prescription diet pills, XenicalAmericans spend a staggering $23 billion a year on diet pills. In fact, their use has doubled in the last five years. This trend isn’t at all surprising given that 65% of Americans are obese. There are two different types of diet pills- prescription and non-prescription. One would think that FDA approved prescription diet pills were superior to over the counter medication. However, some prescription diet pills have rather unpleasant side effects. 
Xenical is one of the prescription diet pills I'd never use.  The active ingredient in Xenical works by binding to enzymes in the digestive tract, stopping them from absorbing 25% of the fat consumed. The undigested fat is subsequently excreted. This effectiveness of this pill is, of course, proven. However, the side effects of Xenical are disturbing. Because the drug effectively stops fat absorption, it causes fecal incontinence and foul, greasy stools. Personally, I’d rather weigh 400 pounds than suffer incontinence. Call me old fashioned, but if ever I become obese I’ll do more exercise and restrict calories rather than rely on prescription diet pills.