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Are there any diet pills or weight loss supplements that one can use without becoming addicted?
There are three medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term weight loss. They are: orlistat (Xenical and Alli), lorcaserin (Belviq) and phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia). They are not considered high risk for developing a dependence, but you should be cautious if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you are overweight or obese, these prescription medications can help you get to a healthier weight. They should be used along with lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthful, high-fiber, lower-calorie diet, being physically active and behavior modification.
Weight loss drugs, like most medications, do have potential side effects. No weight-loss medications should be used during pregnancy of if you're trying to become pregnant, and some of the medications may also be restricted for people with other conditions.
The three FDA-approved weight-loss drugs are:
There also are several FDA-approved over-the-counter appetite suppressants that affect the brain chemicals that regulate your appetite, but these medications do have the potential for abuse and are only FDA-approved for short-term use of up to 12 weeks. They include:
Some appetite suppressants may have serious side effects. You should not take them if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid gland or glaucoma. Appetite suppressants, along with other over-the-counter remedies like diuretics and supplements, have not been found to be effective long term.
Weight loss is a serious, long-term endeavor, so be sure to discuss the options with your health care provider or consult a registered dietitian.
To find out more, read Diet Pills: Do They Really Work?