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Staying fit and keeping your body in shape has been one of the focal points of modern living for many decades now. Some nations seem to be better suited to keeping slim and laying off the fast food than others, but it’s likely that most adults in the Western world have at least tried to shed some weight at some point in their lives. After all, it’s an admirable goal – we should all strive to look and feel our best, if just for the undoubted health benefits.
However, there comes a point in any weight loss journey where you can get stuck at a certain level. It’s like a brick wall, halting all progress even with proper diet and exercise. That predicament often leads us to take up alternative routes. Fad diets such as carbohydrate restriction (“the Atkins”) can be effective over the short term, but there is convincing evidence that they may do more bad than good in the long run. Fortunately, there is one more thing you can try: weight loss pills.
But are they safe and do they work?
Slimming pills are a hot topic nowadays, and people are using them along with their diet and exercise weight loss regimes. The pills can accelerate your metabolism, thus helping you achieve your goal weight faster. But are all weight loss pills safe to use? If so, then which ones stand out in terms of performance and/or natural ingredients?
We reviewed the best slimming pills in the UK and determined the best five choices to answer these questions. Read on and find out which brands made the BDAWeightWise cut and why.
The Five Best Slimming Pills in the UK – A Brief Comparison
Zotrim
Zotrim is a long-standing herbal supplement and is considered one of the best slimming pills in the UK. Numerous trials and test studies over many years have confirmed its efficacy for weight loss and overall safety, and this explains its popularity with the public.
So, what makes it the most successful slimming pills on the market? First and foremost, its formula. Zotrim is a plant-based supplement made from natural plant extracts like yerba maté, caffeine, guarana, and damiana.
By working in unison, these elements reduce your appetite and help you deal with physical fatigue easier. Moreover, ingredients like caffeine and yerba maté keep you alert. As a result, you’ll enjoy a stamina boost and more effective workouts sessions if you are exercising (we certainly recommend combining both).
Manufactured by Wolfen Berg Limited, Zotrim is a superior quality diet supplement for shedding some calories. For best results, take 2-3 tablets before every meal. Also, those looking for something even more potent can opt for Zotrim Plus instead.
PROS
- Reduces appetite
- Boosts stamina and endurance
- Enhances the metabolism
- Vital nutrients like vitamins B3, B6, and C
- Competitive price
CONS
- People sensitive to caffeine should use it with caution
- Possible side effects include nausea, mild headache, and insomnia
Alli Dieting Capsules
Alli capsules (also sold as Orlistat) are a great weight loss option for people who cannot tolerate natural capsicum or caffeine-based thermogenic diet pills. It is the only FDA-approved medication also available as a non-prescription supplement – the FDA are the USA government body who test and grant licenses for pharmceutical products. You can therefore be assured of both the safety and effectiveness of Alli, and our experiences have backed this up.
Alli works by reducing the absorption of fats in your body by at least 30%. In some ways this could be considered as the medication-equivalent of bariatric surgery, but without the pain and recovery time. Another advantage of Alli over surgery is that it is reversible – at any time you can choose to stop taking the pills, but then you will start re-absorbing those nutrients and the weight may go back on unless you have made changes elsewhere to your diet and exercise.
We recommend taking an Alli tablet after large meals which are high in fat content. Be aware of potential side effects though. In our tests (hold your nose now) we found that our faeces became much more globular and smelly as a result of our body rejecting a large amount of unrequired fats – we also had several episodes of having to run to the loo with loosened bowels. Also bear in mind that Alli will not distinguish between ‘good fats’ and ‘bad fats’ – it will reduce your absoprtion of both which can risk malnutrition over long periods of useage.
This being said, over one month of testing on three volunteers we saw an average drop in weight of 3.3 pounds with no additional dieting or exercise in play. We believe this is mostly due to reduced fat absorption.
Given how potent the Alli Dieting Pills are, we recommend talking with your GP before embarking on a weight loss plan using them. There is an even stronger version of this medication called Xenical which is only available on prescription – we review it below.
PROS
- One of the most potent weight-loss supplements
- Works as a fat blocker to aid in weight loss
- Effective in reducing the body fat
- Available over-the-counter
CONS
- Common side effects are flatulence and stomach discomfort
- A bit expensive
- Deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins
Capsiplex
Capsiplex is an effective slimming pill manufactured with 100% natural ingredients. As alluded to by the name, it is made from capsicum fruit extract (akin to hot pepper). The main ingredient here is capsaicin, a highly reactive and metabolism-boosting compound which is found in some chilli peppers.
In our view Capsiplex stands out among the crowd due to both the low price and the effect it can have on your metabolic rate – up to 12x higher calorie burn than a placebo supplement.
Some chilli extracts can cause irritations in the stomach, but Capsiplex uses a controlled-release formula which is much less harsh, but no less potent.
Our clients have reported great results with Capsiplex, and in conjunction with a healthy eating plan and exercise program it can be a very effective combination towards achieving your goals. We recommend taking either one tablet in the morning or instead 30-60 minutes before exercise.
PROS
- Made with 100% natural ingredients
- Boosts your energy levels
- Will not cause stomach irritations
- Contains Vitamin B3
- Affordable item
CONS
- The capsaicin can sometimes cause elevated heart rate and impact sleep - take in the morning to combat this.
- Not much research on long term use
KetoCharge
We’ve noticed alot of buzz recently about the ketogenic weight-loss diet – it’s the talk of the town. But on what basis? Well, as a selling point, people refer to the ketosis end results. In other words, a more rapid depletion of stored body fats instead of carbohydrates.
KetoCharge operates on a similar principle. So, it makes it easy for your body to use fats as the primary source of energy. With diet alone, it can take several weeks to achieve this state. However, the body enters ketosis much faster with the BHB ketones present in KetoCharge. In this way, you can avoid waiting too long for this natural process to occur.
Another noteworthy aspect of KetoCharge is the absence of some usually common side effects. For example, its ingredients keep your blood electrolyte levels balanced, so much of the common physical and mental fatigue encountered is removed. As a result, you won’t have to follow a restricted carbs diet with KetoCharge.
In terms of their makeup, each KetoCharge pill is packed with medium chain triglycerides (essential oils), apple cider vinegar, and glycine amino acid. All these elements support a better mood and provide higher energy levels. Lastly, the recommended dosage for this supplement is two capsules per day with a full glass of water.
PROS
- Accelerates the process of ketosis in the body
- Keeps your blood electrolytes in balance
- Provides better mood
- No restrictive dieting is needed
CONS
- Some users report experiencing stomach discomfort
Xenical
Xenical is a much more potent version of Alli (Orlistat), and as a result is only available on prescription. It’s worth having a chat with the online GP at Pharmacy4U if you feel you may need to move on to Xenical, but this should only be considered if you feel that you are on the obese side of the BMI scale (BMI > 30).
Xenical is a potent dietary supplement intended to support a healthier lifestyle. This means that it will require some lifestyle changes for you to see the best results on top of the three-pills-per-day dosage.
Xenical works in the same way as Alli and Orlistat. Hence, expect even more unpleasant side effects on the toilet side of proceedings – sudden bowel movements and oily stools abound!
Crucially, whilst Xenical hinders the absorption of fats which helps you lose flab, it also under utilises some fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. This means you may need to take extra supplements of these vitamins.
Also, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or having any comorbid medical condition, please don’t consider Xenical at all without explaining your circumstances in full to your GP.
PROS
- Prevents fat absorption
- Clinically proven
- May prevent cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure
CONS
- Expensive product
- May cause stomach discomfort
- Deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins
Buying Guide – Selecting the Best Slimming Pill for Yourself
You must keep in mind a lot of factors before settling for any slimming pills. Most importantly, look for safe and effective products from reputable brands. These are the criteria you should consider:
Is It Safe to Use?
The safety of a drug is the first and foremost concern. So, spend some time confirming all factors for yourself. If you can, read the customer reviews and the labels, looking for any side effects that might be of concern.
Manufacturer Reputation
Unfortunately, the weight loss supplement market is full of scams that sell fake and over-priced pills. Only a handful of brands sell genuine and effective products. Therefore, make sure to buy original products from a verified source such as Lloyds Pharmacy or Boots.
Ingredient List
Since these are all edible supplements, knowing their inner workings is vital. Therefore in all cases carefully read the ingredients label on the product. Moreover, always favour diet pulls which use natural and organic ingredients.
At the same time, rule out those containing some possibly allergic substances. For that, consider your own body disposition specifically. This will aid you from walking into any sort of risk.
Genuine Reviews and Evidence
In this era of web blogging, relying on various online content might lead you astray. However, this isn’t to say that you should never consider the forums. Instead, try digging further down the rabbit hole…. It’s much more preferable to gather as much data as possible, thus arriving at an informed conclusion.
Besides customer reviews, extend the search more broadly. Comb every corner looking for the evidence backing one medical claim. Finally, evaluate which brands are indeed trustworthy.
Clear Instructions
Once holding the container, check its labeling thoroughly. Try and find out anything regarding the correct usage of the product. Then re-check the list of ingredients, and keep a close eye on the recommended dosage too.
Finally, look for the side effects in the small print given with the pills or any other safety precautions. After all, what you’ve learned from experience may not be universally correct. Also, keep in mind that supplements may vary depending on the individual. Hence, what wasn’t effective for your friend might work wonders for you and vice versa. Plus, the same principle goes for the side effects, too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can slimming pills help you lose weight?
Yes. In general, slimming pills can naturally aid in weight loss. You can choose from our list of best slimming pills in the UK or search online for buyer reviews. Also, consulting your physician before starting any weight loss pill is always a good option.
2. Is it safe to use slimming pills?
While the market is full of fraudulent weight-loss products, some slimming pills are absolutely safe to use. For example, refer to the list above. Nevertheless, always check the ingredients list and opt for natural ingredients. Also, if you come across potentially harmful content for yourself, simply look elsewhere. Today, there are many possible alternatives for the same purpose.
3. Should I take weight loss pills without exercising?
Yes, you can consume slimming pills even without exercising. But keep in mind that you won’t enjoy the best results without a proper diet and exercise routine. However, if you’re unable to do physical activity for any medical reasons, you can always ask your doctor for an alternative.
4. Can I take weight loss pills without a prescription?
Currently, there are a few weight loss supplements available over-the-counter, like Orlistat. For them, be extra careful to stick to the recommended dose. As always, try to consult a doctor before taking any diet pills, though.
5. How much weight is safe to lose in a month?
Experts suggest losing 1-2 pounds per week, which accounts for a total of 4 to 8 pounds in a month. However, losing up to 10 pounds per month is also considered a healthy pace. On this note, do not trust ads claiming to reduce more than one stone (14 pounds) in a month.
Conclusion
Weight loss pills work efficiently against those stubborn extra pounds. Nowadays, you can find some reputable brands that do business in the United Kingdom as well. So, a quick online search will usually present you with many options. However, you should exercise some caution while doing so.
As with all medicinal supplements, you should look for what’s best for you. To do that, we highly recommend going through our top picks of the best slimming pills. These five choices are reputable brands offering some high-quality products. Lastly, keep in mind that such pills work best only if coupled with a healthy and active lifestyle.
