Fat-Burning Pills Could Be Harmful

"There is nothing in an over-the-counter diet pill that is truly burning fat," nutritionist Leslie Bonci tells WTAE. "Bottom line. Nothing."

Bonci works with the Pittsburgh Steelers on their nutrition and has done extensive research on diet pills.

"A lot of things that are labeled fat burners, the primary ingredients in them are ephedra or ma huang," Bonci says. "That particular substance is actually a very powerful central nervous system stimulant."

Bonci says that ephedra will burn some extra calories, but the risks far outweigh the benefits.

"There have been at least 140 adverse events that have been reported to the Food and Drug Administration ranging from coma and seizures (to) heart attack and death," Bonci says. "This is not something to be taken lightly."

Poppers of other pills may see results, but not the kind they want.

"There are herbs called uva ursi (and) dandelion -- they all have a diuretic effect," Bonci says. "You will step on the scale and see you have lost weight -- not because you burned fat, but because you lost water."

Chitosan -- made from the ground-up shells of insects and crab, lobster and shrimp -- has no effect on burning fat, Bonci tells WTAE.

Diet pills that will help you lose weight can be obtained only by prescription, Frey says. Consult a doctor to find out which type is best for you.