Best Weight Loss Pills: Prescriptions vs Natural Supplements

Exercise and a balanced low calorie diet are necessary for a healthy weight loss program. Adding weight loss pills to your program may be the most effective way to lose weight and fat if you’re struggling with obesity.
Get the lowdown on the top picks for weight loss pills with this review, where we see what science has to say about reaching a healthy weight.

Weight Loss Supplements and Pills

You have many fat burning supplements to choose from if you want to lose weight while you exercise, from prescription pills to over-the-counter natural options.
One of the main advantages of a nutrient-rich, over-the-counter supplement is that you’ll run into less additives, allergens and possibility of adverse side effects.
On another hand, not every supplement works for everybody. That’s why we reviewed the top substances found in these options to see what these pills have to offer and how each works.

Over the Counter Natural Pills That May Actually Work

Six of the best over-the-counter natural appetite suppressants and and supplements are as follows:

The Science Behind Popular Weight Loss Pill Ingredients

You’ll find some of these popular weight loss pill ingredients in these weight loss pills above. But what does science have to say?

• Guarana
• Caffeine
• Yerba mate
• Capsimax powder
• Chromium picolinate
• L-carnitine fumarate
• Green coffee bean
• Glucomannan
• Cayenne pepper seeds

Guarana is a flowering plant, native to the Amazon region. It contains caffeine and is used to treat hypertension. Guarana may also have a positive effect on energy expenditure and metabolism, further benefitting obese individuals [7].
Caffeine functions as a stimulant and appetite suppressant, which is why you’ll often find this ingredient in weight loss pills and diet capsules. While studies don’t fully back the hypothesis, caffeine is shown to cause a minor impact over short spurts during the day [8].
Yerba mate is another plant here that’s native to South America. Many people have used it for medicinal purposes where it can supposedly increase focus, physical performance and energy levels. Yerba mate may also support the metabolism process.
Capsimax powder comes from capiscum, or the red pepper plant. This vegetable works to promote heat, aiding in the digestion and metabolic processes. Unfortunately, studies are not conclusive at this time.
Chromium picolinate may help in building muscle mass, as it’s essential for protein synthesis. Chromium may also play a positive role in digestion. It might also improve body composition and help with fat loss [9].
L-carnitine fumarate is an amino acid which helps the body utilize fat effectively. This indicates that it also supports metabolic processes, supporting weight loss as it helps convert fat into energy. L-carnitine fumarate also aids in brain function and muscle movement.
Green coffee bean comes in as another form of caffeine used in weight loss pills. It comes from raw coffee beans, before they’re roasted.
The reason for its popularity boils down to the chlorogenic acids inside the beans. These acids are antioxidants that also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Several studies note the potential for green coffee beans to enhance weight loss efforts, though evidence isn’t definitive at this time.
Glucomannan comes from the Konjac plant, specifically the plant’s fiber-filled root system. It works to promote heart health and a robust digestive system [10].
Cayenne pepper seeds are a type of chili pepper that warms the body through thermogenesis and aids in digestion. Cayenne pepper may also speed up metabolism and curb your appetite, a necessary component to weight loss.

Prescription Weight Loss Drugs

Many people prefer a prescription weight loss drug to lose pesky pounds and cut calories. This is especially the case if any of the natural substances above are not suitable for an individual, possibly due to a preexisting condition.
Some of the top prescription weight loss drugs available include Orlistat and others:

Prescription vs Natural Weight Loss Pills

Taking prescription vs natural pills for a diet alongside an exercise routine is up to the individual, though both work.
Based on our list above, the only drugs that are made specifically for weight loss and are FDA approved are Orlistat and Phentermine. Even though they’re technically safe for use, it’s important to understand their side effects and speak with a doctor upon prescription request.
Common side effects of taking prescription weight loss pills like Orlistat are:

• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Increase heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Nervousness

Certain people who are struggling with obesity may respond well to taking a prescription pill. This is especially if you find that one or more of the substances found in natural weight loss pills aren’t safe for you personally.
Again, this should be discussed with a trusted physician, but chromium is an example, as it’s not suited for individuals with liver disease.

Going Natural

Overall, most individuals could benefit from a natural option. While there are exceptions, given that most of the ingredients do come from natural sources, you know that they’re healthy and safe to use with few side effects.
If you’re looking to use a weight loss pill long term for obesity, a natural substance could be suitable. Many prescription choices are only suitable for short-term use, whereas the latter are often safe for use over long term periods.
Possible side effects are minimal for the majority of people. If you take these pills, they may cause:

• Jitteriness (depending on caffeine dosage in pill)
• Upset stomach
• Bloatation

Most of the side effects listed above happen when used incorrectly. Do remember that even though these pills are natural, you shouldn’t overuse them or lose track of your schedule on a given day.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly and speak with a doctor or medical professional should any issue arise.

A Weight Loss Pill for Belly Fat

Phentermine is a popular drug option to take for stubborn belly fat. This is mainly the case because of how it works to limit appetite, which helps you lose pounds by cutting back on calories in general.
It’s not for obesity long term, though and it’s essential that you take other healthy measures, like exercise, to ensure permanent loss of belly fat.
Many, if not all of the manufacturers of the pills reviewed, prescription and natural, do state that these diet pills are not a magical cure-all to lose weight. Phentermine and other products like Orlistat need be supplemented by the following to ensure fat burning success:

• Regular exercise routine
• Low stress levels
• Consistent sleep cycle (minimum 7 hours per night)
• Low calorie, low fat diet full of fruits and vegetables

Conclusion

Taking fat burning diet pills to lose weight each day is an available method to make it happen as you cut the calories. You won’t lose pounds by simply popping one, though. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
Instead, you now know that you need to pair one of these pills with regular exercise, a limited calorie intake, low fat diet and a healthy sleep cycle for success.
Out of the pills we reviewed here, Orlistat is one option, though it may cause adverse side effects long term. Natural pills contain substances like green tea extract for a safer option to work over time.
If you’re struggling with obesity, you need to speak with a medical professional before you take any of the weight loss supplements for weight management above. This will help you avoid any poor consequences a pill may cause.