One of the most popular New Year's resolution is weight loss, but there are healthy and some not-so healthy ways to go about it.

Diet pills are one of your options when considering weight loss, but there are a few things you need to know before trying them out.

"They are relatively safe for short term use. None of the products are designed to be a long-term product. It's just to give you a jump- start if you want to lose a few holiday pounds or if you're having trouble getting rid of the last five or ten pounds on a weight loss goal," said John Pattinson who is a Pharmacist Manager at Northside Pharmacy.

Pattinson said diet pills have different ingredients which help with weight loss. Some include caffiene, green tea extract and herbal combinations. Pattinson said there are a few things you should do before buying any of them.

"One--know the product you're taking. Do some research before you jump in and start taking it. Two--speak to your physician or pharmacist. And three--have the discipline to include some lifestyle medication which include diet and exercise," he said.

Pattinson said to watch out for symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, excessive thirst, insomnia and trouble falling asleep. He said these can be signs the pills are reacting to other medications or the dosage is incorrect.