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This article previously mentioned Belviq, a diet pill. In February 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that manufacturers and stockists remove Belviq from the U.S. market
. This is due to an increased number of cancer cases in people who took Belviq compared with a placebo. People taking Belviq should stop using the pill and talk with their healthcare provider about alternative weight management strategies.
When it comes to weight loss, there is no shortage of pills, drinks, and supplements claiming to help the weight fall off. But do weight loss pills help, and are they safe?
The best weight loss pills may contain one or more active ingredients intended to increase fat burning, decrease appetite, or reduce absorption of fat.
Not all weight loss pills and supplements are created equal. Certain pills may cause unpleasant side effects while others may not be proven to result in weight loss.
We will look at the following nine weight loss pills and supplements:
Alli (orlistat)
caffeine
glucomannan
garcinia cambogia extract
pyruvate
green tea extract
conjugated linoleic acid
Hydroxycut
prescription weight loss pills
Alli (orlistat)
Alli (orlistat)
Alli is the brand name for the drug orlistat. It is one of the most popular weight loss pills.
Orlistat is available as a prescription drug and also sold over the counter. It works by preventing the body from breaking down of some of the fat that people eat. When the intestines absorb less fat, weight loss may occur.
A review of 11 studies indicated that orlistat might increase weight loss by a small amount. The review found that those who took orlistat lost an average of 2.9 percent more weight than those who did not take the drug.
Orlistat may cause a change in bowel habits. People taking orlistat may experience side effects, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and difficulty controlling bowel movements.
2. Caffeine
2. Caffeine
caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. It is also often added to diet pills and supplements.
According to a study of 76 obese adults, people who had high caffeine intake saw a greater reduction in fat mass, weight circumference, and overall weight compared to those who had low caffeine intake.
Side effects of caffeine include jitteriness, increased heart rate, and trouble sleeping.
3. Glucomannan
3. Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a type of fiber supplement. It works by absorbing water in the gut, leading to a feeling of fullness that may prompt people to eat less.
Studies appear to be conflicting on whether glucomannan can aid in weight loss, however.
of 176 people indicated that glucomannan contributed to weight loss in healthy, overweight adults.
However, a more recent review of randomized control trials indicated that glucomannan did not appear to result in significant weight loss.
For those who do take glucomannan, side effects may include gas, diarrhea, and stomach pain
4. Garcinia cambogia extract
4. Garcinia cambogia extract
Garcinia cambogia is a fruit that contains hydroxycitric acid, which is thought to help weight loss.
Garcinia cambogia extract contains the juices from this small fruit and is available as a weight loss pill. Garcinia cambogia may inhibit or prevent a fat-producing enzyme called citric acid lyase.
There is little scientific evidence to support the use of this extract to help with weight loss. According to one report
, the effectiveness of the extract in long-term clinical trials and large-scale studies has not been proven.
Although garcinia cambogia extract may not aid in weight loss, it does not appear to cause many side effects when taken in reasonable doses. The report above also indicated that adverse effects did not occur with a dietary dosage of up to 2,800 milligrams (mg) per day.
5. Pyruvate
5. Pyruvate
The body produces pyruvate when it breaks down sugar. Pyruvate is also sold as a supplement to assist with weight loss by helping break down fat and boosting metabolism.
According to the National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements, pyruvate may have some effects on weight loss. Existing studies are weak, so results are not conclusive.
Side effects of pyruvate include gas and bloating.
6. Green tea extract
6. Green tea extract
Many diet pills contain green tea because it may increase the body’s ability to burn fat, and especially fat in the stomach area.
Although more evidence is needed, some research indicates that drinks containing green tea extract may promote the loss of fat around the stomach area. The increase in fat loss may also result in modest weight loss.
Although green tea extract is usually well tolerated, it can cause stomach pain, constipation, and nausea.
7. Conjugated linoleic acid
7. Conjugated linoleic acid
Conjugated linoleic acid is a type of fatty acid found mostly in beef and dairy. It has been marketed as one of the best weight loss pills for its potential to boost metabolism and decrease appetite.
However, the majority of the studies on conjugated linoleic acid leading to weight loss have been carried out on animals. According to a review of research, weight loss appears to be minimal in human studies.
Conjugated linoleic acid appears to be safe in doses of up to 6 grams per day for up to 12 months. Possible side effects include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or constipation. It may not be suitable for people who have diabetes.
8. Hydroxycut
8. Hydroxycut
Hydroxycut is a popular dietary supplement. There are different Hydroxycut products, which contain various ingredients. Hydroxycut products typically contain plant extracts and caffeine, although caffeine-free versions of the supplement are also available.
There are no studies that review Hydroxycut specifically. Caffeine, which has been studied, may contribute to small amounts of weight loss.
Since the ingredients of Hydroxycut vary, it is difficult to state the possible side effects. Hydroxycut supplements that contain caffeine may cause nervousness and increased heart rate.
Hydroxycut is considered a supplement and does not go through the same rigorous testing as drugs to determine its safety.
9. Prescription weight loss pills
Certain weight loss pills are only available through a doctor’s prescription. Although there are various pills on the market, most weight loss medications work by making it harder to absorb dietary fat or by suppressing the appetite.
A common weight loss pill is Qsymia.
Prescription pills may lead to some weight loss, but they can have side effects. Depending on the prescription, side effects of weight loss pills can include stomach pain, dry mouth, and diarrhea.
Takeaway
When it comes to the best weight loss pills, it appears there is no magic bullet. Although some of the diet pills and supplements mentioned above may contribute to weight loss, the amounts are usually modest.
Caffeine, green tea extract, and orlistat appear to have the most research to back up their claims.
Some weight loss pills can also lead to side effects, with the most common being stomach discomfort and changes in bowel movements.
Dietary supplements do not face the same scrutiny as drugs that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so their safety is not always fully understood. Before taking any supplement for weight loss, it is best to talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
The best bet for people trying to lose weight is to reduce portion size, eat lean protein and veggies, and get regular exercise.
What to know about marijuana (cannabis) and multiple sclerosis
What to know about marijuana (cannabis) and multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a degenerative condition that affects the nerves in the central nervous system. There is currently no cure. Marijuana (cannabis) may be useful for treating several symptoms of the condition.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a serious and lifelong condition that causes a range of symptoms.
In people with MS, the immune system is overactive and causes damage to cells in the brain, spinal cord, or optic nerves that make up the central nervous system.
Marijuana, which is also known as cannabis, is now legal in many areas of the United States.
The term “cannabis” is preferable to marijuana, as the latter term has racist roots and connotations.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society supports the use of medical cannabis for people with MS in some instances and where it is lawful.
According to a 2018 review
, cannabis products were generally well-tolerated, and serious adverse effects were rare. However, adverse effects may occur, and cannabis may not be suitable for everyone.
More research is necessary before the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) can approve its use for MS.
Benefits of cannabis for MS
The chemicals in cannabis have different effects on the body, some of which can be medicinal.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the primary chemicals in cannabis, and it has psychoactive properties that cause the “high” of the drug. Conversely, a compound called cannabidiol (CBD) does not have psychoactive effects. There are many other components of cannabis, but most research to date has focused on these two.
THC may increase appetite, reduce nausea, and improve muscle control issues.
CBD may be useful for controlling some types of epileptic seizures and is a promising option for some mental health conditions such as social anxiety and PTSD.
CBD is also a promising option for helping with pain and spasticity.
More evidence is needed to determine the therapeutic potential of CBD and to determine safe and effective dosages for each use.
People should check on their local laws before using cannabis or cannabis products.
Seek guidance from a healthcare provider, if possible, before using any CBD products.
May help muscle control
In a 2012 study in the UK, researchers gave 279 people with MS either an oral extract of cannabis or a placebo for 12 weeks. The extract was taken from Cannabis sativa L and the main cannabinoid was THC.
The researchers found that people in the cannabis group experienced almost twice as much relief from muscle stiffness.
A 2014 systematic review
published by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) found strong evidence to support the use of cannabis-based treatments for MS-related muscle problems.
This review found that oral cannabis extract (OCE) does help with muscle spasms, while THC probably does not help.
A 2010 analysis of three studies (666 participants in total) on the use of nabiximol (Sativex), a cannabinoid-derived mouth spray, by people with MS and spasticity found that it reduced subjective spasticity.
looked at 11 reviews of cannabis and cannabinoids’ use in treating symptoms of MS. Five of the 11 reviews concluded that there is enough evidence that cannabis can help with muscle spasticity.
Can relieve pain
looked at the effect of smoking cannabis on the symptoms of MS. The researchers found that smoking cannabis led to more pain reduction than a placebo.
In another 2012 study, people with MS who took a THC oral cannabis extract had a more significant reduction in pain than those who received a placebo.
If someone with MS experiences aches in their muscles and joints, topical CBD could help.
on a rat with induced arthritis found that topical CBD, applied for four consecutive days, significantly reduced joint swelling and inflammation.
While cannabis appears to help
relieve pain in some people with MS, there is not yet enough research to know which form or balance of CBD and THC is most effective.
There are not enough studies on CBD, taken orally, to prove its effects on pain relief.
Could help with bladder problems
Scientists conducted a trial
to investigate the use of the oral cannabis extract nabiximols (Sativex) for bladder dysfunction.
They gave the participants either the extract or a placebo for 10 weeks.
The results were not statistically significant, but they indicated that cannabis might improve the symptoms of bladder problems in people with MS.
The 2014 AAN review
also found evidence to suggest that oral cannabis extract is likely to be effective for treating these issues.
Other symptoms
Cannabis is unlikely to be beneficial for reducing tremors, another primary symptom of MS.
The 2014 AAN review
found that the existing evidence did not support the use of cannabis to reduce tremors in people with MS. However, it is still possible that cannabis might be useful for the treatment of tremors in people with conditions other than MS.
Guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology for people with MS state that oral cannabis extracts, synthetic THC, and oral cannabis sprays are likely to be effective for treating some MS symptoms. They note that it is unclear whether smoking cannabis may also be beneficial.
Risks
Taking cannabis for MS may not always be appropriate, and there may be side effects.
Possible side effects include:
confusion and possibly paranoia
problems with thinking and reasoning
nausea and vomiting
dry mouth and eyes
sedation
increased hunger
problems with balance and coordination
a raised heart rate
Smoking cannabis can also damage the lungs.
THC can have psychoactive and other unwanted effects, but combining it with CBD may reduce
these effects.
Types and forms of cannabis for MS
There are many different strains and forms of cannabis, and some may be more helpful than others.
Depending on legality, medical professionals may suggest different types of cannabis medications.
One such medication, Dronabinol
, is a capsule made of synthetic THC. The other, nabiximols (Sativex), is a mouth spray comprised of THC and CBD extracts.
If a person lives in a state where medical cannabis is legal, they can obtain a medical card allowing the use of a variety of cannabis products.
If a person lives in a state where recreational cannabis is legal, those products may be available without a medical card.
Licensed dispensaries sell cannabis products to the public in states where medical and recreational cannabis is legal.
Dispensaries carry a variety of cannabis products such as:
dry cannabis flower
edibles such as candy, drinks, and cookies
oils
There are many different strains of cannabis to choose from. Each cannabis strain may have a different percentage of THC and CBD, which can determine its effects.
Cannabis strains also have a variety of terpenes, or aromatic compounds, which may determine its effects.
that it may be important to get the right combination of THC and CBD, as CBD might help reduce some of the negative effects of THC. Experts still don’t know which combination is best.
identified cannabis strains that were reported as preferred by participants using medical cannabis for various conditions that caused chronic pain.
There were 2,032 patients in the survey. They ranged in age from 9 to 85 years old. Only 1,839 participants revealed their ethnicities, of which 90.5% self-identified as Caucasian, 3.1% Metis, 3% Aboriginal/First Nation, 1.8% South Asian, 1.7% Asian, 1.2% Black, 1.2% Hispanic, and 1.8% other.
Participants using cannabis to help with chronic pain preferred strains such as:
OG Shark
Pink Kush
CBD House Blend
Skywalker
Warlock
Jack Herer
Master Kush
Around 2.2% of participants reported treating their MS with medical cannabis. The survey does not say what specific strains those people preferred.
Note that these preferred cannabis strains came from user reports and not clinical trials. More research is needed to confirm that these products are safe and effective to use with MS.
Cannabis strains may affect everyone differently. Speak with a healthcare provider, if possible, to determine a suitable strain.
Legal status
Cannabis is not legal in all states.
So far, the FDA
has only approved one cannabis-derived drug, Epidiolex, to treat some people with a specific kind of epilepsy.
The FDA has approved three
synthetic cannabis products, but not for use with MS. More research is necessary to confirm the effectiveness and safety of cannabis extracts before the FDA can approve them for MS.
A person should speak to their doctor about whether cannabis is legal and suitable for them to use and how to obtain an appropriate product.
Summary
Cannabis may be beneficial for people with MS.
Scientific evidence suggests that it can lessen pain, muscle problems, and bladder issues. Additional, larger-scale clinical studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
The long-term safety of treatment with this drug needs more research. It is not yet clear which form of cannabis is likely to be most beneficial. Any treatment containing THC may have some psychoactive effects.
People should speak with their doctor before deciding to use cannabis for MS. Their doctor can help them weigh the costs and benefits of the treatment and determine whether it is safe and suitable for them.
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