Do weight loss pills work in general?

Can't rely on a pill: Over-the-counter diet pills decrease one's appetite a bit (they are related to stimulants). A person's desire to eat can be much stronger that a diet pill's power to decrease his appetite, so he will likely continue to eat too many calories. Also, diet pills don't increase one's desire to exercise. If something as simple as a diet pill actually worked, we would not have so much obesity in America.

Three FDA approved: fat blockers (xenical), amphetamine, and serotonin drugs change appetite. And in all, when you stop them, the weight comes back because they do not change behavior. eat less, exercise more. the psychological barriers to that closely fit with all other compulsive behaviors. http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692496157/ details (in a highly tongue in cheek way) the science and practical ways to change.