All diet pills carry the risk of side effects, and some available online or in a store may actually be unsafe, according to the Mayo Clinic. While some prescription diet drugs may give a mom planning to lose weight the biggest potential advantages, several over-the-counter options are considered the most effective and likely safe to use.
Alli
Alli is the brand name for an over-the-counter formulation of the fat-blocking drug orlistat, according to the Mayo Clinic. A stronger strength is sold in many countries under the brand name Xenical. Alli has some potential side effects and drawbacks but usually increases a user’s weight loss by up to 3 lbs per year. However, keep in mind that as of 2010 the Food and Drug Administration was investigating allegations that orlistat caused liver injury in some users who purchased Alli. Side effects to watch out for include dark-colored urine, jaundice, weakness or fever. Also, those moms who eat a lot of high-fat meals may not want to try Alli; the drug carries the risk of creating uncontrollable bowel movements in dieters who eat too much fat with their meals.
Green Tea Extract Supplements
Green tea extract reportedly increases metabolism and reduces appetite, but more studies are needed to prove just how effective green tea supplements are in boosting weight loss efforts, according to the Mayo Clinic and MedlinePlus. However, both medical organizations note that green tea is likely safe and effective, especially when compared to other over-the-counter diet aids. Research in this area is still rather young, so specific statistics about actual weight loss potential resulting from using green tea extracts are not available, as of 2010.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid
Conjugated linoleic acid may be one of the safest and most effective over-the-counter diet drugs on the market, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, specific statistics on actual weight loss amounts attributed to the drug are not available as of 2010. CLA reportedly helps the human body reduce fat while building muscle, according to the Mayo Clinic and Natural News. Author Mark Stengler wrote in the book “Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies” that a lack of CLA in the body prevents glucose from being converted into fat, thereby derailing dieters’ weight loss efforts, according to Natural News. Stengler notes in his book that CLA is usually found in red meat and other fatty foods but can lead to increased cholesterol if ingested in this matter; he recommended dieters try 1,000 milligrams of CLA supplements three times daily.
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