5 Best Slimming Pills in Singapore 2021: Price and Reviews

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've come to the right place.

Get to know your Weight Loss supplements

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

Let's start with safety first. On September 2020, the Singapore HSA (Health Sciences Authority) said four products sold on e-commerce sites and social media platforms have been found to contain banned substances or laxatives.

Three of the products - Nutriline Thinsline, KiMiSo Dark Chocolate, and Wholly Fitz Passion Lemon Tea contain sibutramine, a banned substance that could increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The fourth, Nutriline Cleansline, contains the laxative sennoside.

Below is a relatively old high profile case (2002), served as a safety reminder on the potential danger of slimming products:

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.

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 Weight Loss supplements (with evidence to back them up). 

1. Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a type of fiber derived from an Asian plant called Konjac.

How it works: Glucomannan absorbs water and becomes gel-like. It "sits" in your gut and promotes a feeling of fullness, helping you eat fewer calories (source).

Effectiveness: Three human studies showed that glucomannan, combined with a healthy diet, can help people lose 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg) of weight in 5 weeks (Source).

Other benefits: Glucomannan is a fiber that can feed the friendly bacteria in the intestine. It can also lower blood sugar, blood cholesterol and triglycerides, and is very effective against constipation (Source, Source, Source).

Side effects: It can cause bloating, flatulence and soft stools, and can interfere with some oral medications if taken at the same time.

You can purchase Glucomannan as a dietary supplement online from Lazada.

2. Caffeine and Slimming Coffee Products

Caffeine is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world (Source).

It is found naturally in coffee, green tea and dark chocolate, and added to many processed foods and beverages.

Caffeine is a well known metabolism booster, and is often added to commercial weight loss supplements.

How it works: Short-term studies have shown that caffeine can boost metabolism by 3-11%, and increase fat burning by up to 29% (Source, Source, source, source).

Effectiveness: There are also some studies showing that caffeine can cause modest weight loss in humans (Source, Source).

Side effects: In some people, high amounts of caffeine can cause anxiety, insomnia, jitteriness, irritability, nausea, diarrhea and other symptoms. Caffeine is also addictive and can reduce the quality of your sleep.

The best sources of caffeine are quality coffee and green tea, which also have antioxidants and other health benefits.

The coffee diet is a relatively new diet plan that’s rapidly gaining popularity. It involves drinking several cups of coffee per day while restricting your calorie intake. Some people have reported short-term weight loss success with the diet. However, it has some significant downsides.

The coffee diet encourages you to drink at least 3 cups (720 ml) of coffee per day while restricting calorie intake.

Though it may result in short-term weight loss, it’s not a healthy diet in the long run.

It can lead to weight regain and adverse effects from excessive caffeine intake. For safe and healthy weight loss, you should avoid restrictive programs, such as the coffee diet, in favor of more sustainable plans.

What about caffeine supplements and slimming coffee products? There are many coffee supplements and coffee slimming products available online. If you are already drinking a cup or two cups of coffee a day, it may not be necessary for you to take caffeine supplements or slimming coffee products. However, if you do intend to take them, do not go overboard as they may lead to side effects if taken excessively.

As mentioned above, it could be useful in the short term but the long term solution is to have a sustainable and healthy weight loss program. 

Nano Singapore Lean Body Formula (contains Caffeine)

Nano Singapore Lean Body Formula Has 5 Powerful Natural Ingredients With Fast Acting Formula To Support Healthy Weight Loss. Ingredients include green tea, green coffee, raspberry ketone, garcinia cambogia and caffeine. Voted no. 1 'All Natural Products' by Natural Health Award 2019 / 2020.

More than 480 reviews on Lazada Singapore. You can purchase Nano Singapore Lean Body Formula online on Lazada Singapore.

3. 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.

Lean PM Melatonin Free Fat Burner & Sleep Aid

Manufactured in USA, LEAN-PM features a comprehensive profile of evidence-based ingredients that encourage restful sleep and support weight loss. This night-time fat burner and sleep aid includes clinical doses of EGCG from green tea leaf extract, L-theanine, 5-HTP, magnesium citrate, and vitamin B6.

This product is one of the Amazon Best Sellers under the Fat Burners and Thermogenics category. It has more than 7,000 reviews.
 

You can purchase Lean PM online from Lazada Singapore.

4. 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, Watsons and GNC in Singapore. Some of the garcinia cambogia containing slimming products come in combination with other ingredients. So, remember to read the ingredients of your slimming product. There is no need to buy another garcinia cambogia supplement if you are already taking a combination slimming product that contains garcinia.

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.

Nano Singapore Lean Body Formula (contains Garcinia Cambogia)

Nano Singapore Lean Body Formula Has 5 Powerful Natural Ingredients With Fast Acting Formula To Support Healthy Weight Loss. Ingredients include green tea, green coffee, raspberry ketone, garcinia cambogia and caffeine. Voted no. 1 'All Natural Products' by Natural Health Award 2019 / 2020.

More than 480 reviews on Lazada Singapore. You can also Nano Singapore Lean Body Formula online on Lazada Singapore.

5. Prescription Medication

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

The most common and popular ones are Orlistat / Xenical / Alli, Contrave, Belviq, Duromine / Phentermine, Qsymia and Glucobay. 

What is the best slimming 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. 

In Singapore, orlistat has been approved for use as a Prescription-only item since 10 June 1999. Made available as a Pharmacy-only item from 31 Jan 2005, orlistat may be purchased in limited quantities from a Pharmacist if the patient fulfils certain predetermined criteria. Orlistat is registered in Singapore under the trade names of Alli® (GSK) and Xenical® (Roche).

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.

Keep in mind that prescription slimming product is only effective when combined with a healthy weight loss diet and exercise program. They are ineffective on their own. 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 prescription medication online as it's illegal to do so. However, there might be some online stores that might sell it for a quick profit. Not to mention the possibility of fake products.

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 need help managing your weight, please consult your doctor, dietitian or a healthcare professional. Consider small goals over a longer period of time rather than ambitious goals over a short period of time.

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.

Avoid purchasing products from unfamiliar sources, and exercise caution when buying products online.