After undergoing a 6 year trial period with over 10,000 patients participating in testing, Reductil (sibutramine) has been banned by the European Medicines Agency. This drug was one of the most commonly prescribed weight loss medications, although it is now thought to increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. In the UK, Reductil, consisting of the active ingredient sibutramine, has been reported to cause 17 deaths and more than 1100 cases of side effects in people who were prescribed this medication by their doctors. The UK Medicines Regulatory Agency has now stated that “the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes far outweigh any other benefits experienced while taking this drug”. Anyone who has currently been prescribed Reductil should consult their doctor for more information.

Xenical (Orlistat) is a popular oral prescription medication used for treating clinical obesity. Xenical is generally recommended to be taken in conjunction with a holistic weight loss program that also includes conventional anti-obesity methods such as exercise and dieting and behavioural modification therapy. Xenical is unique because unlike other diet drugs it does not produce its effects within the brain or in the central nervous system. This lipase inhibitor blocks the absorption of 1/3 of dietary fats in the digestive system to prevent weight gain. Xenical is clinically proven safe and effective for weight loss.

Alli is one of the first over the counter weight loss pills to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007. Alli is available in the form of 60 mg tablets in 60 or 90 tablets starter packs and a 120 tablets refill pack. Like Xenical, Alli too consists of the active ingredient Orlistat. However, Alli is a half the strength of Xenical and so that it can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. Alli is currently considered safe for long-term use.