The FDA, Food and Drug Administration, is responsible for the safety of drugs
. They have in their authority to prohibit the sale of products that they deem to be unsafe. Over the years the FDA has approved very few drugs to treat obesity.
The first drug was approved in 1959 and was an appetite suppressant. It was authorized for use as a short term obesity treatment. In 1970 these products became more widely available. The appetite suppressants manipulate the neurotransmitters of the brain to suppress the appetite. The most recent product approved by the FDA actually restrains the reuptake of the neurotransmitters that affect the appetite.
In 1999 the FDA approved another form of weight loss pills. These diet pills work on the gastrointestinal track. They block up to thirty percent of dietary fat from being absorbed. Research has indicated that these weight loss pills are very effective when used in conjunction with exercise and a balanced diet.
The FDA has also approved some over the counter diet pills. The products they have approved are in the appetite suppressant category. While they do have the approval of the FDA they will only be effective if you follow the correct guidelines in taking these weight loss pills. Maximum weight loss will be achieved with exercise and a proper diet.
The FDA is limited in scope to evaluating and approving the vast majority of diet pills on the market. You should feel safe to consider using any product that has FDA approval provided you accurately follow the dosing directions.