11 of the Top Weight Loss Pills in 2020: Do They Really Work?

Type "weight loss pill" in the Amazon search bar and you'll get over 2000 results…

But are there any weight loss pills that actually work?

Well, there are a few things you need to know about weight loss pills before parting with your hard-earned cash.

• Only five prescription drugs are FDA-approved for weight loss.
• The vast majority of weight loss pills aren't approved or tested on humans before entering the market.
• There are natural ingredients backed by food safety authorities for weight loss effectiveness, like the dietary fiber glucomannan.
• We've created this guide to help you decide whether a weight loss pill is the right option for your needs.

First up, why consider a weight loss pill?

These days, many people find their extra weight causing issues around health, sex life, self-esteem, and general wellbeing. We've written before about how dieting isn't necessarily an effective way to lose weight.

Instead, enduring lifestyle changes are required. Weight loss pills have become a sought-after method to lose weight. However, like with dieting, there are caveats.

Many unproven products have entered the marketplace, making it crucial to understand the science before making a purchase.

Here's a list of some of the best weight loss pills in 2020 (updated slightly from our 2019 list):

1. LeanBean: This appetite suppressant weight loss pill is built around a 3g daily dose of glucomannan, the dietary fibre approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for weight loss, and by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its beneficial physiological effects.
   
   It claims to suppress appetite, beat cravings, and provide a suite of vitamins and minerals to support metabolism and amplify your weight loss results. With positive reviews across the board and professional athletes counted among their customer base, this OTC option has some genuine credibility when it comes to claims.
   
2. Meratrim is a diet pill built on a combination of two plant extracts, both of which support the metabolism of fat cells in your body. It claims to make it harder for fat cells to multiply, and to lower the amount of fat picked up from your bloodstream. Meratrim is also backed by evidence from randomized, double-blind studies that linked it to greater body weight loss than placebo - a good vote of confidence for any supplement.
   
3. alli is an over-the-counter version of Orlistat, a weight loss drug also available by prescription under the name of Xenical. This drug works by preventing the digestion of fat, resulting in lower fat absorption and greater weight loss results. Because of the way the drug works, it's linked with gastrointestinal side effects - when you're prescribed this, your doctor would explain the risks and supervise your treatment progress. It's good to be aware of this reality if you buy alli over-the-counter instead.
   
4. Powher Fat Burner for Women is manufactured by the same company who make Leanbean, and has received similar plaudits from reviewers and customers alike. This newcomer to the diet pill scene is built around 3g of glucomannan, the dietary fibre that expands when exposed to fluid, and helps promote feelings of fullness as a result. The Powher Fat Burner is designed to stack with their pre-workout, sleep, and nootropic supplements to provide a holistic lifestyle boost.
   
5. Orlistat is an FDA-approved prescription weight-loss pill that helps people reduce weight when taken alongside diet and exercise. We covered alli earlier, and although they're the same drug, Orlistat isn't available OTC in most countries. This medication reduces the absorption of fat by inhibiting lipase, the enzyme involved in fat breakdown. This means that the food you eat will leave less fat in your body. As a prescription drug, medical supervision is recommended when taking Orlistat, as it is linked with gastrointestinal side effects.
   
6. Contrave comprises a combination of naltrexone and bupropion which helps decrease appetite, as well as curbing hunger and food cravings. The drug is also used to treat weight-related health conditions including diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.
   
7. Boombod is a weight loss shot drink with 3g of glucomannan per daily dose: One each in your Morning Energizer, Afternoon Motivator, and Night Rejuvenator portions. This format is novel, and many people who are uncomfortable swallowing pills will enjoy being able to drink their weight loss supplement. There are several flavors available, all offering an unobtrusive and easy-to-take diet solution.
   
8. Qsymia is a prescription weight loss drug, which is a combination of phentermine and topiramate in an extended-release capsule. When taken as directed the drug helps to suppress appetite and is used to treat obesity. The drug is not recommended for pregnant women and people with an overactive thyroid, glaucoma, heart diseases, kidney stones, liver diseases, depression, and seizures.
   
9. Saxenda is another prescription diet pill, and is the trade name for the drug Liraglutide. This injectable medicine may not be as appealing to take as a simple capsule, but it's helped lots of people to lose weight and, more importantly, to keep it off. As a prescription medicine, Saxenda is targeted to people with a BMI of 27 or above. It's designed to be used with a reduced-calorie meal plan and higher physical activity and should be used under medical supervision.
   
10. Cellucor Super HD Ultimate Thermogenic Fat Burner is another leading brand in the weight loss supplement industry. It is enriched with caffeine, capsimax cayenne and DygloFit fruit extracts which promotes healthy blood glucose levels alongside weight reduction. Other key ingredients like Zebrine and BioPerine improve mood, cognitive function, and healthy absorption of nutrients from food.
    
11. Lipozene is a diet pill with only one active ingredient. We've sung the praises of glucomannan elsewhere in this list, and while other supplements back it up with vitamins, minerals, and extracts to encourage weight loss and metabolism, Lipozene only includes glucomannan. A great choice for people who want a simple supplement that doesn't require too much research to understand.

That rounds off our list of the eleven best diet pills in 2020. We've covered a range of options including everything from over the counter appetite suppressants to prescription weight loss drugs, meaning there should be something to appeal to everyone. For an even more comprehensive list of weight loss supplements check out this feature on Medical Daily.

Now let's answer a few questions people have about diet pills…

Are prescription weight loss drugs safe?

Yes, prescription weight loss drugs are generally safe when prescribed by a medical professional to treat obesity, so long as they are taken as directed, and when used under supervision.

However, because these drugs are stronger than the ingredients found in weight loss supplements, there's a greater risk of side effects. A lot of prescription weight loss drugs carry the risk of gastrointestinal complaints, due to the way the chemicals work in your body.

It's worth adding that before drugs can be prescribed for human use, they must pass through multiple rounds of rigorous testing to ensure their efficacy and safety. When your doctor prescribes you a drug you can rest assured that it's been tested in lab settings and approved for use by the FDA and other regulatory bodies. Natural weight loss pills do not go through the same regulatory process meaning manufacturer claims can often be unsubstantiated.

Prescription weight loss drugs are a more drastic step than over-the-counter drugs or weight loss supplements, and by definition, they are better suited to those who have medically concerning obesity problems or associated health conditions.

You should never attempt to source or take prescription weight loss drugs without being prescribed by a qualified health professional.

Do OTC weight loss supplements actually work?

The answer to this question is yes and no, over the counter weight loss supplements can work for certain people, but more often than not they only yield benefits alongside exercise and dieting.

Given the fact that you can't take weight loss drugs without a prescription, many people turn to OTC supplements instead.

These natural weight loss pills are unregulated by the FDA, and whilst there is significant hype and marketing budgets talking up fad ingredients like raspberry ketones and apple cider vinegar, evidence for these substances is still limited and extends only to a handful of animal studies.

When deciding to take an OTC weight loss supplement, you need to do your research. In order to understand what ingredients are in your chosen supplement, what their claimed effects are and whether there's any strong evidence they work or not.

Also check that the dosage of the ingredient in your supplement aligns with the doses used in the research studies. Glucomannan, for example, relies on a 3g daily dose to be effective, according to the EFSA. This means that a supplement with a 1g daily dose probably won't do much.

Research into other natural fat burners is ongoing and different ingredients receive different levels of approval over time.

Recently, carnitine and white kidney bean have received tentative approval from the NIH for their contributions to weight loss. Glucomannan, which we've mentioned, has received solid approval from the EFSA for "weight loss in the context of an energy-restricted diet."

Remember there are very few natural weight loss ingredients that have regulatory backing. Information online is a good place to start, and if you prioritize supplements built around the latest science, you'll have better luck.

Conclusion

In short, there are a number of prescription diet pills and natural weight loss supplements that might help you burn more fat when taken as directed. However, there are pros and cons with all of these options and few of them are likely to be effective on their own.

The key drivers of weight loss are exercise, a healthy diet, and a lifestyle that sees you burning more calories throughout the day than you consume.

Weight loss supplements worth their salt acknowledge this fact, and claim to be supplements to support a healthy lifestyle rather than magic bullets that will melt off the fat with little to no effort.

If you see this ‘miracle cure' messaging from any brand, give them a wide berth.

And if you're considering prescription weight loss drugs, you must speak with a qualified medical professional about your concerns. They'll be able to evaluate you medically and determine whether these medicines are appropriate for your needs.

To find out more, check out our articles about losing weight fast, and common weight loss mistakes to avoid.