Currently, orlistat is the only drug solely prescribed as a weight loss aid. It sold without a prescription under the brand name Alli. It works to prevent the absorption of fats from food.

The fats pass through the digestive system unchanged, which results in loose stools and other gastrointestinal side effects. The side effects are minimized by consuming foods low in fat. The manufacture clearly states that Alli treatment involves aversion therapy. People who take the drug eventually realize that the unpleasant side effects are caused by eating fatty foods. In order to avoid the side effects, they avoid the foods. That’s how aversion therapy works.

Since May of 2010, Alli packages are required to include a safety warning concerning the potential for severe liver injury. The inclusion of the warning is due to adverse reactions reported to the FDA by medical doctors. To date, there have been 30 cases of liver damage and six cases of liver failure associated with the use of Alli.

The FDA approved diet pills for diabetes patients are accompanied by similar risks. Nearly all prescription drugs have the potential to do damage to the patients liver, since all drugs are metabolized in the liver. In addition to the drugs, there are numerous dietary supplements marketed as weight loss aids. Dietary supplements are not regulated in the same way as prescription drugs. So, none of them are FDA approved diet pills. But, the Administration does investigate company claims on occasion.

They also receive reports of adverse health effects related to dietary supplements, just as they do with drugs. Reports of numerous adverse events may lead to bans or recalls. In 2004, the Administration banned all weight loss aids containing ephedra. However, ephedra is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, primarily as a nasal decongestant. The adverse effects associated with ephedra use include high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

In 2009, some of the popular Hydroxycut products were recalled due to an FDA warning that linked the dietary supplements to liver damage, kidney failure due to muscle damage and at least one death. The manufacturer, Health Sciences Inc, makes a variety of nutritional formulas that are not believed to be accompanied by adverse reactions.

There may soon be some FDA approved diet pills that contain resveratrol or other nutrient-based ingredients. Resveratrol is already being sold as a dietary supplement.

Research is still ongoing concerning the antioxidant’s potential for conditions ranging from diabetes to cancer. In the most recent studies, scientists concluded that resveratrol has affects on genes similar to those of calorie restriction, which could result in life extension.

Diet and exercise are currently the only medically accepted treatments for anything other than severe obesity. Even FDA approved diet pills should be used with caution. Adverse effects should be reported to your doctor.