoolsstomach pain | Rare cases of severe liver injury have been reportedAvoid taking with cyclosporine NIH external linkTake a multivitamin pill daily to make sure you get enough of certain vitamins that your body may not absorb from the food you eat |
phentermine-topiramate NIH external link (Qsymia) | Adults | A mix of two medications: phentermine, which lessens your appetite, and topiramate, which is used to treat seizures or migraine headachesMay make you less hungry or feel full sooner | constipationdizzinessdry mouthtaste changes, especially with carbonated beveragestingling of your hands and feettrouble sleeping | Do not use if you have glaucoma or hyperthyroidismTell your health care professional if you have had a heart attack or stroke, abnormal heart rhythm, kidney disease, or mood problemsMAY LEAD TO BIRTH DEFECTS—DO NOT TAKE PHENTERMINE-TOPIRAMATE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR ARE PLANNING A PREGNANCYDo not take if you are breastfeeding |
naltrexone-bupropion NIH external link (Contrave) | Adults | A mix of two medications: naltrexone, which is used to treat alcohol and drug dependence, and bupropion, which is used to treat depression or help people quit smokingMay make you feel less hungry or full sooner | constipationdiarrheadizzinessdry mouthheadacheincreased blood pressureincreased heart rateinsomnialiver damagenauseavomiting | Do not use if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, or a history of anorexia or bulimia nervosaDo not use if you are dependent on opioid pain medications or are withdrawing from drugs or alcoholDo not use if you are taking bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)MAY INCREASE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS |
liraglutide NIH external link (Saxenda) Given daily by injection | Adults and children ages 12 years and older | Mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intakeAt a lower dose under a different name, Victoza, this drug was FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes | nauseadiarrheaconstipationabdominal painheadacheincreased heart rate | May increase the chance of developing pancreatitisHas been found to cause a rare type of thyroid tumor in animals |
semaglutide (Wegovy)7 Given weekly by injection | Adults | Mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intakeUnder different names and dosages, this drug was FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes as an injectable medication (Ozempic) and as an oral pill (Rybelsus) | nauseadiarrheavomitingconstipationabdominal (stomach) painheadachefatigue | Do not use in combination with other semaglutide-containing products, other GLP-1 receptor agonists, or other products intended for weight loss, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal productsMay increase the chance of developing pancreatitisHas been found to cause a rare type of thyroid tumor in animals |
setmelanotide (IMCIVREE) Available by injection only | People ages 6 years and older with obesity due to three specific rare genetic conditions only | May reduce appetite and increase feeling of fullnessMay increase resting metabolism (how the body burns calories)Although it can help a person lose weight, it does not treat the genetic defects | injection site reactionskin darkeningnauseadisturbance in sexual arousaldepression and suicidal ideationrisk of serious adverse reactions in neonates and infants with low birthweight, owing to benzyl alcohol preservative | Only for people with any of these ultra-rare genetic diseases, confirmed by genetic testing proopiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiencyproprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) deficiencyleptin receptor (LEPR) deficiencyDo not use while pregnant or breastfeeding. |
(Other medications that curb your desire to eat include)phenterminebenzphetaminediethylpropionphendimetrazine | Adults | Increases chemicals in your brain to make you feel you are not hungry or that you are fullNote: FDA-approved only for short-term use—up to 12 weeks | dry mouthconstipationdifficulty sleepingdizzinessfeeling nervousfeeling restlessheadacheraised blood pressureincreased heart rate | Do not use if you have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, or glaucomaTell your health care professional if you have severe anxiety or other mental health problems |
How do health care professionals use prescription medications “off-label” to treat overweight and obesity?
Sometimes health care professionals use medications in a way that’s different from what the FDA has approved. That’s called “off-label” use. By choosing an off-label medication to treat overweight and obesity, your health care professional may prescribe
- a drug approved for treating a different medical problem
- two or more drugs at the same time
- a drug for a longer time period than approved by the FDA
You should feel comfortable asking whether your health care professional is prescribing a medication that is not approved for treating overweight and obesity. Before using a medication, learn all you need to know about it.
What other medications for weight loss may be available in the future?
Researchers are currently studying several new medications and combinations of medications in animals and people. Researchers are working to identify safer and more effective medications to help people who are overweight or have obesity lose weight and maintain a healthy weight for a long time.
Future drugs may use new strategies, such as
- regulating several gut hormones at the same time
- targeting specific genes that cause obesity
- allowing people to lose body fat without losing muscle during weight loss
- changing bacteria in the gut to control weight
Clinical Trials for Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight and Obesity
The NIDDK conducts and supports clinical trials in many diseases and conditions, including overweight and obesity. The trials look to find new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease and improve quality of life.
What are clinical trials for prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity?
Clinical trials—and other types of clinical studies NIH external link—are part of medical research and involve people like you. When you volunteer to take part in a clinical study, you help health care professionals and researchers learn more about disease and improve health care for people in the future.
Researchers are studying many aspects of prescription medications to treat overweight or obesity NIH external link, such as
- the effect of the FDA-approved medication liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) on weight loss and gastric functions (stomach emptying effect) in people who are overweight or have obesity
- adolescents and young adults who don’t achieve expected weight loss or who still have severe obesity after undergoing weight-loss surgery
- patients who have obesity and binge-eating disorder
- women who are overweight or have obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome NIH external link
What clinical studies for prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity are looking for participants?
You can view a filtered list of clinical studies on prescription medications to treat overweight and obesity that are federally funded, open, and recruiting at www.ClinicalTrials.gov NIH external link. You can expand or narrow the list to include clinical studies from industry, universities, and individuals; however, the NIH does not review these studies and cannot ensure they are safe. Always talk with your health care provider before you participate in a clinical study.
12 Popular Weight Loss Pills and Supplements Reviewed
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There are many possible weight loss solutions out there.
Some options are more popular than others, including certain pills, drugs, and natural supplements. These claim to help you lose weight, or at least to make it easier to lose weight when you combine them with other methods.
They tend to work via one or more of these mechanisms:
- Reducing appetite, making you feel more full so that you eat fewer calories
- Reducing absorption of nutrients such as fat, making you take in fewer calories
- Increasing fat burning, making you burn more calories
It’s important to note that few of these treatments have any basis in science and some could have serious health consequences. You should always discuss any diet or supplement changes with a doctor or registered dietitian.
To separate the myths from facts, here are the 12 most popular weight loss pills and supplements, reviewed by science.

Weight loss pills and supplements
1. Garcinia cambogia extract
Garcinia cambogia became popular worldwide after being featured on “The Dr. Oz Show” in 2012.
It’s a small, green fruit shaped like a pumpkin. The fruit’s skin contains hydroxycitric acid, the active ingredient in garcinia cambogia extract, which is marketed as a diet pill.
How it works: Animal studies show that it can hinder a fat-producing enzyme in the body and increase serotonin levels, potentially helping to reduce cravings (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).
Effectiveness: In one meta-analysis, researchers explored four electronic research databases to investigate the effectiveness of herbal medicines, including garcinia cambogia.
In a total of 54 randomized controlled trials in healthy adults with overweight or obesity, the authors found no difference in weight or body fat percentage between the garcinia cambogia group and the placebo group (3Trusted Source).
A 2020 review that looked at eight trials on garcinia cambogia found that, on average, it caused weight loss of about 3 pounds (1.34 kg) (4Trusted Source).
Side effects: While it’s widely agreed that garcinia cambogia is safe to take in recommended amounts, studies within the last few years have pointed to some serious side effects.
A 2018 study documented four cases of women who experienced acute liver failure after taking weight loss supplements containing garcinia cambogia (5Trusted Source).
Additionally, hepatotoxicity, or liver impairment, and some episodes of mania have also been reported in conjunction with taking garcinia cambogia (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Even though garcinia cambogia may contribute to modest weight loss, the effects are quite small and may not be noticeable.
2. Hydroxycut
Hydroxycut has been around for more than a decade and is one of the most popular weight loss supplements in the world.
The brand makes several products, but the most common is simply called “Hydroxycut.”
How it works: It contains several ingredients claiming to help with weight loss, including caffeine and a few plant extracts such as green coffee extract, which we’ll talk more about later.
Effectiveness: A 2011 meta-analysis of five clinical trials found that supplementation with C. canephora robusta, or green coffee extract, one of the key ingredients in Hydroxycut, led to about a 5.5-pound (2.47-kg) weight loss compared to the placebo (8Trusted Source).
Side effects: If you are sensitive to caffeine, you may experience anxiety, jitteriness, tremors, nausea, diarrhea, and irritability (9Trusted Source).
Hydroxycut products were removed from shelves as a result of cardiovascular risks in 2004 and hepatotoxicity in 2009 (10Trusted Source).
Acute liver injury has also been connected with using Hydroxycut supplements (11Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
There are few large-scale studies on this supplement and no data on its long-term effectiveness. More research is needed to determine effectiveness and safety concerns.
3. Green coffee bean extract
Green coffee beans are simply coffee beans that haven’t been roasted.
They contain two substances believed to help with weight loss: caffeine and chlorogenic acid.
How it works: Caffeine can increase fat burning, and chlorogenic acid can slow the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut.
Effectiveness: Several human studies have shown that green coffee bean extract could help people lose weight (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).
A meta-analysis of all the current randomized control trials on green coffee bean extract’s effect on obesity found that the supplement has a significant impact on minimizing body mass index (14).
Other benefits: Green coffee bean extract may help lower blood sugar levels and reduce blood pressure. It is also high in antioxidants (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source).
Side effects: It can cause the same side effects as caffeine. The chlorogenic acid it contains may also cause diarrhea, and some people may be allergic to green coffee beans (19Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Green coffee bean extract may cause modest weight loss, but keep in mind that many of the studies that have found this have been industry-sponsored.
4. Caffeine
Caffeine is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world (20Trusted Source).
It is found naturally in coffee, green tea, and dark chocolate and is added to many processed foods and beverages.
Because caffeine is thought to be a metabolism booster, companies commonly add it to commercial weight loss supplements.
How it works: One study discussed the effect of caffeine on regulating body weight by increasing energy expenditure — essentially meaning you burn more calories via increased fat breakdown as well as through a process of body heat production called thermogenesis (21Trusted Source).
Effectiveness: Some studies show that caffeine can cause modest weight loss in humans (22Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source).
Side effects: In some people, high amounts of caffeine can cause anxiety, insomnia, jitteriness, irritability, nausea, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Caffeine is also addictive and can reduce the quality of your sleep (24).
There is no need to take a supplement or a pill containing caffeine. The best sources are quality coffee and green tea, which also have antioxidants and other health benefits (25Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Caffeine could help boost metabolism and enhance fat burning in the short term. However, a tolerance to the effects may develop quickly.
5. Orlistat (Alli)
Orlistat is a pharmaceutical drug sold over the counter under the name Alli and via prescription as Xenical.
How it works: This weight loss pill works by inhibiting the breakdown of fat in your gut, meaning that you take in fewer calories from fat.
Effectiveness: A 2003 meta-analysis of studies found that people taking orlistat for 12 months in combination with lifestyle changes saw a 2.9% greater weight reduction than the placebo group (26Trusted Source).
Other benefits: Orlistat has been shown to reduce blood pressure slightly and may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes when used alongside lifestyle changes (27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source).
Side effects: This drug has many digestive side effects, including loose, oily stools; flatulence; and frequent bowel movements that are hard to control. It may also contribute to deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K (29).
Following a low fat diet while taking orlistat is often recommended to minimize side effects. Interestingly, a low carb diet (without medication) has been considered as effective as orlistat and a low fat diet combined.
Both diets were as effective for weight loss but showed no significant differences in blood sugar and blood lipid levels. However, orlistat combined with a low fat diet was more effective at lowering blood pressure (30Trusted Source).
SUMMARY
Orlistat, also known as Alli or Xenical, can reduce the amount of fat you absorb from food and help you lose weight. It has many side effects, some of which are highly unpleasant.
6. Raspberry ketones
Raspberry ketone is a substance found in raspberries that is responsible for their distinct smell.
A synthetic version of raspberry ketones is sold as a weight loss supplement.
How it works: In isolated fat cells from mice, raspberry ketones increase the breakdown of fat and increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin, which is believed to be related to weight loss (32Trusted Source).
Effectiveness: There are very few studies on raspberry ketones in humans, though one 2013 study looked at raspberry ketones along with some other ingredients and found a potential 2% increase in weight loss over 8 weeks when compared with a placebo (31).
One mouse study using massive doses showed some delay in weight gain (32Trusted Source).
However, high doses of raspberry ketones were also associated with higher blood sugar levels and higher levels of ALT, a liver enzyme, indicating liver dysfunction.
It’s unknown whether these effects would translate to humans. More research is necessary to determine any benefits and risks.
Side effects: They may cause your burps to smell like raspberries.
SUMMARY
There is no evidence that raspberry ketones cause weight loss in humans, and the rat studies that suggest they may work used massive doses. More research is needed.
7. Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a type of fiber found in the roots of the elephant yam, which is also called konjac.
How it works: Glucomannan absorbs water and becomes gel-like. It “sits” in your gut and promotes a feeling of fullness, helping you eat fewer calories (33Trusted Source).
Effectiveness: One clinical trial showed that taking glucomannan for 60 days could lower body weight among participants with overweight, but only if they were consistently taking the supplement (34Trusted Source).
Other benefits: Glucomannan is a fiber that can feed the friendly bacteria in the intestine. It can also lower blood sugar, blood cholesterol, and triglycerides and works effectively against constipation.
Side effects: It can cause bloating, flatulence, and soft stools and can interfere with some oral medications if taken at the same time.
It is important to take glucomannan about half an hour before meals, with a glass of water.
SUMMARY
Studies show that the fiber glucomannan, when combined with a healthy diet, can help people lose weight. It also leads to improvements in various health markers.
8. Meratrim
Meratrim is a relative newcomer on the diet pill market.
It’s a combination of two plant extracts — Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana — that may change the metabolism of fat cells.
How it works: It claims to make it harder for fat cells to multiply, decrease the amount of fat they pick up from the bloodstream, and help them burn stored fat.
Effectiveness: Very few studies about Meratrim exist. One study involved 60 people with obesity placed on a strict 2,000-calorie diet and increased physical activity, with either Meratrim or a placebo.
After 8 weeks, the Meratrim group had lost 11 pounds (5.2 kg) and 4.7 inches (11.9 cm) off their waistlines.
Another study suggested that Meratrim had long lasting effects on appetite suppression.
Side effects: No side effects have been reported.
SUMMARY
One study showed that Meratrim caused weight loss and had a number of other health benefits. However, the study was industry-sponsored, and more research is needed.
9. Green tea extract
Green tea extract is a popular ingredient in many weight loss supplements. This is because numerous studies have shown that the main antioxidant it contains, EGCG, may aid fat burning.
How it works: Green tea extract is believed to hinder enzymes such as pancreatic lipase, which, when combined with reduced fat absorption, can be an effective way to treat obesity (40Trusted Source).
Effectiveness: Many human studies have shown that green tea extract, when paired with exercise, can increase fat burning and cause fat loss, especially in the belly area (41Trusted Source, 42Trusted Source, 43Trusted Source, 44Trusted Source).
Side effects: Green tea extract is generally well tolerated. It does contain some caffeine and may cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to caffeine.
Additionally, all the health benefits of drinking green tea may also apply to green tea extract.
SUMMARY
Green tea and green tea extract could increase fat burning slightly and may help you lose belly fat.
10. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
CLA has been a popular fat loss supplement for years.
It is known as one of the “healthier” trans fats and is found naturally in some fatty animal-derived foods like cheese and butter.
How it works: CLA may reduce appetite, boost metabolism, and stimulate the breakdown of body fat (45Trusted Source, 46Trusted Source).
Effectiveness: In a major review of 13 studies, researchers found that CLA caused weight loss of about 1.1 pounds (0.52 kg) compared with a placebo. This number increased to 2.3 pounds (1.05 kg) in people over age 44 (47Trusted Source).
‘According to another review from 2012, CLA may make you lose about 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg) compared with a placebo. The authors conclude by questioning the clinical relevance of CLA’s small effect on body weight (48Trusted Source).
Side effects: CLA can cause various digestive side effects and may have harmful effects over the long term, potentially contributing to fatty liver, insulin resistance, and increased inflammation.
SUMMARY
CLA could be an effective weight loss supplement, but it may have harmful effects in the long term. The small amount of weight loss it may lead to is not worth the risk.
11. Forskolin
Forskolin is an extract from a plant in the mint family that is thought to be effective for weight loss.
How it works: It may raise levels of a compound inside cells called cAMP, which can stimulate fat burning.
Effectiveness: One study in 30 men with excess weight or obesity showed that forskolin reduced body fat and increased muscle mass while having no effect on body weight. Another study in 23 women with excess weight found no effects.
Side effects: There is minimal data on the safety of this supplement or the risk of side effects.
SUMMARY
The two small studies on forskolin have shown conflicting results. It’s best to avoid this supplement until more research has been done.
12. Bitter orange/synephrine
A type of orange called bitter orange contains the compound synephrine.
Synephrine is related to ephedrine, which used to be a popular ingredient in various weight loss pill formulations (52Trusted Source).
However, the FDA has since banned ephedrine as a weight loss ingredient because of serious side effects (53Trusted Source).
How it works: Synephrine has similar mechanisms to ephedrine but is less potent. It could help reduce appetite and increase fat burning (54Trusted Source).
Effectiveness: Very few studies have been done on synephrine, but many studies have found that ephedrine can cause significant short-term weight loss (55Trusted Source).
Side effects: Like ephedrine, synephrine may have serious side effects related to the heart. It may also be addictive.
SUMMARY
Synephrine is a fairly potent stimulant and is potentially effective for weight loss in the short term. However, the side effects can be serious, so it should be used only with extreme caution and with a doctor’s supervision.
Prescription medications for weight loss
Additionally, some prescription weight loss pills have been somewhat effective.
The most common ones are Contrave and Phentermine.
According to a 2014 review, even prescription weight loss pills don’t work as well as you might assume. On average, they may help you lose 3–9% of your body weight compared with a placebo.
Keep in mind that this is only when these pills are combined with a healthy weight loss diet. They are ineffective on their own and are not likely a helpful long-term solution to obesity. They also have many possible side effects.