We have all seen the diet pill ads that claim they can “melt away the pounds” and “give you more energy”. Over the counter (OTC) diet pills promise a quick fix but can they really deliver? OTC diet pills are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration which classifies them as dietary supplements. This is why you can purchase them without a prescrption at any local drugstore health food store, or supermarket Xenedrine, Dexatrim and Zantrex-3 are examples of over-the-counter diet pills. They were originally manufactured with a powerful combination of ephedra and caffeine to help you lose weight. The combination of ingredients increase energy expenditure or thermo genesis and reduce your appetite. It was thought that the caffeine increases the metabolism by increasing the breakdown of fatty acids. The ephedrine acts on the hypothalamus section of the brain to re carbohydrate blocker duce your appetitte. In 2003 however, the FDA banned the sale of ephedra-containing drugs due to evidence of increased risk of heart attack. Ephedra was replaced with a mixture of vitamins that include thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6 and folic acid and an ephedra-like substance called synephrine found in citrus fruits. This new combination increased energy while boosting the metabolism. To get the maximum results from any over the counter diet pills you should start a regular excise program and modify your diet to eat more healthy foods. Diet pills are only meant to be taken for a short period of time-usually 6 months or less. After six months you body will start build up a tolerance to these pills and your weight loss slow down or stop entirely. After that, if you are not eating healthy foods and following an exercise plan, the weight will start come back.