Best Slimming Pills in Singapore 2023

If you have tried many slimming products and weight loss diets including Atkins diet, Paleo diet, Keto diet and all kinds of methods and programs to lose weight in Singapore and still not able to achieve your goal, you are in the right place.

Obesity means having too much body fat. It is different from being overweight i.e. weighing too much. Both terms mean that a person’s weight is greater than that considered healthy for his or her height.



Get to know your slimming pills

It is very important to do your research beforehand if you're thinking about trying slimming pills.

Let's start with safety first.

In Singapore, a high-profile liver failure of female television personality Andrea De Cruz sent shockwaves across its local television industry, leading to a few lawsuits being filed. (source: wikipedia). She eventually won S$900,000 (US$521,460) in damages against the distributor and importer. One woman, Selvarani Raja, died after suffering from liver failure. De Cruz was saved after receiving an emergency transplant from then boyfriend and actor Pierre Png, who donated half of his liver. Japan authorities reported four deaths resulting from the consumption of pill, and half of the 64 reported illnesses relating to liver or thyroid requiring hospitalization.

Although this is a relatively old case (2002), it is a good safety reminder on the potential danger of slimming products like slimming pills.

In 2015, the U.S. FDA warned five companies to stop selling supplements containing BMPEA (beta-methylphenylethylamine) as part of an ongoing effort to clamp down on potentially dangerous weight-loss and body-building products. BMPEA is often hidden in supplements containing the botanical Acacia rigidula.

The FDA’s action was followed by a warning asking companies to stop selling dietary supplements containing the stimulant DMBA. DMBA and BMPEA are similar to 1,3-dimethylamylamine, or DMAA, which has already been banned by the FDA.

Next, effectiveness. There are just too many slimming products available out there, both online and offline! It might not be easy for you to differentiate which product is based on science and which is based on pure marketing hype.

We’ve done some research here for you.

Here is the list of recommended prescription and non-prescription Slimming Pills (with evidence to back them up). 

Non-Prescription Slimming Pills

1. Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is a popular ingredient in many weight loss supplements.

This is because numerous studies have shown the main antioxidant in it, EGCG, to aid fat burning.

How it works: Green tea extract is believed to increase the activity of norepinephrine, a hormone that helps you burn fat (source).

Effectiveness: Many human studies have shown that green tea extract can increase fat burning and cause fat loss, especially in the belly area (Source, Source, Source, source).

Side effects: Green tea extract is generally well tolerated. It does contain some caffeine, and may cause symptoms in people who are caffeine sensitive. However, Green tea extract supplements have been linked to rare cases of liver damage. Green tea extracts might make liver disease worse. Talk to your doctor before taking a green tea extract. Tell your doctor if you have signs of liver damage such as yellowing skin, dark urine, or abdominal pain. Keep in mind that drinking green tea as a beverage is normal amounts is still probably safe. But despite all the health perks that come with that cup, downing too many in a day can actually make some people sick. This is exactly what happened to one 16-year-old girl after she started slurping down three cups of Chinese herbal green tea a day over three months as part of a weight loss plan. She showed up at the hospital with what she thought was a severe UTI, only to find it was actual this type of herb-induced hepatitis. 

Additionally, all of the health benefits of drinking green tea should apply to green tea extract as well.

You can purchase green tea extract as a dietary supplement online from Lazada.

2. Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit from South-East Asia which is also known as Malabar Tamarind or Brindleberry. 

The fruit became hugely popular after its premiere on The Dr Oz Show; naming garcinia cambogia as the “the newest breakthrough in weight management”. However, in June 2014, Dr. Oz was chided for making unwarranted claims about garcinia cambogia and other products in an appearance before the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security.

There are many varieties of Garcinia Cambogia products available at your local health stores such as Guardian, Watson's and GNC in Singapore. You can also purchase garcinia cambogia supplements online on Lazada Singapore.

Choose one from a reputable manufacturer that contains 50–60% HCA (HydroxyCitricAcid).

Recommended dosages can vary between brands. When it comes to a recommended dose, most sources provide the recommended dose of HCA rather than garcinia cambogia itself. According to ConsumerLab.com, the recommended dose of garcinia cambogia is 900 mg to 1,500 mg of HCA a day. This is consistent with doses used in a number of studies.

It is always best to follow the dosage instructions on the label.

Studies have only tested these supplements for up to 12 weeks at a time. Therefore, it may be a good idea to take a few weeks off every three months or so.

Prescription Medication

Additionally, there are many prescription weight loss pills that have been shown to be effective.

Keep in mind that this is only when combined with a healthy weight loss diet and exercise program. They are ineffective on their own, and hardly a solution to obesity.

Not to mention their many side effects.

Important: Prescription medication needs to be purchased through registered clinics in Singapore. It's not wise to purchase them via online channels e.g. Lazada or Shopee without prescription. Reputable stores will not sell it online as it's illegal to do so. However, there might be some online stores that might sell it for a quick profit.

What is the best weight loss pill prescribed by doctors in Singapore?

1. Xenical/Orlistat

A lipase inhibitor that stops your body from digesting and absorbing fats and oils. It only works in the intestines and is not absorbed into the blood stream. As such, it is very safe. 

However, the oil that is not absorbed has to come out from somewhere. So you really need to be careful when on this medicine. A good way to control this is by taking a lot of fiber. The fiber traps the oil and you will have oily stools instead of an accident.

2. Panebsy/Duromine 

Also called phentermines, these pills are also known as appetite suppressants. They basically trick your brain into believing that you are full. These pills can have side effects like palpitations and insomnia.

However, they stop working after about 3 months. 

3. Glucobay

Originally used to treat diabetes but has also been for weight loss. It blocks the body from absorbing carbohydrates.

Because it is not absorbed into the blood stream, it is also relatively safe. However, the undigested carbohydrates in the gut will be broken down by bacteria and this can cause a lot of gas.

I have tried all the above and its' not working?

It's time to take a step back and seek help from a medical doctor. Have you seen a doctor to discuss about your weight loss problem? Are you being too unrealistic with your weight loss goal i.e. expecting big results at a short time? 

Take Home Message

Slimming product or pill alone might work to a certain extent but it's best to combine with other ways such as cutting carbs and sugar, and staying active. If you are taking slimming products, please also do it according to the recommended dosage. Taking more does not mean it will be more effective. It might do more harm instead.

It's also more practical to consider small goals over a longer period of time rather than ambitious goals over a short period of time.