Weight Management: Should I Use Over-the-Counter Diet Aids?

Weight Management: Should I Use Over-the-Counter Diet Aids?

British Columbia Specific Information

HealthLink BC, in collaboration with our partners, is reviewing our content to ensure health and weight-related messaging aligns with the evidence-base and contributes to efforts to reduce weight bias and stigma. 

Speak with your health care provider if you are concerned that your weight is affecting your health. If you have questions about or would like support with food and nutrition or call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered dietitian or qualified exercise professional. 

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Weight Management: Should I Use Over-the-Counter Diet Aids?

Get the facts

Your options

  • Use an over-the-counter diet aid to help you lose weight.
  • Get to a healthy weight by eating right and exercising.

Key points to remember

  • No over-the-counter diet aids have been proven to be both safe and effective for everyone.
  • When a diet aid does work, it's usually because the person followed the manufacturer's recommendations to follow a healthy eating plan and get more exercise while taking the supplement.
  • It's wise to talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter diet aid.
  • If a product sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Are you at a healthy weight? If you are, you're better off forgetting about weight loss. Instead, learn healthy eating and activity habits that will help you stay at a healthy weight.
FAQs

Are you at a healthy weight?

Before you consider whether to use any over-the-counter diet aid, find out if you really need to lose weight. A healthy weight is a weight that lowers your risk for health problems. For most people, body mass index (BMI) and waist size are good ways to tell if they are at a healthy weight.

If you practice healthy eating habits and are active enough to stay healthy, then weighing a few extra kilograms is not bad for your health unless you have other medical problems. On the other hand, dieting can be bad for your health. Weight-loss diets almost never work, and they can cause many people to fall into an unhealthy cycle of losing and gaining weight. This is often called yo-yo dieting.

If you are thinking about losing weight, ask your doctor whether it's a good idea for you.

What are over-the-counter diet aids?

There are many products for weight loss that you can buy without a prescription at drugstores and supermarkets and over the Internet. Many of these have never been proved to work, and those that do work usually come with warnings.

What are the risks or side effects of over-the-counter diet aids?

Long-term studies are the only way to tell if a medicine or natural health product works and is safe. And there are very few such studies of diet aids. But we know about the following risks:

  • Over-the-counter appetite suppressants shouldn't be used by people who have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or depression.
  • Appetite suppressants are only intended for use for a short time (8 to 12 weeks). But staying at a healthy weight is a lifelong effort. It is costly and possibly dangerous to depend on these medicines to control your weight for long periods of time. If you are going to use these drugs to help you lose weight, be sure to also make healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise.
  • Water-loss pills (diuretics, such as Diurex Water Caplets) only get rid of water and do not reduce the amount of fat in your body. Using water-loss pills to lose weight is not recommended and can be dangerous.
  • Many products contain 20 or more ingredients, so it's really hard to know how all the ingredients will interact with each other in your body and how they will interact with any other medicines or natural health products you are taking.
  • You shouldn't take cough or cold medicines while you take some of these diet pills. They contain some of the same medicine, and you could get too much. Ask your pharmacist if it's safe to take cold medicine with the diet pills you are taking.

Health Canada has banned the sale of ephedra (also known as ma huang) because of concerns about safety. The product has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and some deaths.

It's wise to talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter diet aid. For more information, go to Health Canada's webpage on the safe use of weight-loss products at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medical-devices/safe-use-health-products-weight-loss.html.

Why might your doctor recommend an over-the-counter diet aid?

Your doctor is not likely to recommend that you use an over-the-counter diet aid in your efforts to reach a healthy weight and stay there. The best way to get to a healthy weight and stay there is to eat right and exercise regularly.

To be safe, always talk to your doctor before using any weight-loss product.

Compare your options

Compare

What is usually involved?









What are the benefits?









What are the risks and side effects?









Use an over-the-counter diet aid Use an over-the-counter diet aid
  • You buy a diet aid at a store and follow the instructions on the package.
  • Some diet aids may help you feel less hungry so you don't eat as much.
  • There is no proof that most over-the-counter diet aids work.
  • You shouldn't use them if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or depression.
  • Using water-loss pills to lose weight can be dangerous.
Don't use an over-the-counter diet aid Don't use an over-the-counter diet aid
  • You manage your weight by eating healthy foods and getting the right amount of physical activity.
  • Learning to eat healthy foods and getting the right amount of physical activity is the best way to control your weight.
  • You avoid the possible risks and side effects of diet aids.
  • You won't lose weight unless you learn to eat healthy foods and get the right amount of physical activity.

Personal stories about using over-the-counter diet aids

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

I have a lot of weight to lose, and I want to try an over-the-counter diet aid. I'm not technically obese, but my weight is definitely not healthy. I've tried to make healthy eating and exercise work, but I think I need more help.

Nathalie, age 51

I thought about using a diet aid to help myself lose weight, but I've decided against it. I know that I'm overweight because of some bad habits I've developed. I plan to improve my eating and activity habits by taking a few small steps at a time.

Mohammed, age 32

I plan to use an over-the-counter diet aid. I talked to my doctor about it, and she wasn't too enthusiastic. But we agreed on a plan where I will check in with her often so she can monitor my progress and any side effects I may have.

Jada, age 44

I was all set to start using a diet aid, but my doctor talked me out of it. He told me how the research just doesn't support using these products, especially considering some of the possible side effects. He said changing my lifestyle habits would be better for my health in the long run.

Nadia, age 29

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to use over-the-counter diet aids

Reasons not to use over-the-counter diet aids

I'm desperate and have to try something else, even though I know that diet aids don't usually work.

I don't feel so desperate that I have to try something that I know probably won't work.

More important
Equally important
More important

I'm not worried about spending money on diet pills that may not work.

I don't want to spend money on something that I know may not work.

More important
Equally important
More important

I'm willing to have my doctor monitor my progress while I use a diet aid.

I'm not willing to have my doctor monitor my progress.

More important
Equally important
More important

I'm not worried about using natural health products that may have unknown side effects.

I'm very worried about using natural health products that may have unknown side effects.

More important
Equally important
More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important
Equally important
More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Using over-the-counter diet aids

NOT using over-the-counter diet aids

Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward

What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1, Are most diet aids safe for anyone to use?
2, Do I need to make any lifestyle changes while I'm using a diet aid?

Decide what's next

1,Do you understand the options available to you?
2,Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3,Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

Certainty

1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
2, Check what you need to do before you make this decision.

3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.

Your Summary

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Your decision 

Next steps

Which way you're leaning

How sure you are

Your comments

Your knowledge of the facts 

Key concepts that you understood

Key concepts that may need review

Getting ready to act 

Patient choices

What matters to you 

Print Summary

Credits

Credits
AuthorHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical ReviewerMartin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical ReviewerRhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Primary Medical ReviewerColleen O'Connor PhD, RD - Registered Dietitian
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Weight Management: Should I Use Over-the-Counter Diet Aids?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
  1. Get the facts
  2. Compare your options
  3. What matters most to you?
  4. Where are you leaning now?
  5. What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

  • Use an over-the-counter diet aid to help you lose weight.
  • Get to a healthy weight by eating right and exercising.

Key points to remember

  • No over-the-counter diet aids have been proven to be both safe and effective for everyone.
  • When a diet aid does work, it's usually because the person followed the manufacturer's recommendations to follow a healthy eating plan and get more exercise while taking the supplement.
  • It's wise to talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter diet aid.
  • If a product sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Are you at a healthy weight? If you are, you're better off forgetting about weight loss. Instead, learn healthy eating and activity habits that will help you stay at a healthy weight.
FAQs

Are you at a healthy weight?

Before you consider whether to use any over-the-counter diet aid, find out if you really need to lose weight. A healthy weight is a weight that lowers your risk for health problems. For most people, body mass index (BMI) and waist size are good ways to tell if they are at a healthy weight.

If you practice healthy eating habits and are active enough to stay healthy, then weighing a few extra kilograms is not bad for your health unless you have other medical problems. On the other hand, dieting can be bad for your health. Weight-loss diets almost never work, and they can cause many people to fall into an unhealthy cycle of losing and gaining weight. This is often called yo-yo dieting.

If you are thinking about losing weight, ask your doctor whether it's a good idea for you.

What are over-the-counter diet aids?

There are many products for weight loss that you can buy without a prescription at drugstores and supermarkets and over the Internet. Many of these have never been proved to work, and those that do work usually come with warnings.

What are the risks or side effects of over-the-counter diet aids?

Long-term studies are the only way to tell if a medicine or natural health product works and is safe. And there are very few such studies of diet aids. But we know about the following risks:

  • Over-the-counter appetite suppressants shouldn't be used by people who have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or depression.
  • Appetite suppressants are only intended for use for a short time (8 to 12 weeks). But staying at a healthy weight is a lifelong effort. It is costly and possibly dangerous to depend on these medicines to control your weight for long periods of time. If you are going to use these drugs to help you lose weight, be sure to also make healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise.
  • Water-loss pills (diuretics, such as Diurex Water Caplets) only get rid of water and do not reduce the amount of fat in your body. Using water-loss pills to lose weight is not recommended and can be dangerous.
  • Many products contain 20 or more ingredients, so it's really hard to know how all the ingredients will interact with each other in your body and how they will interact with any other medicines or natural health products you are taking.
  • You shouldn't take cough or cold medicines while you take some of these diet pills. They contain some of the same medicine, and you could get too much. Ask your pharmacist if it's safe to take cold medicine with the diet pills you are taking.

Health Canada has banned the sale of ephedra (also known as ma huang) because of concerns about safety. The product has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and some deaths.

It's wise to talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter diet aid. For more information, go to Health Canada's webpage on the safe use of weight-loss products at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medical-devices/safe-use-health-products-weight-loss.html.

Why might your doctor recommend an over-the-counter diet aid?

Your doctor is not likely to recommend that you use an over-the-counter diet aid in your efforts to reach a healthy weight and stay there. The best way to get to a healthy weight and stay there is to eat right and exercise regularly.

To be safe, always talk to your doctor before using any weight-loss product.

2. Compare your options

 Use an over-the-counter diet aidDon't use an over-the-counter diet aid
What is usually involved?
  • You buy a diet aid at a store and follow the instructions on the package.
  • You manage your weight by eating healthy foods and getting the right amount of physical activity.
What are the benefits?
  • Some diet aids may help you feel less hungry so you don't eat as much.
  • Learning to eat healthy foods and getting the right amount of physical activity is the best way to control your weight.
  • You avoid the possible risks and side effects of diet aids.
What are the risks and side effects?
  • There is no proof that most over-the-counter diet aids work.
  • You shouldn't use them if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or depression.
  • Using water-loss pills to lose weight can be dangerous.
  • You won't lose weight unless you learn to eat healthy foods and get the right amount of physical activity.

Personal stories

Personal stories about using over-the-counter diet aids

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"I have a lot of weight to lose, and I want to try an over-the-counter diet aid. I'm not technically obese, but my weight is definitely not healthy. I've tried to make healthy eating and exercise work, but I think I need more help."

— Nathalie, age 51

"I thought about using a diet aid to help myself lose weight, but I've decided against it. I know that I'm overweight because of some bad habits I've developed. I plan to improve my eating and activity habits by taking a few small steps at a time."

— Mohammed, age 32

"I plan to use an over-the-counter diet aid. I talked to my doctor about it, and she wasn't too enthusiastic. But we agreed on a plan where I will check in with her often so she can monitor my progress and any side effects I may have."

— Jada, age 44

"I was all set to start using a diet aid, but my doctor talked me out of it. He told me how the research just doesn't support using these products, especially considering some of the possible side effects. He said changing my lifestyle habits would be better for my health in the long run."

— Nadia, age 29

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to use over-the-counter diet aids

Reasons not to use over-the-counter diet aids

I'm desperate and have to try something else, even though I know that diet aids don't usually work.

I don't feel so desperate that I have to try something that I know probably won't work.

       
More important
Equally important
More important

I'm not worried about spending money on diet pills that may not work.

I don't want to spend money on something that I know may not work.

       
More important
Equally important
More important

I'm willing to have my doctor monitor my progress while I use a diet aid.

I'm not willing to have my doctor monitor my progress.

       
More important
Equally important
More important

I'm not worried about using natural health products that may have unknown side effects.

I'm very worried about using natural health products that may have unknown side effects.

       
More important
Equally important
More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

  
       
More important
Equally important
More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Using over-the-counter diet aids

NOT using over-the-counter diet aids

       
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1. Are most diet aids safe for anyone to use?

  • Yes
  • No
  • I'm not sure
You're right. No over-the-counter diet aids have been proved to be both safe and effective for everyone.

2. Do I need to make any lifestyle changes while I'm using a diet aid?

  • Yes
  • No
  • I'm not sure
That's right. Even with a diet aid, you probably won't lose weight unless you also follow a healthy eating plan and get more exercise.

Decide what's next

1. Do you understand the options available to you?

2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?

3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

Certainty

1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

     
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure

2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.

  • I'm ready to take action.
  • I want to discuss the options with others.
  • I want to learn more about my options.

3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.

 
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Primary Medical ReviewerAdam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical ReviewerMartin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical ReviewerRhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Primary Medical ReviewerColleen O'Connor PhD, RD - Registered Dietitian
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.