I’ve said it before: you’re fat for a reason. You gained weight because you ate too much of the wrong foods and you didn’t exercise. So, it stands to reason that to get un-fat, you’ll just want to reverse that. Eat more of the right foods and get more exercise.
You didn’t get fat overnight, and you’re not going to get skinny overnight either. But sometimes you might find yourself getting impatient. That’s where weight loss pills come in.
There are thousands of weight loss pills on the shelves, so which ones do what, and which are right for you? In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What each type of weight loss pill does
- What you need to know before you start swallowing pills
- Which weight loss pills are unsafe to use
Ready to amp up your weight loss plan? Here’s what you need to know about weight loss pills.
1. What are weight loss pills?
Let’s just take a minute and go back to basics. If you’re reading this guide, you probably have some sort of idea of what weight loss pills are. But if you’re new to the whole supplement thing, bear with me. I’ll make this simple.
A weight loss pill is anything you take to help speed up your weight loss or make your weight loss easier. The weight loss industry nets billions of dollars every year. That includes diet plans, supplements, pills, health clubs and more. As people get fatter, the supplement people make bank.
Weight loss pills are available over the counter – you’ll find them in drug stores, grocery stores and even gas stations. Everyone wants to be skinny and somehow we’ve been convinced that diet and exercise aren’t enough… we need pills, too!!! You’ll find herbal products, chemical concoctions, fatty acids, fiber pills, laxatives, you name it. It’s all there. So it’s no wonder we have trouble navigating the plethora of pills out there.
On top of the over the counter pills, there are prescription products, too. Just ask your doctor. Go on in and tell him you’re fat, then see what he says. Chances are, he’ll first ask you if you’ve tried – you guessed it – diet and exercise. When you lie and tell him yes, he’ll probably prescribe you a pill to help you along.
This guide is aimed at helping you figure out which, if any, weight loss pills are right for you. If you can’t decide, do feel free to ask your doctor what he or she recommends. Ready to get started? Here we go.
2. How do weight loss pills work?
Well, that depends on what type of weight loss pills you’re talking about. There are a few different types, and they fall into different categories. For instance, there are appetite suppressants, there are fat burners, metabolism boosters, fat blockers…
So how do they work? Well, let’s start with the honest, plain truth. A lot of weight loss pills have a placebo effect. That means they don’t do jack, they just make you think they’re working. This can be good, though. If a weight loss pill does make you feel as if you’ve stepped up your game, go for it! It may be the motivation you need to succeed!
That aside, there are some supplements – particularly prescription weight loss pills – that do work. They come in quite a few categories, but people tend to think that there are three types that are the most effective. There are fat blockers, which keep your body from absorbing fat. There are appetite suppressants, which mess with your hormones and trick your brain into thinking you’re not hungry. And there are metabolic boosters which, if nothing else, give you the energy you need to get off your duff and move around.
Different pills will work in different ways for different people. Before you start taking anything, consider sitting down with your doctor or even a dietician and reviewing your health and fitness goals. That way you can decide together what may be effective for you, and what will work best with your lifestyle.
3. What every fat person needs to know before taking weight loss pills
Alright, my fat friends. Here’s the part where we go over a bit of not-so-common sense. It should be common sense, but sometimes fat people get blinded by the need to get skinny and leave their brains in the checkout lane at the drug store. Let’s just take things one at a time.
Not all weight loss pills are safe
As I mentioned, just because it’s “herbal” or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Random mushrooms in your yard and red tide are “natural” too, but that doesn’t mean you’d stick them in your mouth.
Not only that, but herbal pills are generally evaluated by the people who test and approve prescription medications. For example, in the United States, the FDA. There’s simply not enough research done on most products to make a blanket statement that it’s safe to consume. When you begin to take weight loss pills, you do so at your own risk.
Not all weight loss pills are effective
They’re just not. Some might work for you. Others are just snake oil. Like I said, the weight loss industry is absolutely ginormous. People sell stuff just to sell stuff, whether it works or not. Later on, we’ll go over what people have said about the efficacy of particular supplements. For now, though, just remember that they might not work for you.
Weight loss pills may interfere with your medication
If you’re on any type of medication (ladies, that includes birth control) check with your doctor before you start taking pills. Weight loss pills can reduce the effect of your meds or worse – for instance, the stimulants can cause heart attack. Check. With. Your. Doctor.
Weight loss pills aren’t miracle drugs
Sorry fat man. You’re still going to have to make better choices. Take a walk and eat some lettuce. Do not rely on weight loss pills to keep your weight loss efforts in full swing. Some may help, sure! Some may not help. It’s trial and error. But taking a weight loss pill then sinking into your couch to play Fortnite with an extra large meat lover’s pizza isn’t going to do the trick. You’re going to have to work for it.
Weight loss pills aren’t forever
If you do decide you want to take weight loss pills, that’s great! You do you. But realize that they’re not meant to be a long term solution. Weight loss pills can jump start your weight loss efforts. But while you’re taking them, work on establishing more healthy habits for your lifestyle.
In summary:
- Weight loss pills can be dangerous if used incorrectly or with some medications
- Weight loss pills shouldn’t be considered a crutch or a long-term solution
- Always, always, always check with your doctor before starting to take pills
4. What do weight loss pills contain?
Oh boy, this is a big question. What’s in weight loss pills can be summed up in four words: everything under the sun
People will throw all kinds of crazy stuff into weight loss pills. And it seems like every week there’s a new “superfood” that the TV doctors are worshipping. Let’s take a look at a few common ingredients in weight loss pills, and what they’re supposed to do.
Green tea
Green tea is a common ingredient in weight loss pills, and it’s actually one of the most proven ingredients. Green tea contains chemicals called catechins. Rats and humans alike have responded to catechins positively, losing more body fat when they take them than when they don’t.
Green tea is also a stimulant, which can help boost your metabolism. Overall, the general consensus is that green tea is actually relatively effective as a weight loss pill ingredient. The side effect to green tea is that it may cause the jitters if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Apple cider vinegar
There’s no doubt you’ve heard of apple cider vinegar, or ACV as the cool kids call it. It was one of the first “superfoods” and has, like green tea, been shown to help burn fat. Many weight loss pills contain ACV (I’m a cool kid). However, you can DIY with the ACV – just put some on your salad. No need to buy the supplement. There are few side effects with the exception of possible milk heartburn.
Garcinia cambogia
Next up is garcinia cambogia. This fruit is marketed as both a fat blocker and an appetite suppressant, but usually the latter. It may or may not help to keep blood sugar and cholesterol at healthy levels. Garcinia may be unsafe for some. It’s been shown to cause liver issues as well as headaches.
Ma huang
If you see ma huang listed in your weight loss pill’s ingredients, think twice. This herb is similar to ephedra, which was banned in the United States after causing several deaths. Ma huang is marketed in a few ways, including as an appetite suppressant, a metabolic booster and a fat burner. Side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Elevated heart rate
- Headache
- Jitteriness
- High blood pressure
Chitosan
Chitosan is a fiber that your body can’t digest. It’s generally safe, but it’s made from the shells of shellfish. So if you’re allergic, avoid supplements that include chitosan.
Chromium
Chromium is marketed as an ingredient that can help level out your blood sugar in curb your cravings for carbs and sweets. However, there aren’t any studies that prove it actually does that. The side effects of chromium aren’t terrible, but probably outweigh the benefit. They include:
- Dizziness
- Moodiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Trouble with coordination
- Liver problems
Guarana
Guarana is a fancy way of telling you you’re ingesting caffeine. It’s a stimulant, but you’d do just as well by drinking a mug of green tea. Side effects are similar to what you’d feel if you had too much coffee.
Caffeine
Some manufacturers are straight up with you – they’ll just list caffeine as an ingredient. As you now know, caffeine can be effective in helping you lose weight. That said, there are other ways to ingest it. Again – green tea is a great option. If you take a caffeine supplement, be careful. Start with the minimum dosage to see how your body reacts.
Steak seasonings
Just seeing if you were paying attention. But really, though, you could season a good meal with some of the things people put into weight loss pills. Some of these include:
- Mustard
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Cayenne pepper
- Cumin
- Rosemary
- Flax
- Peppermint
You get the picture. While these foods aren’t unsafe, they may have some side effects like heartburn or even gas. You’ll just have to see how your body reacts to them.
Other ingredients
This is obviously only a partial list of all the ingredients your weight loss pills might contain. Remember to always read the label and look up any ingredients you’re not familiar with. And, one more time, all together now: Just because it’s herbal doesn’t mean it’s safe.
5. What types of weight loss pills are there?
As you’ve probably figured out by now, weight loss pills come in quite a few different categories. Depending on your weight loss goals, you may want to try a combination or just one of these types. Let’s take a look at what they each are supposed to do.
Appetite suppressants
Appetite suppressants can be something as simple as a fiber supplement. Or, they can be a little more complex than that. Some appetite suppressants work to increase your body’s production of serotonin. Serotonin is a naturally occurring hormone that makes your brain shut up when it’s telling you you’re hungry.
Weight loss pills like fiber and others will “expand” in your stomach, in a manner of speaking, making you feel full.
Then, there are other pills that are meant to curb your cravings for starches and carbs. These, too, have to do with serotonin levels. See, your body can only produce serotonin after carbs are eaten. So by giving your brain the serotonin it needs, you effectively take away the signal to eat carbs.
- Appetite suppressants can come in a few forms.
- They may make you feel full without eating
- They may work to prevent you from eating foods you shouldn’t
Fat blockers
Fat blockers are simple. They block your body from absorbing fat when you eat it. Usually you’ll take these pills around 30 minutes before you eat a meal. When you get an effective fat blocker, it may have the additional benefit of helping to lower your cholesterol.
Most fat blockers contain ingredients that will bind to fat, allowing it to just slip through your system without your body noticing it. You, however, may notice it. Be mindful that some fat blockers can cause major diarrhea. Be sure to test out fat blockers on the weekend.
- Fat blockers keep your body from absorbing some of the fats you eat
- These weight loss pills may also lower your cholesterol
- Careful – fat blockers may give you the drizzles
Fat burners
Most fat burners are kind of like “all in one” weight loss pills. They are meant to help increase your metabolism, reduce your cravings, curb your appetite and burn fat.
The most efficient way to burn fat is through exercise. But a fast metabolism definitely helps. That’s what fat burners are meant to do: boost your metabolism. Before you take a fat burner (or any other weight loss pill) check with your doctor. Many of these supplements contain stimulants like caffeine which may not be good for your health.
- Fat burners are the “all in one” of weight loss pills
- A fast metabolism helps your body burn fat more quickly
- These pills contain stimulants, so talk to your doc first
Metabolism boosters
Even though most fat burners are metabolism boosters, I’ll give metabolism boosters their own category. That’s because there are supplements and weight loss pills out there that don’t contain stimulants. For example, apple cider vinegar or some seaweed extracts. Many metabolism boosters are herbal products.
As we continue on, we’ll look a bit more at metabolism boosters and how these weight loss pills can help you lose weight more quickly. What you need to remember for now is this: just because it’s herbal doesn’t mean it’s safe! Read the label and check with your doctor before you take these pills.
- Not all metabolism boosters contain stimulants
- Apple cider vinegar and seaweed extract are examples of this
- Just because it’s herbal doesn’t mean it’s safe
6. How do I find a weight loss pill that works quickly?
That depends on what you’re trying to do! Obviously, you’re trying to stop being fat. But as you now know, different types of pills are going to do different things to your body.
I’ll say it again: the first thing you need to do is stop eating Twinkies. Put the beer mug down. Go for a walk. Because no weight loss pill is going to “work quickly” if you’re still maintaining your terrible habits. Find a dietary plan that works for you and cut out the sugary foods and drinks. Get moving, whether you’re walking the dog or cycling to work.
The second thing you need to do is realize that fast weight loss isn’t necessarily healthy. We’ve established that you didn’t get fat overnight, or even in a fortnight. It took time and years of bad choices to get where you are today, and it’s going to take time and good choices to get you where you want to be.
Doctors generally agree that 1.5 to 2 pounds of weight loss each week is safe and healthy. If you’re just beginning, you may lose more, especially if you’re a guy. But as time goes on, those results are going to slow down.
Alright. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what people have done to lose weight quickly using weight loss pills.
Starvation diet
Don’t do this.
There are many weight loss pills, or “programs,” as they may be called, that encourage you to take a pill and possibly drink some juice for a week or so. “Lose ten pounds in a week!”
The reasons why you shouldn’t do a starvation diet with weight loss pills should be common sense. However, if you really need an explanation, there are a few.
- Your body needs nutrients
- Juice diets and pills don’t give you the fats you need for healthy brain function
- You’re not getting the fiber you need for healthy digestion
- You’re starving yourself. This isn’t an episode of Survivor, it’s weight loss.
Even beyond starvation diets being just plain stupid, they’re also bad for weight loss. There’s this thing your body does, it’s called starvation mode. When your body enters starvation mode, it actually begins to conserve body fat – it’s a survival instinct.
Starvation diets are stupid, so don’t do them, whether you’ve got a pill or not.
Detox weight loss pills
Detox plans are short term plans that are designed to kick start your weight loss. In most cases, your plan will require that you take a pill in the morning and in the evening. There’s probably a pill you’ll take 30 minutes before each meal. Then, each day you’ll take a vitamin and some fatty acids.
Detox weight loss pills are an okay way to jump start your weight loss, but be sure the plan includes actual food. You’ll need to consume calories to stay healthy (and alive). You’re also going to need fiber to prevent you from having some severe gastrological complaints, ranging from diarrhea to severe constipation and blockage.
When you detox, you can expect to lose between 2 and 8 pounds over the course of a week. If you opt for a three day plan (they make those, too) you can lose a few pounds very quickly over the weekend.
Caffeine
Weight loss pills that contain, or are comprised solely of, caffeine may help you lose weight fast. If you’ve ever had coffee for breakfast, you know what I mean. The caffeine in the coffee keeps you from being hungry until just around lunchtime.
With that said, though, there are some drawbacks to caffeine. While caffeine isn’t addictive (it’s not – that’s just science) it does take more and more caffeine to reach the same effect over long periods of time. So whereas one coffee was sufficient this morning, you may need two tomorrow.
Caffeine serves as an appetite suppressant, but it’s also got the desirable effect of stimulation. This may boost your metabolism and help you burn fat. It also may make you want to get up and dance. Shake it, brutha!
So while caffeine may be a good way to lose weight fast, remember that it’s not a long term solution because:
- It can mean you require more and more caffeine as time goes on
- It can make you unnecessarily jittery
- Employers don’t like it when you do the worm on the office floor
Appetite suppressant pills
The best way to lose weight is to eat less. Consuming fewer calories than you expend is the textbook definition of weight loss. But when you get that email from Domino’s offering you two pizzas for the price of one, you may forget all about that.
Appetite suppressants can be a useful tool to lose weight quickly. They can help you eat less during that first stretch of your diet. But be sure that as you’re using them you also make changes to your overall eating habits.
Pretty much any weight loss pill
I mentioned that some weight loss pills work and others work as placebos. No matter what you take, if it gets you “in the mood” for weight loss, it’s going to go much more quickly for you.
To summarize:
- Don’t starve yourself. That’s stupid.
- Detox plans are okay, but only for the short term
- Any weight loss pill can help you lose weight quickly if you’re also changing your lifestyle
7. Why most people fail with weight loss pills
So let’s get straight to the point. Most people who take over the counter weight loss pills stay fat. It’s just true. There are several reasons for this, and if you’ve been paying attention, I’d bet you can already name a few.
Just in case you haven’t been paying attention, or if you specifically came here to learn why you’re failing miserably with your pills, I’ll break it down for you. Here’s why most people fail with weight loss pills.
People rely on weight loss pills
I’ll say it again in case you didn’t understand the first time: you can’t take a pill, eat a Zebra Cake, and expect a miracle. You’re not doing it right.
You need to view weight loss as a lifestyle change, and your weight loss pills as exactly what they are: supplements. You can lose weight with just diet and exercise. You can’t lose weight with just a weight loss pill.
There’s no miracle pill! Tell anyone who tries to convince you otherwise to take a long walk off a short pier.
People take the wrong weight loss pills
I’m not here to tell you which weight loss pills are “right” and which are “wrong.” What I mean is that some people fail with weight loss pills because those pills don’t work well with their bodies.
A person may be highly sensitive to caffeine and fail because their pills made them jittery. Maybe someone has GI issues and took a fat blocker, leading to explosive diarrhea. Someone might have taken something that interfered with their prescription medication.
Whatever the case, taking a weight loss pill your body doesn’t like is a recipe for failure.
Some weight loss pills just don’t work
Pretty much anyone can “develop” a weight loss pill. They’re not evaluated by the powers that be, so pretty much as long as it’s food grade, you can market it. You could sterilize some dirt and put it into capsules and sell it as the next best weight loss pill.
For that reason, it’s true: some weight loss pills are just a load of crap. They don’t work, they never have worked and thy never will work. Take them, and you’ll fail, too.
People get discouraged with weight loss pills
This kind of ties it all together. When people view weight loss pills as miracle drugs, they rely too heavily on them. Maybe it’s because it’s the wrong pill for them. Maybe it’s because they sell McDonald’s out of Big Macs every day.
When you don’t see results, you’re more likely to fail. My recommendation to you is that if you see minimal results you should either a) reevaluate your lifestyle choices or b) choose another pill.
To sum it all up:
- People fail with pills because they rely too heavily on them.
- Some weight loss pills just plain don’t work, which causes failure
- Don’t get discouraged if you take the wrong pill. Just make some changes.
8. Watch out: Ephedra and Amphetamines
All over the world, there are different types of herbs, chemicals and other stuff that may be available to you. With that said, there are two particular substances I want to talk about. In most countries, these aren’t available over the counter. But in some countries, fat people may still have access to these two drugs. They’re called ephedra and amphetamines.
Ephedra
I mentioned earlier that you should avoid a drug called ma huang. It’s a Chinese herb that’s been used as medicine for thousands of years. The plant has been used to treat asthma and other respiratory issues. It’s been used for weight loss. And it’s also called ephedra, one of the primary ingredients in meth.
Ephedra is found in nature as a type of grass, but can also be produced synthetically. For years, athletes used the substance to boost performance. It was sold over the counter as a weight loss aid for many years, until it became clear that the drug was responsible for around 155 deaths in the United States alone.
Ephedra does boost metabolism and curb your appetite. But the drug also:
- Constricts your blood vessels
- Causes heart palpitations
- Cause seizures
- Cause strokes
- Obviously, cause death
Ephedra is currently banned in most countries. However, if you find that it’s available to you in yours, steer clear of it. Other names for ephedra include:
- Ma huang
- Desert tea
- Mormon tea
Amphetamines
Also formerly found in weight loss pills were amphetamines. Amphetamines are still available in some places through a prescription, as they’re used to treat a variety of ailments. They can be very effective in helping those with ADHD and epilepsy, and in rarer cases to treat depression.
The trouble with amphetamines is that they’re addictive. Highly addictive, in fact. Speed, meth and Adderall are all amphetamines so you see what I mean.
Like I said, you can still get amphetamines through a prescription, but I guarantee you that script won’t be for weight loss. If you do come across amphetamines, know that, in most places around the world, they’re being sold illegally.
Side effects of amphetamines include:
- Agitation
- Nervousness
- Bladder pain
- Chills
- Hallucinations
- Fever
Another negative side effect of amphetamines is jail time. Stay away from amphetamines unless your doctor has prescribed them to you for another disorder.
9. Other illegal drugs that can harm you
While we’re on the subject of drugs that aren’t legal or are dangerous, let’s just go over a few more weight loss drugs that have been banned in many countries. There’s a chance you’ll never even encounter these out in the real world, but it’s best to be informed, right?
Fen-Phen
Fen-Phen has been around since the 80s and research studies showed it to be effective for weight loss. However, after a while, people began to notice that it had some not-so-nice side effects. Fen-Phen is thought to have boosted serotonin levels a bit too much, and that led to:
- Heart valve complications
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Heart failure
DMAA
DMAA is a chemical cocktail that was usually served up with a side of caffeine. It was marketed as a weight loss aid as well as a sports performance enhancer until it was discovered that it was actually quite dangerous to ingest. DMAA causes:
- Increased blood pressure
- Cardiovascular illness
- Heart attack
Other names for DMAA are geranium extract, 1,3-dimethylamylamine and methylhexanamine. Best to steer clear of this one, too.
Sibutramine
Sibutramine isn’t always banned, but it has been shown to be dangerous. This drug was marketed as Meridia, a prescription drug that worked to control those serotonin levels we talked about. It did work for some patients, but there were some ugly side effects to the drug, including stroke and heart attack.
Meridia isn’t banned, per se. But it was taken off the market in the US, the UK, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Canada and a few other places. Generally speaking, sibutramine just isn’t a good idea.
DNP
DNP for weight loss is Darwinism at its best. This chemical was discovered in the 1930s as a great way to explode things. It was also used as a pesticide. Then, some genius decided, “Hey! I bet if I eat this I’ll lose weight!”
Here’s the fun part. It was used for almost a decade until it was banned by the FDA in 1939. However… people still decided they should take it, and people still do. It’s mostly used my athletes and bodybuilders, but a few fat people got on the DNP bandwagon, too. This drug does burn fat. But it burns you. DNP literally cooks you from the inside out until you die.
Street drugs
I’ve got to say it. You’re fat, not stupid. Don’t resort to taking street drugs to get skinny. Can you lose weight on crack? Sure! Absolutely! Is it a good idea? You tell me.
10. Weight loss pills: Best in Test
So after all this talk about weight loss drugs that are going to kill you, it’s probably time we talk about the ones that won’t. like I said, some weight loss pills are more effective than others. Some don’t work at all. So which should you try first? What have people been most successful with? Let’s take a peek.
Green tea extract
Green tea has consistently proven itself to be one of the most effective weight loss pills on the market. Can you drink green tea instead? Sure! But most people find that simply swallowing a pill in the morning is easier and more convenient than having to boil water, steep tea, wait for it to cool down… you get the idea. Fat people can be pretty lazy.
Between the catechins and the antioxidants in green tea, it’s become known as quite a superfood, and for good reason. People who use green tea lose more body fat than those who don’t. Added bonus: it’s really good for your skin.
Apple cider vinegar
I mentioned this one before, too, the good old ACV. Apple cider vinegar is another Best in Test weight loss pill that can help speed your weight loss and improve your results. For some unknown reason, ACV does seem to target belly fat. It can also help lower your bad cholesterol and reduce your overall body fat.
Again, you can take a pill, or you may choose to eat your apple cider vinegar on a salad or maybe a nice piece of salmon. Alternatively, you can put a tablespoon or so into a large glass of water. Bottoms up!
Turmeric
Here’s one you may not have expected, and another one from the spice cabinet. Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin, which in rats can cause an overall reduction in the growth of fat cells. That said, studies on mice and humans have not been done where the subjects were already fat. They were conducted on skinny people to see if the spice could prevent weight loss.
Turmeric has an added benefit: studies suggest that the spice may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells! As with the previous two, you can swallow a capsule of turmeric or you can make a good curry.
Fiber
Fiber is nature’s appetite suppressant. It’s also nature’s fat blocker. I just have so many good things to say about fiber.
Fiber expands when it goes through your system, causing you to feel less hungry. It also helps to “scrub” the fats from foods and carry them through your digestive tract. Taking a fiber pill can improve your heart health as well as lower your risk of diabetes. It can even help prevent some types of cancer.
Now, the thing about fiber is this. Most fruits and veggies contain a fair amount of fiber. The good news is that the calories that come from fiber… are you ready for it?… don’t count. They’re not absorbed by your body and they just pass right on through. What that means for you is that you can fill up on broccoli, spinach and other fiber-rich foods without feeling guilty.
What it also means is that you’re going to have to make a choice. Would it be better for your lifestyle if you were to eat your fiber? Or do you think taking a pill will suffice? Either way, fiber’s really, really good for you.
Probiotics
Here’s one that I haven’t mentioned yet: probiotics. Within your gut there live many trillions of little microorganisms. Don’t worry – they’re the good guys. Sometimes, though, these little guys get out of balance, and that impacts the way you digest your food. Taking a probiotic can help, and in improving your digestion you also improve your weight loss efforts.
Probiotics are thought to also help speed your metabolism and reduce your overall body fat. You’ll find probiotics in foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, but you can also find them in weight loss pill form.
Any weight loss supplement that motivates you
No, it’s not a cop out. It’s true. I mentioned earlier that sometimes weight loss pills are little more than placebos. That’s okay! If taking a weight loss pill inspires you to make good choices and move your body, then by all means, go for it!
11. Famous people who have used or use weight loss pills
Just in case you’re curious (because I was), I’ve decided to add a little section in here about celebrities who use weight loss pills. After all, most celebs are skinny, right? So what are they doing to keep them un-fat?
Selena Gomez
It’s just a rumor, and it may have been invented by the Garcinia cambogia people. But rumor has it that this skinny little pop star takes Garcinia cambogia fruit to keep her weight down. However, it’s clear from those arms that the woman works out, too.
anessa Hudgens
This singer-slash-actress swears by a blend of ginger root, fennel seeds, lemongrass and caffeine to keep her slim and trim. Follow her on Instagram and you’ll see what I mean. It’s like she can’t stop talking about it.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj isn’t one of those celebs who’s all skin and bones. She’s got curves and looks very healthy. Minaj claims to rely on a blend of oolong tea, yerba mate and green tea to maintain a healthy weight.
Snooki
Here’s another one who’s healthy, not skeletal. Snooki says she uses a product that contains ingredients like guarana seed extract, yerba mate, kola extract, Asian ginseng and caffeine.
The Kardashians
Love them or hate them, the Kardashians are gorgeous. They use a product that contains ingredients like lemon juice, stevia, green tea, garcinia cambogia, rooibos and oolong.
That, of course, is just a handful of the hundreds of celebrities who have lost weight. There are tons of stories out there – just do a Google search and you’ll see what I mean! That said, it’s hard to separate fact from fiction, so I’ll leave you to formulate your own opinions.
12. Where to buy weight loss pills around the world
Alright. So now that I’ve given you the ins and outs of what is and is not legal, you’re probably wondering where you can get your hands on some good weight loss pills. That, of course, depends on which pills you would like to use. But here’s a run down of where to buy weight loss pills around the world.
Note of caution
In today’s digital age, it’s becoming easier and easier to find stuff online. But that doesn’t mean that everything you have access to is legal in your area. If you have any doubt about the legality of a particular supplement then please, for the love of radishes, look it up! The last thing you want is to be locked in the slammer because you bought an illegal supplement. Look. It. Up.
Furthermore, if you buy weight loss pills online please make sure it’s from a reputable source. Check reviews and all that jazz because, folks, you’ll be putting this into your body.
Finally, let’s say this one more time. Just because it’s herbal doesn’t mean it’s safe. (Have I mentioned that?) Any weight loss pill you take has the potential to interact dangerously with your health conditions, your body or your medications. That definitely includes herbal weight loss pills. Check with your doctor before you take any type of pill.
Alright. So where can fat people get their chubby hands on some weight loss pills? Here we go.
Online
In my little caveat, I made it clear that you can buy weight loss pills online. You can do this through individual suppliers and manufacturers, or you can visit the bigger sites like Walmart, GNC and others. Always be sure you check the company out and only buy from reputable sources.
Again, make sure the product you’re buying is legal in your country. For instance, there are weight loss pills available in China that aren’t legal for people in, say, the UK or the United States. Check first.
From individual sellers
I don’t recommend buying your weight loss pills from literal individual sellers. You never really know what you’re going to end up with. What I mean instead is that you can buy herbal weight loss pills directly from the growers themselves.
All around the world there are suppliers who grow herbs for the big manufacturers. However, these growers frequently operate little side businesses where they sell direct to the consumer. You can actually save a lot of money this way, so do consider it!
From the multi-level marketing people
You don’t like them, I don’t like them. They’re those people who can’t speak three sentences without mentioning their “awesome new product” or their “incredible opportunity.” However, the multi-level marketing people do sell weight loss pills. And because they’re technically working for themselves, they may be able to offer you a discount, or some sort of loyalty rewards program.
Want to know how to find these people? Just go on social media and search the name of the weight loss pill you want. These folks will come crawling out of the woodwork like insects to try to sell you something.
Big box stores and grocery stores
Pretty much every country on the planet has a chain of big box stores. If not, you’ve certainly got grocery stores that offer a bit of everything. In the US and elsewhere there’s Walmart. In the UK there’s ASDA and Tesco. In India there’s Big Bazaar.
These stores sell weight loss pills, and sometimes at a discounted price than what you may find online or in specialty shops. Which brings me to…
Specialty shops
No matter where you live, if you’re reading this you probably have a GNC. The company operates in 85 countries across the globe and is one of the most well known names in supplement sales. And while I’m certainly not advocating or condemning purchases at GNC, I’m using it as an example to define “specialty shops.”
Stores like these have an advantage: knowledgeable staff. In just about every store you go to you’re going to find a staffer who’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. But for the most part, staff at specialty shops know what they’re talking about and can help you choose a product. More so than, say, at the grocery store.
Natural and organic foods stores
If you’re looking for herbal weight loss pills or products like apple cider vinegar, check with your local natural foods store. It helps if you go into these stores knowing exactly what you’re looking for, as the labels on homeopathics and herbals aren’t always the most descriptive.
In addition to buying your weight loss pills at your natural food store, go ahead and pick up some nice local produce and some wild caught salmon!
Before you buy
I know, I know. I’ve already said this. But before you buy, please make sure that what you’re buying is safe and legal. You’ll also probably want to run it by your doctor, particularly if you’re taking meds or have any health conditions. With that said, go to town!
Conclusion
So there you have it! The fat man’s guide to weight loss pills. I hope I’ve helped you a bit in navigating the confusing health shop shelves. Remember to always, always talk to your doctor before you start taking any type of pill, especially if you’re on prescription medication.
Whether you choose an appetite suppressant, a fat blocker or any other type of weight loss pill, keep in mind what I’ve said: weight lokk pills aren’t miracles in a bottle. They’re a great way to supplement a healthy diet and some regular exercise. But you can’t rely solely on the pills to get un-fat.
Good luck; I hope you find the right pill to suit your lifestyle!