For millions of Americans struggling with weight loss, a diet pill may seem the best alternative.  In determining whether or not a person should consider a diet pill, there are some factors to take into consideration.

First of all, a diet pill is not for the person who needs a five to ten pound to achieve an ideal body weight.  People with a BMI of 27 or higher who need to achieve significant to be at their ideal body weight are candidates for a diet pill.

Even the best diet pill carries with it some risk.  The side effects range from gastrointestinal discomfort to increased blood pressure which can lead to additional cardiac problems.  The need for a pill must outweigh these risks.

People who have a BMI of 27 or higher run the risk of developing Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and metabolic disorder which is a combination of several cardiac problems.  People who are obese which technically speaking is having a body weight that is at least 10% higher than their ideal body weight may be good candidates for a diet pill because the risks that their current condition dictates outweigh the risks of taking a prescription diet pill.

Even within this category, physicians usually begin by recommending a good diet and exercise program.  The obese patient should work with a qualified dietician and exercise physiologist for around six months.  If at the end of six months, and if the patient has tried in earnest to lose weight and has not had significant

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