Two over-the-counter diet pills which can help people in reducing extra pounds will be available from this week. The ability of pills to enhance weight reduction has been proved through various clinical trails. Experts cautioned that these pills are not a quick fix solution to the problem of obesity. The main purpose of these pills is to supplement efforts of people to reduce weight.

Alli (also known as Orlistat) helps in losing 50 per cent more weight by absorbing about 25% of the fat from food. Appesat tricks the brain into thinking the stomach is full. Alli has some side effects also like diarrhea.

These pills will be recommended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or over.

Makers GlaxoSmithKline said all pharmacists in the UK have been offered training to help them correctly identify a person's BMI and ask them suitable 'fielding' questions regarding their motivation for taking the drug.

Dr Ian Campbell, a GP and medical director of the charity Weight Concern, said: 'We know it works. It helps weight loss and it is safe - the worst that is going to happen to you is some diarrhoea.'