Slimming Pills

Slimming pills work in the same way as carbohydrate and fat blockers…as in they don’t. Over the counter slimming pills are placebos that make you believe that you’ll get thinner, and cause a subconscious reaction in which you start eating healthier foods and less on a whole, as well as increasing your general activity level. Other than the obvious choking hazard that comes from swallowing a pill the size of an infant’s thumb, these products are harmless, with no side effects or risks to speak of.

The only clinically proven, licensed pill to show actual slimming effects is Xenical (Orlistat), a prescription-only medication that inhibits the absorption of fat in the body. It, unlike the placebo pills that tons of people waste too much money on, does have side effects along with its clinically proven effectiveness. These include steatorrhea, where the stool becomes loose and oily and are often accompanied by excessive flatulence due to unabsorbed fats reaching the large intestine, fecal incontinence and a frequent or urgent need to use “the facilities”. Most side effects diminish over time, and tend to be worst immediately after the start of treatment. A low-fat, low calorie diet is advised to alleviate the effects of steatorrhea.

This is not a pill to be taken lightly, and is not without risks. Apart from the rather embarrassing and uncomfortable side effects, there have been some test results showing a possible link between Orlistat and the early signs of colon cancer. As always, consult your doctor beforehand and be absolutely sure you want to risk cancer for the sake of weight loss.