Types of Dietary Supplements

Prescription Drugs

There are various types of diet pills, usually in the form of capsules that are either prescribed or can be bought over the counter. Ideally, the classification plays a critical role in being able to determine how they can be purchased. The stronger the capsule, the more there is a need for physician's consent or prescriptions, since there would be underlying factors such as side effects and risks that would be involved. These drugs are carefully regulated by the Food and Drug Administrations of countries and are closely monitored, since the probability of side effects can possibly occur and in worse case scenarios, possibility of heart failure such as strokes. Among the better known drugs that have been classified under this category are Meridia and Xenical.

Over the Counter Drugs

Although they are also regulated by the FDA of any country, these drugs are classified to be less vulnerable and prone to diseases and body reactions. Products considered by FDA to be over-the-counter weight control drugs are primarily those containing the active ingredient phenylpropanolamine (PPA). PPA is a central nervous system stimulant and has many effects on the body, one of which is to depress the desire to eat and act to control the appetite of a person.

Herbal Supplements

Ideally, health supplements go in hand with diet programs that most institutions offer to their patients. In most cases, there is not really any immediate question as to the viability and effectiveness of such supplements, which can be in the form of pills or liquids. As derived from their descriptive category, these are understood to be naturally composed from herbs, but regardless are still monitored by the FDA.