In trying to find the best way to cope with weight gain, there are a variety of OTC weight loss aids for women. To truly experience any benefits from any diet and weight loss drugs or pills, the dieter must follow a healthy diet and exercise plan. OTC weight loss aids for women also include weight loss supplements, such as the popular Dexatrim.
Studies have been conducted on the OTC weight loss aids that women tend to use and an array of disturbing side effects have been uncovered. Most of the reactions to OTC weight loss aids have been credited to the ingredient, ephedrine, which is also referred to as ephedra. Although this is a natural substance that is extracted from a plant, it does not mean that it is completely safe to use.
OTC weight loss aids for women have been known to create an increase in energy, which has also resulted in feelings of anxiety. Light headedness, feeling faint, decreased appetite, as well as the feeling of restlessness and hyperactivity may occur. On top of these side effects, physical changes may be experienced, such as an increase in heart rate, sweating and blood pressure. You may feel more thirsty than usual and your heart may beat at a faster pace. Even though it is stated that these effects are rather normal while using OTC weight loss aids, they should not be ignored.
A ban of OTC weight loss aids using ephedra was implemented in 2003 because of the rising concern and evidence of the danger of this drug. More than 155 deaths in the form of cardiac arrests and stokes are attributed to ephedrine products. OTC weight loss aids can affect blood pressure, metabolism, as well as the overall health of a woman. Sometimes a dependency on the weight loss drug is created. The OTC weight loss aids can also interfere with the effectiveness of other medications. Sometimes these sorts of OTC weight loss aids are recommended for women that are severely overweight, but are only meant to be used for a short period of time.
This year, voting took place to offer an OTC weight loss aid that currently can only be acquired with a prescription. It is the hope of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare to offer a nonprescription version of orlistat, which is offered as the prescription weight-loss pill called Xenical. Final approval from the FDA will set these hopes in motion. Studies and clinical trials lasting six months for this proposed OTC weight loss aid concluded that overweight individuals taking orlistat were able to lose an average of about 5-6 pounds more that when taking a dummy pill.
