7 Diet Pills That Work Fast Without Exercise (Quick & Easy Weight Loss)

Weight Loss & Diets | Written by Nathan Petitpas | Updated on 4 April 2023

Medically Reviewed By Dr. Margaret Trashian, MD

Two bottles of diet pills, one over the counter and the other is prescribed to burn fat.

There is such a thing as diet pills that work fast without exercise. While it may sound too good to be true, there’s never only one way for a body to lose weight.

Some people may struggle with different forms of exercise and need a solution that works for their body.

With countless diets, exercise programs, and products on the market, it can be difficult to know where to turn for trustworthy advice. Searching for reliable products that assist with exercise-free weight loss can be a time consuming process.

However, there are pills that promote fat metabolism, often referred to as fat burning, reduction in appetite, and reduction in fat absorption- all of these lead to weight loss, and often in the short term. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of these diet pills, along with what to expect while taking them.

It is important to note that not all of these supplements require a prescription. You can easily purchase some of these options online, but one should always discuss any anticipated health and wellness changes with a doctor or health care provider before consuming.

7 Supplements for Losing Weight Without Exercise

With so many options on the market today, it can be difficult to know what weight loss supplements may work best for a person’s body. That’s why it is of utmost importance to always be in conversation with a doctor or primary care physician to ensure that diet pills are practical and efficient.

We have compiled a list of some promising supplements and diet pills that claim to, or supposedly work well without exercise. Keep in mind that every individual body and metabolism is different, which means one diet pill may work better than another.

Don’t get discouraged if the first supplement isn’t right for you because there’s plenty of options.

As always, research is key to staying safe and healthy while on diet pills, with or without exercise. Know the source of your diet pill, and ask for help if you need it.

Some of these supplements have adequate scientific research behind them; others need more time and testing in order to prove valuable.

1. Glucomannan

Derived from a root known as the elephant yam, glucomannan can be purchased without a prescription and online in pill form and is recommended for appetite suppression and weight loss. Consisting of high amounts of dietary fiber, this supplement is one of the densest fiber options out there, molecule-wise.1

This supplement is ideally taken with eight ounces of water an hour before every meal. While this can be inconvenient for many dieters without a set eating schedule, it is meant to make the user feel fuller before consuming food, due to stomach sensory nerves signaling fullness to the brain, thereby increasing the chances of portion control.

This particular diet pill has been well-received by users in the past, meaning it hasn’t come with many side effects when taken in proper dosages. It has the ability to make a dieter feel sated and full for longer, given the water soluble fiber involved in this pill.

However, there have not been enough studies performed in order to say that this particular diet supplement is a total success for losing weight. Ideally, glucomannan can help a person feel full and therefore assists in consuming less food overall, but there is no guarantee.

Given the low risk of side effects or addiction, however, glucomannan may be worth a try, especially for those struggling with portion control or unnecessary snacking throughout the day. Simply taking this pill may help limit food intake, which can lead to weight loss without exercise.

2. Alli (Orlistat)

Perhaps one of the most popular diet pills that work fast without exercise, Alli is a prescription pill also known as orlistat. This drug primarily works as a fat inhibitor, meaning it will remove fat from the body before it can be absorbed.

Orlistat has been primarily observed and tested in overweight individuals, especially patients eating a high-fat diet with little exercise.2

There have been many studies that suggest orlistat is a useful diet pill and weight loss mechanism. It is similar to glucomannan in that it is meant to be taken up to three times a day, one hour before a meal, which allows the drug time to work its way through the body.

Results have been promising, including an overall BMI (body mass index) reduction and fat loss after only 3 months. However, the side effects should be noted, as some of them are more extreme than others.

Individuals taking this diet pill should work with a healthcare professional and be monitored the entire duration of treatment since liver failure is an adverse side effect.

3. LeanBean

LeanBean is a popular over the counter diet pill that actually works and it was made specifically for women, especially those struggling with a low-calorie diet. Limiting caloric intake can have many adverse effects, including fatigue and sluggishness.

LeanBean includes caffeine and other vitamins, primarily to promote energy levels and reduce appetite.

While diet pills like this are made to be taken in conjunction with exercise (hence the fatigue busting powers of LeanBean), there’s nothing in this supplement to suggest that a person can’t take it as a slimming supplement too.

LeanBean is a good alternative to other diet pills in that it is less extreme- it is designed to keep you regular, energized, and on track with nutrition in mind. While it won’t suppress an appetite as much as other options, nor will it shuttle the fat out of one’s body, it is a longer term weight loss support system in many ways.

4. PhenQ

Another more natural and prescription-free supplement to consider, PhenQ is designed for both men and women. This pill is made from many necessary vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and L-carnitine, and it is designed to tackle some of the hardest aspects of weight loss.

PhenQ boasts the ability to suppress appetite and cravings, boost a user’s metabolism, and even help improve one’s mood. Some of the most difficult aspects of fat burning and losing weight have to do with one’s state of mind and being- PhenQ supposedly recognizes this.

Designed to be taken twice daily before late afternoon given the caffeine levels in it, PhenQ could be one of many diet pills that work fast without exercise. The side effects have been reportedly minimal so far, so it could be worth a try for those who haven’t much luck with other weight loss techniques.

5. ShredFIERCE

While ShredFIERCE may suggest exercising in the name, it can also promote fat burning and weight loss without exercise- or a prescription from a doctor. This particular supplement contains a familiar ingredient already found on this list: glucomannan, as well as another key mineral known as chromium.

Chromium is a desirable addition to many weight loss pills, as it has been known to promote fat burning in obese individuals.3 ShredFIERCE has a high amount of chromium in it, as well as many other helpful ingredients.

This particular supplement is meant to be taken five times a day, which may sound extreme. However, it is supposedly able to reduce cravings, encourage fullness, heat up the body, and “burn fat” more efficiently.

It can be used by men and women, though it does increase testosterone levels in the body.

6. Raspberry Ketones

Raspberry ketones are found in red raspberries specifically, and is similar in molecular makeup to capsaicin- both of these particular compounds are said to change the way fat is broken down in the body.4

Available as an individual supplement and in combination with other weight loss pills, raspberry ketones can be useful in altering one’s metabolic rate.

However, it is important to note that raspberry ketones are usually synthetically crafted, given that it would be prohibitively expensive to use raspberries alone.

This particular drug has also only been tested on rats or mice thus far- it has not had a proper clinical weight loss trial for humans, especially not humans with high BMIs or inactive lifestyles. However, it showed promise in changing the metabolic rate of rats, so it may show promise in the future.

7. Green Tea Extract

Caffeine is a key component of many diet pills and weight loss supplements- especially ones that don’t need a prescription, like this extract. Green tea is no exception, and has been promoted as a metabolic booster for some time.

Research has proven this in terms of fat burning and metabolic rate increase, with or without exercise.5

Drinking two to three cups of green tea daily can be enough to increase a person’s antioxidants as well as promote fullness and appetite suppression thanks to the caffeine within it. However, this can be achieved with many different types and sources of caffeine, not just green tea.

There are also green tea capsules or pills available to take, which have a more concentrated amount inside of them. To maintain the effectiveness of green tea and caffeine, it is recommended to not consume more than 300mg of caffeine per day.

This amount ensures a safe level of caffeine in the body as well as proper metabolism maintenance.

The results of green tea may be best seen when taken over a longer period of time. While it can help a person’s metabolic rate immediately, the weight loss normally associated with green tea extract is minimal at first.

Why Choose To Take Diet Pills?

Choosing to take diet pills is often a personal choice. A person may choose prescription weight loss because of their current physical condition inhibiting their ability to exercise.

They may also choose diet pills because of their desire to lose weight fast.

This desire is not unfounded or impractical- it can be difficult to jump-start weight loss, especially in certain circumstances. For example, wanting to lose weight after giving birth is another common reason to choose a diet pill that works without the need for implementing an exercise regimen.

Some dieters may have also tried many other solutions in the past, including a healthy diet and exercise, but continue to not see results. This can be discouraging, impractical, and confusing, especially if a medical professional has not mentioned any underlying health concerns that could be affecting a dieter’s overall weight loss journey.

The choice to take diet pills depends on the individual, but some reasons could include:

  • Suggested by a healthcare or medical professional
  • A useful tool for jump-starting a weight loss plan
  • Fast and useful way to lose weight after childbirth
  • Can help with weight loss if exercise isn’t an option
  • Useful for limiting portion size when using an appetite suppressant

However, it is important to note the potential issues associated with diet pills, including the prevalence of addiction. Addiction to certain diet pills is possible, and is especially present in consumers with eating disorders- these addictions have also been present in patients with various mental health concerns.6

Eligibility Requirements for Prescriptions

It is necessary to always consult with a doctor or nutrition specialist before pursuing diet pills for weight loss. There are many unexpected side effects and changes possible in a body while on supplements for weight loss, and these pills should not be taken lightly if a patient has a history of eating disorders or mental health concerns.

A patient also must meet certain eligibility requirements if they are attempting to get a prescription from their health care provider.

Some of these requirements include:

  • Unsuccessful weight loss attempts after lifestyle changes
  • A BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher
  • A BMI of 27 or higher with underlying health conditions
  • A pressing medical issue that can be alleviated through weight loss

Figuring out how to ask your doctor for weight loss pills might sound nerve wracking, but don’t hesitate to speak to a doctor to ensure you use the pills safely and effectively. With all of this in mind, let’s go over what one might expect while on prescription or over the counter weight loss pills, whether it be for appetite suppression or fat burning.

Prescription Weight Loss: What To Expect

The overall expectations surrounding weight loss or diet pills seem unrealistic. These pills are not magic- it is not possible for a dieter or person taking prescription weight loss pills to lose all of their desired pounds and become fit with just one pill.

Setting realistic expectations and a fitness or nutrition-based framework surrounding these supplements is necessary.

Diet pills can help an individual along on their weight loss journey, but many of these supplements are only designed to be taken for a short period of time.

This is good news for individuals looking to lose weight fast, through fat burners or fat absorption inhibitors. Some diet pills take time, however- and even more options encourage users to implement proper nutrition habits and exercise routines, if they are able to do so.

It is not possible or recommended to take weight loss drugs if you have cardiovascular disease, are attempting pregnancy, are actively pregnant, or are breastfeeding a newborn baby. It is also important to note that many insurance companies do not cover the cost of a diet pill or weight loss supplement, no matter your current health.

Potential Side Effects of Weight Loss Pills

Just like any drug, diet pills may come with side effects, however, this isn’t to say that diet pills that work fast without exercise aren’t possible. They are, and many people have great success using them.

Losing an average of 5-7% of a person’s overall body weight can be valuable, though much of this weight loss happens after 6 months or more.7

Oftentimes there are side effects to any prescription medication, diet pills, or supplement.

Some common diet pill side effects include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Oily stool
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Lightheadedness
  • Mood changes
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Knowing what to expect is important with any shift in diet, exercise, or body maintenance. Maintaining realistic expectations and an open and honest dialogue with a doctor can be key in achieving any weight loss goals.

Support Your Prescription With Nutrition

One of the best ways to ensure that a weight loss pill works and that a person will lose weight in the long run? Support both the body and the efficacy of the prescribed diet pill with proper nutrition, diet changes and fat burning detox juices.

Diet medications are useful for losing weight, and often quickly- however, there are ways to maximize this effort.

First thing’s first: it is unrealistic to expect a diet pill to work properly and efficiently if a patient is maintaining an unhealthy diet. This can amount to many things, but it primarily refers to eating foods high in unhealthy fat, sugar, or excessive sodium.

Many foods work against diet pills, and even the best prescription weight loss pill or popular weight loss drug isn’t a substitute for proper nutrition.

Foods To Avoid While on Diet Pills

While quick weight loss and fat burning is a good goal to have, there are long-term changes to diet and exercise that should also occur in order to reach weight loss goals. There are many diet pills that ask their consumers to alter what they eat in order to ensure that people lose weight.

For example, consuming too much fatty food (particularly unhealthy fats such as trans fat and saturated fat) while on a fat burner can be potentially dangerous, as the body will be removing fat molecules before it can be absorbed. If all a body has is fat to work with, it will not be getting adequate nutrition and the prescription diet pill will not work as effectively.

The following foods should be avoided or eaten in moderation while on a weight loss drug:

  • Fast food
  • Fatty foods (Note, try to avoid trans fat all together and limit saturated fats where possible. Healthy fats include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats)
  • Processed foods, such as chips and cookies
  • Foods that are high in sugars
  • Many oils
  • Foods high in sodium or salt
  • Processed grains like flour, white bread or pasta

Again, there is no diet pill or fat burner that will magically erase a person’s weight for the rest of their lives, no matter the weight loss ingredients. Certain lifestyle changes must also be made to support this weight loss, and that can be difficult for many people.

Diet pills are useful for assisting a person in their dietary changes, but changing what goes into the body will ultimately make the greatest and most permanent changes possible, especially since diet pills are not designed to be taken for more than a year or two.

Foods To Consume While on Diet Pills

Choosing to take diet pills as a weight loss supplement can be valuable, especially if someone doesn’t want to exercise or isn’t physically capable of exercising currently. Dieters can also choose to alter their existing diet to best support fat burners as well.

There are many foods that are perfect for losing weight and dropping pounds, with or without exercise and with or without diet pills.

Some of these foods include:

  • Vegetables, specifically dark and leafy greens
  • Fruits, especially berries and those high in antioxidants
  • Whole grains, such as brown rice or barley
  • Low-fat protein sources, such as eggs, low fat turkey, or fish
  • Healthy fats, such as avocado
  • Other lean proteins such as chicken

One of the main things to consider when it comes to losing weight, whether a person is using diet pills or not, is portion control. Appetite suppression diet pills can be perfect when used in tandem with portion control, as a person’s body will feel fuller, faster.

Another simple way to feel fuller faster is through adequate water consumption. Consuming large amounts of water per day, depending on your weight, can lead to eating less, as well as many other perks.

Some of these hydration benefits even extend to a reduction in acne and a boost in mood.

Staying hydrated by drinking at least half a gallon of water per day is a good place to start, whether or not you are exercising. Increasing one’s water intake is necessary should exercise occur.

A person may also consume foods that are high in water content to feel fuller faster – think watermelon for example.

While it can feel discouraging to alter one’s diet in conjunction with diet pills, it can make all the difference. If a dieter has attempted portion control or nutritional changes in the past with little success, making these changes again with the help of appetite suppressants may be a solution.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to take diet pills that work fast without exercise may be a valuable choice for many people. While the amount of time it takes to lose a more desirable amount of weight may be longer than many consumers expect, diet pills can be useful for jump-starting a healthier lifestyle.

However, low amounts of research may suggest that many diet pills need further investigation and scientific study to truly prove valuable. Many supplements work best over a longer period of time, especially natural remedies, and some side effects are still not fully understood.

Remember, while these diet pills can help in your journey, there is no magic pill that will make all of a dieter’s weight go away.

Fat loss and a trimmer body take time, as well as an investment in proper nutrition and exercise. This combination of things proves to be successful time and time again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diet Pills That Work Fast Without Exercise

Having questions about diet pills that work fast without exercise is a common occurrence. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding these supplements- and do seek the advice of a doctor or medical professional before pursuing any extreme dietary changes.

Are There Any Side Effects for Diet Pills?

There are some potential side effects for any and all diet pills. Some of these side effects may remain over the duration of taking the pills, and others may fade overtime or may be altered based on dosage or type of drug being prescribed.

However, some common side effects include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Oily stool
  • Nausea
  • Flatulence
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Lightheadedness
  • Mood changes

Many of these side effects also go hand in hand with a changing diet and appetite alterations. A patient should always speak to their health care professional or doctor should any other side effects occur, especially extreme vomiting or fainting.

How Often Should I Take Diet Pills?

It will depend on the diet pill. A doctor or primary care physician should have guidelines for their patients, recommending how often these pills should be taken.

There are also helpful instructions provided by the weight loss supplement or diet pill guidelines as well.

Diet pills are often taken daily, though this will always depend on the specific pill a patient is prescribed. Never take more than what is recommended by a pill’s packaging or a doctor’s specific guidelines.

It will not help a person lose more weight faster.

How Long Should I Take Diet Pills?

The amount of time that someone should take diet pills depends on what their doctor recommends. Usually, someone looking to lose weight fast will set up a plan or regimen with their primary care physician, someone who is acquainted with their overall health and wellness.

Many diet pills are taken for up to one or two years, but their effectiveness has not been studied beyond this point. Unless a health care provider or professional says it is safe to pursue taking diet pills beyond this point, most patients only take weight loss supplements for a year or so.

However, this is merely an average statistic, and finding a path that works best is an individual journey. It is important to always get a doctor’s advice or opinion, and a patient should always be alerting their doctor to any physical changes or issues during this time.

How Do I Get Rid of Baby Weight Without Exercise?

One of the main reasons people take diet pills is to lose weight without having to exercise. This is especially true for new mothers, as losing weight after giving birth can be a difficult and painful ordeal for many women.

Taking fat inhibitors or fat burners after giving birth is one possible route to losing weight without exercise. However, it is important to note that diet pills are not recommended for mothers who are choosing to breastfeed their infants, as there have not been enough studies done to prove this is safe for their newborn.

If a new mother is choosing to bottle feed their baby, choosing diet pills for weight loss can be a useful tool for getting rid of that unwanted baby weight. However, always discuss these weight loss options with a medical professional before pursuing this route.

Do Diet Pills Work?

There is evidence to suggest that yes, diet pills do work. However, there are additional methods to try that increase the likelihood of success, especially safe and long-term success while taking pills for weight loss, appetite suppression, or inhibition of fat absorption.

Diet pills work best if taken in tandem with proper nutrition and diet changes, light to intense exercise, and an overall mindfulness regarding what goes into someone’s body. Taking the time to eat a low fat diet may be key to seeing success with a diet pill but remember, not all fats are created equal – polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated are perfectly healthy, but steer clear of trans fat and limit saturated fats.

If exercise isn’t possible for someone at this time, trying to maintain a caloric deficit may be helpful in achieving weight loss goals. This simply means that a person should be using more calories than they are taking in- diet pills work best in tandem with this type of thinking.

However, diet pills and weight loss supplements may not work or be right for everyone to take.

Every single body is different, and there is no quick fix or long-term cure for obesity or overweight lifestyles. The effectiveness of diet pills will always come into question because of this.

Can I Take a Fat Burner Without Exercising?

It is possible to take a fat burner without exercising, though a dieter should always take the recommended amount and be careful not to exceed that amount. While fat burners are designed to work in tandem with exercise, this does not mean they won’t also work on their own.

Taking a fat burner without exercising can still promote an increased metabolism, including long-term body shifts and adaptations to expelling excess fat molecules. Many diet pills are designed as fat burners, prescriptions that expel fat from your body and into your stool rather than allowing it to be absorbed.

However, taking a fat burner while exercising is an even better way of using a fat burner. Given that both methods promote weight loss and reduced fat absorption, allowing them to work in tandem increases a dieter’s chance of speeding up their metabolism.


References

1Keithley, Joyce K. 30 December 2013. Safety and Efficacy of Glucomannan for Weight Loss in Overweight and Moderately Obese Adults. 31 October 2021. Web. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3892933/>

2Jain, Suyog S. June 2011. Evaluation of efficacy and safety of orlistat in obese patients. 31 October 2021. Web. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3125014/>

3Onakpoya, I. June 2013. Chromium supplementation in overweight and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. 31 October 2021. Web. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23495911/>

4Morimoto, Chie. 27 May 2005. Anti-obese action of raspberry ketone. 31 October 2021. Web. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15862604/>

5Westerterp-Plantenga, Margriet S. July 2005. Body weight loss and weight maintenance in relation to habitual caffeine intake and green tea supplementation. 31 October 2021. Web. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16076989/>

6Reba-Harrelson, Lauren. 3 May 2007. Features Associated with Diet Pill Use in Individuals with Eating Disorders. 31 October 2021. Web. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2248697/>

7Harvard Health Publishing. 22 May 2018. Are weight-loss drugs worth trying? 31 October 2021. Web. <https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/are-weight-loss-drugs-worth-trying>

About the Author

Nathan Petitpas

Nathan has been a fitness enthusiast for the past 12 years and jumps between several types of training such as bodybuilding, powerlifting, cycling, gymnastics, and backcountry hiking. Due to the varying caloric needs of numerous sports, he has cycled between all types of diets and currently eats a whole food diet. In addition, Nathan lives with several injuries such as hip impingement, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis, so he underwent self-rehabilitation and no longer lives with debilitating pain.