Tens of millions of people in America are dieting at any given point of time. This was highlighted in a report in 1995 from the Institute of Medicine. And not just dieting, these Americans are spending more than $33 billion yearly on weight reduction products, such weight loss programs, diet foods, diet drinks and different weight loss pills.

Even though the figures show that people are getting aware about the fact that obesity can cause a lot of health problems and it is important to lose that extra weight, studies over the last two decades show that obesity in America is actually on the rise. Approximately 31 percent of men and 35 percent of women age 20 and above are considered obese. This is an increase from 25 percent men and 30 percent women in 1980 respectively.

The trend is disturbing and more needs to be done to control obesity especially in the developed worlds. According to a definition in a report “obesity is a complex, multi factorial disease of appetite regulation and energy metabolism.” Obesity should be treated like a disease and should be cured seriously like any other disease.

Over the years many prescription and non prescription weight loss pills have flooded the market. Most of these weight loss pills are non prescription pills and do not need any FDA approvals. Most of them are available over the counter. There ingredients are clearly mentioned therefore it is not considered a very safe option. These weight loss pills could have some serious side effects.

Experts on obesity believe that most of these weight loss pills definitely help in losing weight for a short time period. But what is needed is to maintain that weight loss for a life time.

Most of these weight loss pills like Meridia, Ionamin, Phentermine or Hoodia diet pills are prescription diet pills. They should not be taken without doctor’s prescription. Most of these weight loss pills are appetite suppressants or fat blockers. They too are prescribed for a short period of time as they have serious side effects if used for a prolonged period. Though these prescription diet pills are approved by the FDA, they should not be used for cosmetic purpose.

Losing weight sensibly and safely requires a multifaceted approach that includes setting reasonable weight-loss goals, changing eating habits, and getting adequate exercise. Appetite suppressants (diet pills) or other products may help some people over the short term, but they are not a substitute for adopting healthful eating habits over the long term.