Understanding Alli

You have probably been hearing a lot of buzz about alli, the first over the counter FDA approved weight loss pill. So what is the real deal with alli?

Alli is a weight lost aid that blocks the absorption of up to 25% of the fat you consume. Although it’s only been on the market since June of 2007, alli is not new. In fact, alli is actually a lower dose of the prescription drug orlistat which has been marketed under the name Xenical since 1999. Although Xenical is available in 120 mg capsules, and alli is sold in 60 mg doses, the method of action of this lipase inhibitors is the same. When you eat, enzymes in your intestines breakdown fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Fat calories are then stored in the body to be used as energy. When you eat more calories than you need, you hold on to this extra fat resulting in weight gain. Alli promotes weight loss by attaching to the enzymes that breakdown fat preventing up to a quarter of the fat consumed from being digested. Because indigested fat cannot be absorbed and stored, it passes out of the body in your bowel movements. Although alli is sold as an over the counter medication, it is only approved for use by overweight individuals who are over the age of 18. GlaxoSmithKline, the manufactures of alli called the pill a comprehensive program and recommend that it be combined with a low fat, low calorie diet and a healthy exercise plan. When you purchase alli usually for about $50 a months, you have the option of visiting the companies website, myalli.com. There, you can register as a user and receive a costumized exercise and eating plan. A monthly supply of alli cause about $50. A big part of the eating plan is keeping fat to less than 15 grams per meal. Although alli does block some fat, eating too much while on the program can result in side effects. Alli sounds great but people experience negative effects like hard to control or lose stools and gas with oily spotting. This medication can reduce the absorption of some important vitamins resulting in deficiencies in the long run. For this reason, it is recommended to take a multivitamin once a day at bed time while using alli. In addition, woman who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people who have had organ transplants, those who have trouble absorbing food and people taking cyclosporine should all avoid alli. People who are not overweight or obese should also avoid this medication. Although alli can increase weight loss by up to 50% more than dieting alone, it should always be combined with a healthy diet and a regular exercise plan. as the first weight loss medication to be approved for over the counter use, alli has received more than just 15 minutes of fame, still it is very important to talk to your doctor before taking this medication or beginning any diet or exercise program.

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