Weight loss products in the form of pills have made losing weight faster and easier than ever.  But what do they contain? A few common ingredients that are used in most of the popular weight loss drugs.

Chitosan, an indigestible fiber made from lobsters or shrimps, is a common ingredient in many pills. It supposedly binds the “fat” that we consume and prevents it from absorption. However, it may result in side effects such as constipation, and gas.
Another usual component in weight loss pill is chromium, mostly present in the form of chromium picolinate, which decreases fat, and also reduces body mass.

Citrus Aurantium, more commonly known as bitter orange, is an herbal extract that is also used in weight loss products.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), a constituent found naturally in beef and dairy products, possibly helps to cut fat from body and increase lean body mass.

Guarana, a plant seed rich in caffeine, which may have mild appetite suppressant properties, is used in many weight loss products. Side effects are essentially the same as in the case caffeine overdose.

Other common ingredients of a typical weight loss pill may include Plantago Psyllium, Garcinia Cambogia, Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB), Pyruvate, and Yerba Mate. Many of these products have not undergone extensive studies yet, so the effectiveness of all these ingredients is still in question.