Being slim or thin does not make one healthy. But of course, being overweight or obese is not healthy either. For those who have trouble losing the excess pounds, the use of weight loss pills is the preferred and convenient option. The said pills are supposed to help a person lose weight by reducing the appetite and preventing the absorption of fat into the body. Weight loss pills are very helpful since not all people have the time and interest to got to the gym regularly.

There are two basic types of weight loss pills available in the market today, prescription pills and the non-prescription pills. Prescription pills are those diet pills that are closely regulated and required by the FDA. These pills have been proven effective through several clinical tests. Such prescription pills include the popular Xenical (Orlistat) and Meridia (Sibutramine). These drugs must be prescribed by a doctor before a weight watcher can actually purchase and use them. On the other hand, non-prescription weight loss pills can be purchased over the counter even without doctor's approval. Examples of these non-prescription include products from Herbalife and Metabolife which are classified as fat burners, stackers, herbal weight loss pills, and diet supplements.

Not all people benefit from taking these weight loss pills. These prescription weight loss pills are naturally designed to mainly treat obesity, unlike “cosmetic" weight loss, or those who just want to lose a few pounds. In fact, weight loss pills can be effective under certain circumstances. Our body tends to adjust rather quickly to the effects of these weight loss pills so there is also a possibility that the benefits might decrease as time passes.

Taking such diet pills can be complicated since the person has to check if this particular diet pill would be effective, or if it is even FDA-approved. It is important to know the dosage and safety precautions for each brand of diet pill. It is important to ask your physician for a thorough explanation on the pills' possible side effects and health risks.

It would be better and safer to lose pounds by having a regular routine exercise, together with the consumption of a healthy diet. There are several different weight loss diet programs that have become very popular. Some of the more well-known diet programs are Atkin's diet, Sonoma diet, South Beach diet, and the Mediterranean diet.

In summary, a serious weight watcher must see to it that the use of weight loss pills is complemented by regular exercise and consumption of healthy food. It is not right to expect dramatic weight loss by just using pills. Stored fat in the body can only be eliminated through exercise. The other alternative – liposuction --- is not only expensive and painful, it may also entail serious health risks since it is an invasive medical procedure. Through exercise, the body literally sweats away and burns excess fat. The body also adjusts and metabolism rates increase. With increased metabolism, the body works faster and harder in burning excess fat. Aside from the fat-burning effects of exercise, regular workouts also make a person feel good and confident. Of course, proper eating habits should be observed because the fat that is lost through exercise must not be regained because of excessive eating.