FDA Approved Weight Loss Supplements

Weight loss is a goal that many people work toward. Individuals use varying forms of diets and exercise to help them shed extra pounds and live healthier. Weight loss supplements are another option when trying to improve your health, but not all are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

FDA approved supplements

The FDA is a government agency that oversees the safety of a variety food and drug products. Since 1994 the FDA has regulated diet supplements as foods instead of drugs, which means the procedures are less stringent and an approval is not needed for the product. Many weight loss products are available for purchase that have not been given FDA approval.

In recent years the FDA has approved a few supplements that can aid in weight loss. Xenical, Alli, Meridia and phentermine are the medical names for these products. Each of these products does various things, such as suppressing your appetite to helping regulate calorie intake. It is best to use these products under a doctor's prescription and with dieting or exercise. Consult your physician before taking any of these products to better understand how they will affect your body.

Xenical and Alli

Xenical and Alli are two related forms of weight loss supplements. Alli is a smaller dosage of the same ingredients in Xenical. These products assist in weight loss by helping the body block the absorption of fat from consumed foods. Xenical can cause side effects due to the fat being discharged from your body. Those side effects include: oily stool, nausea, increased bathroom urges and nausea. You may experience the same side effects from using Alli. Xenical is available only with a doctor's prescription while Alli is available over-the-counter.

Meridia

Meridia is a type of weight loss supplement that helps suppress your appetite. This product is normally used in a conjunction with a low calorie diet and exercise. Meridia will help you lose pounds due to eating less and the lower calorie diet will reduce the total number of calories you do ingest. Side effects of this product include dry mouth, nausea, constipation, drowsiness and headache. Meridia is available with a doctor's prescription. Sibutramine is an example of a product containing Meridia.

Phentermine

Phentermine is another drug that helps you use weight. This medication is normally used by individuals who are significantly overweight and have not been able to lose pounds through other methods. Phentermine is also considered an appetite suppressant. Side effects include trouble sleeping, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Using phentermine for extended periods of time can also lead to withdrawal-like symptoms. Phentermine is available through prescription only.