Water pills, also known as diuretics, are designed to help the body eliminate excess water. Over-the-counter (OTC) water pills, such as Diurex, are readily available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers like Amazon. They are often used to relieve discomfort caused by bloating, temporary water weight gain, swelling, and feelings of fullness, particularly those related to premenstrual or menstrual periods.
Understanding Water Pills
Water pills function by increasing urination, which helps the body rid itself of excess water. This increased urination is a normal effect of these pills. Water pills contain a special mixture of ingredients that helps you get rid of excess water in your body. Some use natural ingredients, while others are combined with herbal supplements to help boost your energy level while you lose water weight.
How to Use Water Pills
Water pills should be taken with a full glass of water. If necessary, the dose can be repeated after six hours. It's important to drink adequate amounts of water (between six and eight glasses) throughout the day to avoid dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If your urine appears darker or has a more golden color, this is usually normal and not a cause for concern.
Benefits of Water Pills
Water pills force you to expel more water out of your body. People take them to combat bloating, which occurs when there is too much water in the body, or to quickly lose water weight to fit into clothing. Water pills are best for those who need to eliminate water weight quickly.
Cautions
While OTC water pills like Diurex can be a safe option for treating bloating in the short term, they are not a reliable or safe solution for permanent weight loss. Choosing diuretics can be difficult because so many different manufacturers produce water pills.
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Popular Over-the-Counter Water Pills
Diurex
Diurex is a commonly found OTC water pill that helps relieve discomfort caused by bloating, temporary water weight gain, and swelling related to menstrual periods. It increases urination to rid the body of excess water. Many users find it effective for managing bloating associated with their menstrual cycle.
One user shared, “I take these the week before my cycle and they work magic. I try to take one each morning and it seems to do the trick throughout the day.” Another user reported, “I ordered these pills to help with excessive bloating. They work great. I have had way less bloating and am feeling so much better. Belly starting to go down.” Some users take Diurex the week before their cycle and report that it works magic, taking one each morning to manage bloating throughout the day.
Alli: An Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Drug
Alli (orlistat 60 mg) is an over-the-counter drug designed for overweight adults who are trying to lose weight. It is a lower-dose version of the prescription drug Xenical (orlistat 120 mg). Alli is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults 18 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more. Xenical is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or more (obese).
How Alli Works
Alli contains orlistat, which blocks the work of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down dietary fat in the digestive tract. When taken with a meal, about 25% of the fat consumed is not broken down and is instead passed through the digestive system.
Effectiveness of Alli
Alli can help with weight loss, but the results are generally modest. Studies have shown that more than 40% of people taking Alli, while following a calorie-restricted diet and increasing physical activity, lost 5% or more of their body weight within a year.
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How to Take Alli
- Take one 60-milligram Alli pill within an hour of a fat-containing meal, up to three times a day.
- Spread your daily fat intake over the three main meals.
- Fat intake should be no more than 30% of total calories.
- If you eat a meal that has no fat, you don't need a dose of Alli.
- Take a multivitamin at least two hours after your last dose of Alli to compensate for reduced absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like beta carotene and vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Side Effects of Alli
The active ingredient in Alli, orlistat, can cause digestive side effects related to undigested fats passing through your digestive system. These side effects generally lessen over time and with proper use of the drug.
Weight Loss Expectations with Alli
A successful weight-loss plan with diet, exercise, and drug therapy typically involves losing about 1 pound (0.5 kilogram) a week during the first month. Most weight loss with Alli occurs within the first few months. If you haven't lost 5% of your body weight within a year, stopping the drug may be a reasonable choice.
Important Considerations
Alli is not a quick fix for weight loss. It's important to work with a healthcare provider to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of Alli or any other weight-loss drugs.
Other Over-the-Counter Appetite Suppressants
Countless supplements on the market claim to offer a quick way to drop excess weight. Appetite suppressants are types of supplements that work by reducing appetite, thereby decreasing food consumption and promoting weight loss. While certain types of appetite suppressants can only be prescribed by a doctor, many are available over the counter.
1. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
CLA is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid found in dairy and beef. It is also sold as a weight loss supplement.
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How it works: CLA may affect appetite-regulating genes and hormones, boost calorie burning at rest, increase lean body mass, and stimulate fat loss.
Effectiveness: Human studies have not shown that CLA reduces appetite. A review of 15 studies found that overweight individuals who supplemented with CLA for at least six months only lost an average of 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg) more than people in the control group.
Side effects: Taking CLA may result in diarrhea and gas. Long-term supplementation may cause liver damage and increased inflammation.
2. Bitter Orange (Synephrine)
Bitter orange contains synephrine, a compound that may reduce appetite.
How it works: Bitter orange is believed to increase basal metabolic rate, stimulate fat breakdown, and suppress appetite.
Effectiveness: A review of 23 studies found that 20-35 mg of synephrine per day increased metabolic rate and had a modest impact on weight loss. However, some studies resulted in no weight loss or even weight gain.
Side effects: Reported side effects of synephrine include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and anxiety.
3. Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia cambogia diet pills are made with an extract derived from the peel of the Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit.
How it works: Garcinia cambogia extract contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which may reduce appetite by increasing serotonin levels in your brain and reducing the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Effectiveness: A review of 12 studies found that participants who supplemented with garcinia cambogia containing 1,000-2,800 mg of HCA per day for 2-12 weeks lost an average of 1.94 pounds (0.88 kg) more than those who consumed placebo pills.
Side effects: Consuming garcinia cambogia may lead to headaches, diarrhea, nausea, irritability, and even liver failure in extreme cases.
4. Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a type of soluble fiber derived from the edible roots of the konjac plant.
How it works: Glucomannan may reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, slow digestion, and block the absorption of fat and protein.
Effectiveness: A review of six studies found that 1.24-3.99 grams of glucomannan per day for up to 12 weeks resulted in short-term weight loss of up to 6.6 pounds (3 kg). However, researchers concluded that the results were not statistically significant.
Side effects: Glucomannan may cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
5. Hoodia Gordonii
Hoodia gordonii is a type of succulent plant traditionally used as an appetite suppressant.
How it works: Some scientists link Hoodia gordonii to a compound called P57, or glycoside, which may impact your central nervous system and decrease appetite.
Effectiveness: A 15-day study in 49 overweight women found that 2.2 grams of Hoodia gordonii per day had no effect on body weight or calorie intake compared to a placebo.
Side effects: Hoodia gordonii may lead to headaches, nausea, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and impaired liver function.
6. Green Coffee Bean Extract
Green coffee bean extract is derived from the raw seeds of the coffee plant.
How it works: Green coffee beans contain high levels of chlorogenic acid, which may inhibit fat accumulation. The extract also contains caffeine, which decreases appetite.
Effectiveness: A recent study in people with metabolic syndrome showed that those taking 400 mg of green coffee bean extract per day experienced a significant decrease in waist circumference and appetite compared to a placebo group.
Side effects: Green coffee bean extract may cause headaches and increased heart rate in some people.
7. Guarana
The guarana plant has been used for hundreds of years for various purposes, including appetite suppression.
How it works: Guarana contains more caffeine than any other plant in the world. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system and has been shown to decrease appetite and boost metabolism.
Effectiveness: Insufficient evidence exists to support the use of guarana to suppress appetite and promote weight loss.
Side effects: Because guarana is high in caffeine, it may cause insomnia, headaches, nervousness, and increased heart rate and anxiety, especially when taken in high doses.
8. Acacia Fiber
Acacia fiber, also known as gum arabic, is a type of indigestible fiber.
How it works: Acacia fiber slows digestion, suppresses appetite, increases fullness, and inhibits glucose absorption in your gut.
Effectiveness: One six-week study in 120 women found that those taking 30 grams of acacia fiber per day lost significantly more body fat than those on a placebo.
Side effects: Potential side effects of consuming acacia fiber include gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
9. Saffron Extract
Saffron extract is derived from the stigma of the saffron flower.
How it works: Saffron extract is believed to contain several substances that may increase feelings of fullness by boosting mood.
Effectiveness: One study in 60 overweight women demonstrated that those taking 176 mg of saffron extract per day experienced a significant reduction in snacking and lost more weight than women on a placebo pill.
Side effects: Saffron extract is generally well tolerated but may cause dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety, nausea, and headache in some people.
10. Guar Gum
Guar gum is a type of fiber derived from the Indian cluster bean.