Weight loss pills, more commonly known as diet pills, act as appetite suppressants and metabolism boosters. These pills have become popular of late due to their short-term weight loss benefits. However, in the long-run, using the pills is always accompanied by adverse health effects that shadow the benefits. That’s why health experts do not advocate the use of such pills for anyone with a BMI index lower than 35.

Like other medications, weight loss pills come in the form of either over-the-counter or prescription drugs. OTC drugs are rarely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. They often contain ingredients – such as bitter orange, usnic acid and kava – which cause dangerous effects like high blood pressure, increased heart rate, liver toxicity, and even death. So far, Alli is the only OTC pill that has been approved by the FDA.

Prescription weight loss pills are safer since they are controlled and tested by the FDA. However, even such pills are not completely safe. For instance, laxatives and diuretics cause weight loss by dehydrating the body. In addition, phenolphthalein in laxatives is known to cause cancer. These pills cause psychological effects such as anxiety and depression as well as dangerous physical effects such as headaches, heart arrhythmias, high blood pressure and heart palpitations.