slimming pills

Pills containing drugs to help weight reduction. They include appetite suppressants such as the stimulants diethylpropion and fenfluramine; thyroid extract tablets which increase metabolic rate but can be dangerous; diuretics which reduce body fluid content but have little effect on fat content; and starch blockers which are claimed to stop starch digestion but are not effective. Slimming pills should only be taken when prescribed by a medical practitioner. See also amphetamines and fibre supplements.