Which otc appetite suppressants work

Hoodia gordonii is a type of succulent plant traditionally used by indigenous people in southern Africa as an appetite suppressant. Extracts from Hoodia gordonii are used in dietary supplements that claim to reduce appetite and boost weight loss. How it works: Though the mechanism by which Hoodia gordonii suppresses hunger is unknown, some scientists link it to a compound called P57, or glycoside, which may impact your central nervous system and decrease appetite Effectiveness: There is little evidence to support the use of Hoodia gordonii to promote weight loss, and few human studies have examined the plant.

A day study in 49 overweight women found that 2. Side effects: Hoodia gordonii may lead to headaches, nausea, increased heart rate, high blood pressure and impaired liver function Summary Currently, no evidence supports the use of Hoodia gordonii for weight loss or reduced appetite.

Green coffee bean extract is a substance derived from the raw seeds of the coffee plant and is popularly used as a weight loss supplement. How it works: Green coffee beans contain high levels of chlorogenic acid, which may inhibit fat accumulation. The extract also contains caffeine , which decreases appetite Effectiveness: A recent study in people with metabolic syndrome showed that those taking mg of green coffee bean extract per day experienced a significant decrease in waist circumference and appetite compared to a placebo group An analysis of three studies found that overweight participants who took either or mg per day of green coffee extract for up to 12 weeks experienced an average weight loss of 6 pounds 2.

Side effects: Though green coffee bean extract is generally well tolerated, it may cause headaches and increased heart rate in some people. Summary Several research studies have demonstrated that green coffee bean extract may reduce appetite and promote weight loss. The guarana plant has been used for hundreds of years for various purposes, including appetite suppression How it works: Guarana contains more caffeine than any other plant in the world. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system and has been shown to decrease appetite and boost metabolism Effectiveness: Insufficient evidence exists to support the use of guarana to suppress appetite and promote weight loss.

However, test-tube and animal studies show that guarana extract may boost metabolism and limit fat cell production by suppressing certain genes Side effects: Because guarana is high in caffeine, it may cause insomnia, headaches, nervousness and increased heart rate and anxiety, especially when taken in high doses Summary Guarana — which is especially high in caffeine — may boost metabolism, but more research is needed to determine whether it suppresses appetite or promotes weight loss.

Acacia fiber, also known as gum arabic, is a type of indigestible fiber promoted as a means of suppressing appetite and promoting fullness. How it works: Acacia fiber slows digestion, suppresses appetite, increases fullness and inhibits glucose absorption in your gut, which can all help manage weight Effectiveness: One six-week study in women found that those taking 30 grams of acacia fiber per day lost significantly more body fat than those on a placebo Similarly, a study in 92 people with diabetes showed that 30 grams of acacia fiber daily for three months significantly reduced belly fat Side effects: Potential side effects of consuming acacia fiber include gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Summary Acacia fiber may encourage weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and suppressing appetite. Saffron extract is a substance derived from the stigma — or the female part of flowers where pollen is collected — of the saffron flower. How it works: Saffron extract is believed to contain several substances that may increase feelings of fullness by boosting mood. Effectiveness: One study in 60 overweight women demonstrated that those taking mg of saffron extract per day experienced a significant reduction in snacking and lost more weight than women on a placebo pill Side effects: Saffron extract is generally well tolerated but may cause dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety, nausea and headache in some people Summary Some evidence supports the use of saffron extract as a way to reduce hunger and lose weight.

Guar gum is a type of fiber derived from the Indian cluster bean, or Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. How it works: Guar gum acts as a bulking agent in your gut. It suppresses appetite by slowing digestion and increasing feelings of fullness Other studies demonstrate similar results, indicating that guar gum may be effective in reducing cravings and overall calorie intake However, guar gum has not been proven as an effective tool for weight loss Side effects: Guar gum may cause adverse side effects, such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, cramping, gas and bloating Summary Guar gum is a type of fiber that may be effective in reducing snacking between meals and decreasing overall calorie intake.

Caffeine is a wonder-ingredient. Not only does it boost your energy great for working out , but it's also linked to reduced cravings source and thermogenic effects. That means caffeine may help you to eat less, and to burn more calories at rest. Just what you want from an appetite suppressant supplement. Did you know that women are more prone to iron deficiencies than men? Supplementing iron lets you nip any potential deficiencies in the bud. It reduces the risk of anaemia, symptoms of which include tiredness and fatigue - not what you want if you're living an active lifestyle!

This ingredient provides metabolic support, helping your body to build on the appetite suppressant foundations laid by glucomannan. Supplementing chromium encourages your body to make efficient use of the fat already stored around your body. The Powher Fat Burner is tailored for women leading active lifestyles who want to turbo-charge their weight loss results. Appetite suppression is at the core of the formula, backed by thermogenics, metabolic boosters, and minerals.

Most importantly this supplement contains clinically-proven doses of dietary fiber glucomannan. Once ingested, glucomannan works by swelling in your stomach and digestive system.

It has also been linked to reduced cholesterol and contributes to weight loss when used with an energy-restricted diet. Yes, you read that right. Not all appetite suppressants have to be weight loss supplements built around ingredients like glucomannan and garcinia Cambogia! It's still all-natural, but instead of being a weight loss supplement, it's a CBD gummy. If you're not familiar with CBD gummies, these little candies have a lot to offer. They're infused with CBD extracted from the hemp or marijuana plant, but don't worry.

Because of the method of extraction, there's negligible THC present, meaning you won't get high. There's no risk of failing drug tests, and CBD is completely legal across the U. It's a good question. There are undoubtedly anecdotal links between cannabis and enhanced snacking, but initial research suggests that CBD may actually suppress your appetite source. Some people report that reductions in stress caused by CBD are linked with less impulsive eating, which again, is anecdotal but encouraging.

As the body of research around this newly-legal ingredient expands, its impact on appetite will be better understood. In the meantime, littledrops CBD gummies are a novel and exciting way to control your cravings. Especially if you're not interested in more traditional appetite suppressant supplements. Each littledrops gummy includes 20mg of broad-spectrum extract, meaning that THC and other cannabinoids are present in negligible quantities. CBD is linked to reductions in stress, anxiety, and pain.

It's connected to many other physical and physiological benefits, too. A dose of 20mg per gummy is more generous than some other similar products in this category while being low enough to give you complete control over your dose. Gummies are meant to be tasty treats, regardless of whether they're candy or vehicles for CBD. You'll find no nasty artificial additives in littledrops.

Natural, organic ingredients are the heart of this gummy, giving you the peace of mind that only good things are entering your body. The positive impacts of CBD on people's mental state are being more frequently recognised both anecdotally and in the scientific literature. Despite only being legalised recently, CBD products are gaining widespread popularity amongst all sorts of users.

These gummies are a great introduction to CBD products, allowing you to experience the benefits without exposing you to really high doses that you'll find in some other products. They're fun, friendly, and built around an all-natural organic ethos.

This ensures consistent dosing and higher quality. Click here to Buy littledrops from their Official Website. PhenQ is a scientifically backed weight loss solution that offers an appetite suppressant and fat burner wrapped into one.

Combined with powerful appetite suppressing and energy-yielding ingredients, PhenQ offers the total weight loss package. PhenQ was created to help women lose weight, but it has proven to be effective and safe for men as well.

Oh, and as a bonus, with PhenQ you only have to take two capsules per day. PhenQ secret ingredient and one of the main reasons why PhenQ has such a loyal fan base.

Several clinical studies tested the stuff and found it decreases body weight and fat while increasing muscle mass. This fat-busting blend consists of capsicum, piperine, caffeine, and niacin vitamin B3. Research suggests these ingredients have strong thermogenic properties.

By raising your body heat you burn fat quicker. This essential mineral is known to help keep your blood sugar levels under control. Some studies have found that this can help you control what you eat by curbing your cravings for both carbs and sugar. Caffeine is the ideal ingredient to help you lose weight because it affects your body in several ways at once. Now we all know the energy boost you get from your morning cup of coffee.

High in natural fiber, this cactus extract helps you keep your hunger under control. Other benefits include the high amount of energy-yielding amino acids and the ability to help flush excess water weight out of your tissues and into your bloodstream. By using stored fat to produce energy, it helps you burn more fat while giving you an energy boost.

PhenQ boasts a unique formula consisting of scientifically backed ingredients. Every ingredient has been shown to assist with weight loss by reducing your appetite, curbing your cravings, and burning your excess body fat.

Well, judging from the thousands of 4 and 5-star reviews and some of the heartfelt, genuine testimonials of women and men! Scientifically-backed formula that has been shown to help people lose weight.

Only two capsules per day less than standard weight loss pills. Browse appetite suppressants on Amazon, and you'll see names like apple cider vinegar, caffeine, garcinia Cambogia, l-carnitine and more popping out. Many ingredients are linked with appetite suppressant effects, but it's essential to do your research and understand what each ingredient is and why it's included in a product.

Some ingredients are more effective than others. Glucomannan, for example, is clinically proven by food safety authorities for weight loss in specific contexts. This fiber expands in your digestive system, promoting feelings of fullness and helping you to eat less. Ingredients like l-carnitine and white kidney bean extract have also received tentative support from food safety authorities.

The research around ingredients and their effects is ever-expanding, meaning that claims change over time. It also explains why fad ingredients sometimes make an appearance in supplements: These ingredients may not have much or any impact, but manufacturers know that including them might lead to more sales.

Try to understand whether the ingredients work, and what the science says about their effectiveness. Understanding the claims made about an ingredient is an integral part of choosing a supplement.

Because products in this category aren't regulated by the FDA, it's easier for manufacturers to make bold claims that may or may not be rooted in truth. On top of this, other organisations exist outside the U.

These regulatory bodies can serve as useful reference points when it comes to assessing the legitimacy of specific claims. With this in mind, carefully check the claims being made. See whether they sound too good to be true hint: they usually are. Cross-reference the manufacturer claims with published scientific opinion to see whether the claims stand up. And make your decision from there.

Some appetite suppressants are available as prescription medication. In this case, the claims have a much stronger basis because medicines are strictly regulated. Some health conditions require prescription appetite suppressants. A doctor will prescribe these as a means to control a patient's appetite and help them to lose weight in a controlled medical setting. Unless you are prescribed weight loss medicines like Contrave, Saxenda, or Qsymia by a qualified health professional, they are not safe to take.

These drugs require medical supervision and usually carry more significant side effect risks than over-the-counter products because of the more potent ingredients involved. Over-the-counter appetite suppressants are most often in the form of supplements. These products are designed to use various combinations of natural ingredients linked to appetite suppression and weight loss. Effectiveness: A controlled trial reported that A study adds that taking this drug for three months or more can provide greater weight loss.

Side effects: Side effects can include insomnia, diarrhea or constipation, vomiting, an unpleasant taste, and dry mouth. Who may benefit: Like many of the other prescription weight-loss drugs, phentermine is designed for people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 who have other weight-related medical conditions.

Risks: This drug should not be used by people who are pregnant or nursing, or those with cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or a history of drug abuse. How it works : Wegovy , a weekly injection of semaglutide, works by reducing appetite, decreasing calorie intake. It activates areas of the brain responsible for appetite regulations and food intake. Effectiveness : Trials showed that treatment with Wegovy produced a statistically significant reduction in body weight over the course of 68 weeks.

Subjects lost Side effects : The most common side effects of Wegovy include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distention, eructation, hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, flatulence, gastroenteritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

It can also cause hypersensitivities such as anaphylaxis, retinopathy in diabetics, heart palpitations, or a racing heartbeat. Suicidal ideation is also a potential side effect, as seen with other weight loss medications. Who may benefit : Wegovy may benefit adults with a starting BMI of greater than 30 obesity or greater than 27 overweight who have at least one weight-related health condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia.

Risks : This drug should not be used by people who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma MTC or patients with m ultiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 MEN 2 should not take Wegovy. Nor should patients who have had a previous hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy.

When purchasing a non-prescription weight loss aid, it's important to know that while OTC medications are FDA-approved for safety and effectiveness, weight loss supplements are not. It's the responsibility of supplement manufacturers to ensure that these products are safe. For this reason, it is important to be careful when buying a diet supplement or popular herbal supplement for weight loss.

The FDA also does not approve most of the claims that companies make about their products. In many cases, weight loss claims are carefully crafted to make the product sound more effective than it is.

How it works: The only over-the-counter weight loss pill approved by the FDA, Alli , contains a lower dose of orlistat 60 mg , the same medication that is in Xenical. It works by reducing the body's absorption of fat. Effectiveness: One review of 33 randomized controlled trials involving 9, participants reports that orlistat provides a "slight but significant decrease in body weight.

Who may benefit: This OTC weight loss drug is for adults with a BMI of 25 or above and should be combined with a low-calorie , low-fat diet. Risks: Alli should not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people who have had an organ transplant, those who've been diagnosed with food absorption issues, or those taking cyclosporine. Orlistat may increase the risk of kidney damage and osteoporosis, and it may also interact with some drugs, such as warfarin and antiretroviral medications.

Alli was voluntarily removed from the market in after a tampering scare, but the company re-released it with a tamper-evident package in How it works: Garcinia cambogia is derived from a fruit that grows in warmer climates and is said to assist with weight loss by reducing appetite.

Effectiveness: Claims made by sellers have not been supported by scientific research. There is little evidence to support its effectiveness. A review published in reports that results are mixed—some people appear to lose weight with this substance while others do not. Side effects: Adverse effects associated with taking garcinia cambogia can include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Who may benefit: Studies that have found garcinia cambogia effective for weight loss report that this effect is the same regardless of age, sex, or any other weight-related conditions. It may be better at reducing visceral fat belly fat than some other substances. Risks: While rare, the use of this substance may result in liver damage, and it is unclear whether it is safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How it works: The name of this diet supplement may not sound familiar, but you've probably seen products that contain glucomannan , which is basically a fiber supplement. Lipozene is one. Effectiveness: In , authors of a review study reported that they could not confirm that this fiber substance can actually promote weight loss.

Side effects: People taking glucomannan may notice that they belch more often and feel bloated, as well as having feelings of stomach fullness—at least for the first few days. Diarrhea and constipation might also occur, particularly when taken in higher doses. Who may benefit: Some studies that connect glucomannan with weight loss show more positive findings in female subjects, with even greater effects when this supplement is combined with garcinia cambogia.

Risks: The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources states that this supplement presents no concern for being toxic or allergenic as long as dosing stays below 3 grams per day. On January 10, , the FDA announced that glucomannan would be added to the definition of dietary fiber after receiving a petition from a citizen , enabling it to be included on products' Nutrition and Supplement Facts labels.

How it works: Conjugated linoleic acid CLA occurs naturally in meat, dairy, and vegetable oil and is thought to assist with weight loss, in part, by reducing the body's absorption of fat. Effectiveness: A review of seven studies concluded that CLA might promote weight loss, but the difference in taking this substance versus taking a placebo is relatively small. Another study found that some people who took a CLA supplement experienced increased insulin resistance and lower HDL cholesterol levels.

Side effects: Potential side effects include constipation, diarrhea, soft stools, and abdominal pain. Who may benefit: CLA has been found to provide anti-inflammatory effects and improved lipid profiles. Risks: Some people have experienced a myocardial infarction heart attack after taking CLA, so this supplement might not be advised for people with heart issues.

How it works: Raspberry ketones come from red raspberries it gives them their smell. The claim is that the product can reduce weight by breaking down and reducing fat storage, and increasing metabolism.

Effectiveness: This weight loss supplement became popular after Dr. Oz mentioned it on his TV show, but there is not enough evidence to support the claims that raspberry ketones can help humans lose weight. Side effects: People taking raspberry ketones may feel jittery and have increased blood pressure and heart rate. Who may benefit: It is currently unclear whether this dietary supplement offers any real health benefits.

Plus, many products contain a much higher amount than has been determined safe mg per day. Risks: Research suggests that raspberry ketones may be associated with coronary vasospasm, which is when the coronary arteries suddenly constrict and reduce blood flow to the heart. Additional studies indicate that this supplement may interfere with the medication warfarin and be unsafe for people who are pregnant or lactating. How it works: Forskolin is an extract from the coleus forskohlii plant advertised as a diet supplement, carb blocker, and fat burner.

Effectiveness: Some studies have found that forskolin may help with weight loss, whereas others have found it doesn't, so its effectiveness is not yet proven. Side effects: Side effects can include increased bowel movements and loose stool and generally reduce over time. Who may benefit: One small study found that people taking forskolin had increased HDL cholesterol levels the "good" cholesterol and improvements in their insulin concentration and resistance when combined with a low-calorie diet.

Risks: This supplement may pose risks for people with polycystic kidney disease. How it works: Meratrim is a mixture of extracts taken from the flower heads of the Sphaeranthus indicus plant and the fruit rind from Garcinia mangostana and is thought to help reduce weight by reducing appetite. Effectiveness: A study of 60 participants with a mean BMI of Side effects: While some study participants did experience nausea, stomach pain or discomfort, and gastritis, researchers concluded that these effects were not related to Meratrim use because the placebo group also experienced effects.

In a study, some participants experienced headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal issues, and various body pains, but, again, these were not attributed to Meratrim since the placebo group experienced them too. Who may benefit: The participant study also reported that those taking Meratrim had "significant" changes in their LDL cholesterol the "bad" cholesterol , triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Risks: Research indicates that, while the risk appears to be small, Garcinia-based supplements may be linked to liver damage, serotonin toxicity, and mania.

How it works: Sometimes referred to as chromium picolinate, products that contain this substance often claim to help improve calorie burn and decrease appetite. Effectiveness: While some research has shown a small correlation between chromium and weight loss, there is insufficient evidence to support a more substantial claim. Side effects: In some trials, people taking chromium have reported watery stools, constipation, nausea, vomiting, headache, vertigo, and hives.

Who may benefit: Chromium is considered an essential nutrient and may have some antioxidant effects. Risks: Chromium is generally considered safe as long as it is not consumed in high amounts. It may interact with some medications, such as insulin, antidiabetes medicines, and some hypothyroidism medications.

How it works: Green tea can be consumed as a beverage or in pill form and claims to increase metabolism, resulting in weight loss. Effectiveness: While green tea is safe when consumed in moderation, little evidence supports its use as a long-term weight loss supplement. Side effects: Green tea as a beverage is generally well-tolerated, but people taking green tea extract may experience constipation, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and increased blood pressure.

Who may benefit: Green tea is rich in polyphenols and may provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cardiovascular effects. Risks: Some researchers have expressed concerns that green tea extract may cause liver damage. How it works: Green coffee is another name for raw coffee beans so this type of product does contain caffeine. Effectiveness: A study of 64 women with obesity found that while they all lost weight on a low-calorie diet, those who received mg of green coffee bean extract for eight weeks lost more weight than those who did not take the extract.

They also had lower total cholesterol and LDL, or "bad" cholesterol levels. Side effects: Reported adverse effects include headache and urinary tract infections. Who may benefit: One review concluded that green coffee extract could improve fasting blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and total cholesterol. Risks: Consuming mg of green coffee bean extract per day is generally considered safe, though this has not been adequately studied. How it works: This herb is extracted from a flowering cactus plant hoodia gordonii and sold as an appetite suppressant.

It can be consumed in tablet, pill, or powder form. Effectiveness: A review reports there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the claims that hoodia is an effective form of long-term weight management. Side effects: Some people taking hoodia have experienced nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and strange skin sensations. Who may benefit: Hoodia may provide positive effects for people with metabolic diseases.

Risks: Hoodia may be unsafe for some people due to its effects on blood pressure, bilirubin, and heart function. How it works: Bee pollen has been found to speed up fat metabolism, thus making it an appealing weight loss supplement. Effectiveness: There is little evidence supporting bee pollen's use for weight loss, particularly because many studies have been conducted on animals versus humans.

Side effects: The main side effect concern with bee pollen is if you are allergic, which can result in hives, wheezing, and anaphylaxis—especially if you've had a serious reaction to bee stings. Who may benefit: Bee pollen has several beneficial health properties, including being an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal substance. Risks: In , the FDA flagged the company Oasis Bee Pollen for making false and misleading claims about its product's weight loss effects.

The FDA also warned of hidden ingredients in the company's supplement, including sibutramine, which can increase blood pressure, and phenolphthalein, which can cause cancer. If the over-the-counter diet pills or weight loss supplements you're interested in are not listed above, visit the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

The NIH provides a comprehensive list of diet supplements and current information about the safety and effectiveness of each one. There are a few drugs that the FDA has banned for consumer use. After ephedra was banned in due to its health risks, several similar stimulants took their place.

Most advertise that they are ephedra-free and safe. These often contain bitter orange citrus aurantium , synephrine, or octopamine. Two of the most popular products, Xenadrine EFX and Advantra Z, were tested by researchers in and still found to have unsafe effects on heart rate and blood pressure.

Meridia sibutramine , an appetite suppressant, was removed from the market in the United States in The FDA initially approved the product, but the manufacturer stopped producing it after clinical studies showed that users had an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

This drug was part of the anti-obesity medication fen-phen and worked by reducing carbohydrate cravings. However, the FDA withdrew its approval in after receiving numerous reports that women taking this drug had developed valvular heart disease.

This appetite suppressing drug—also known as Redux— was approved for a short period of time in the s. Still, the FDA ultimately withdrew its approval after concerns about its effects on the cardiovascular system. Like fenfluramine, it appeared to cause valvular heart defects.

Belviq lorcaserin worked by activating serotonin receptors that regulate hunger. It was available with a prescription to patients with a BMI of 30 or a body mass index of 27 along with an obesity-related condition.