Alli has been available over the counter since 2007. Prior to that time, it was available by prescription only. Alli delivers a small dose of the generic drug orlistat. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Alli as a safe weight loss aid when used as directed.
What is Alli?
Alli is a pill that is available over the counter to assist in weight loss. Alli is the only FDA-approved, over the counter weight loss aid. The FDA estimates orlistat has been used by more than 40 million people worldwide. According to the drug's manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, Alli can be used by anyone ready to reduce calorie and fat intake.
How Alli Works
When excess fat and calories are consumed, they are stored in the body and lead to weight gain. Alli works by attaching to lipase molecules; the lipase then cannot do its job of breaking down fat molecules. Your body is unable to absorb these larger fat molecules and they are, therefore, excreted. Alli works in your gastrointestinal tract and does not affect the central nervous system. Drugs.com emphasizes that Alli is meant to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Diet Requirements
Because of the way Alli works, you need to take it with a meal. According to GlaxoSmithKline, when Alli is taken with a meal, the absorption of about 25 percent of consumed fat is blocked. Still, if you take Alli, you need to adhere to a reduced-calorie, low-fat meal plan. Meals should not contain any more than 15g of fat. Drugs.com states that carbohydrates, protein and fat should be divided evenly throughout the day. Dietsinreview.com suggests you consult a registered dietitian or physician to develop a diet and exercise plan.
What You Can Expect
According to GlaxoSmithKline, you can expect to lose 50 percent more weight when taking Alli than with diet alone. Dietsinreview.com specifically cites a weight loss of 3 to 5 lbs. more with Alli than with diet and exercise alone. If you are following a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and exercising, you should see results within the first two weeks of taking Alli. Most weight loss will occur within the first six months, however. Dietsinreview.com emphasizes that Alli is not a long-term solution for weight loss and a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan need to continue once you stop taking the drug.
Side Effects
A commonly reported side effect of Alli is gastrointestinal distress. Because some of the fat in your diet is blocked from being absorbed, it is excreted as feces. Feces may become oily or loose and you may experience an increase in gas. Some people report an increase in urgency and frequency of bowel movements. In some cases, fecal incontinence was reported.
There has been one report in the U.S. of severe liver damage by a person taking Alli between 1999 and 2009. Internationally, 12 additional cases of liver damage have been reported in the same time frame by people taking another brand of orlistat. Two of them died and three more required liver transplantation. Therefore, in 2010 the FDA revised Alli label information to include a warning about possible liver damage associated with the use of orlistat.
Precautions
Drugs.com recommends not taking Alli if you have gallbladder problems or chronic malabsorption. They also recommend discussing with your doctor before taking Alli if you have an under active thyroid, history of gallstones or pancreatitis, type 1 or 2 diabetes, liver disease or if you are taking any other weight loss drugs.
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