How Do Weight Loss Pills Make You Lose Weight?

Increased Calorie Burn

The Mayo Clinic says that some diet pills work by increasing the number of calories a person burns. This is usually achieved by acting as a stimulant and boosting the metabolism. "Fat burner" pills usually affect the hypothalamus, which is the brain region that regulates a person's appetite. They also trigger the release of brain chemicals that bring out a person's "fight or flight" reaction. Being in a state of high alert causes more calories to be burned.

Decreased Appetite

Some diet pills work by decreasing or supressing a person's appetite. This results in the consumption of less calories, which will result in weight loss. Many appetite supressants work by acting on the brain to create a feeling of fullness.

Blocked Fat Absorption

Some diet pills inhibit weight gain by preventing a person's body from absorbing all of the dietary fat they have eaten. The Mayo Clinic says the fat cannot be absorbed by the intestines, so it passes through the body and is eliminated in an undigested state. These pills can help lower a person's cholesterol level as well as helping them lose weight.

Diuretics

Some diet pills cause weight loss by flushing water out of the body. This results in a loss of water weight. This effect is temporary, and the weight will be regained once the person takes in more fluid.

References

• Mayo Clinic information
• Weight loss information