Alli is a diet pill designed to promote weight loss in obese individuals 18 years and older. Marketed as a "wonder drug," it is distributed in the United States by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. Alli claims the distinction of being the first diet aid to gain FDA approval for over-the-counter use.
Basics
According to the Mayo Clinic, Alli is a less-potent version of the drug Orlistat, a prescription-only diet aid. Each over-the-counter Alli capsule is half the strength of its prescription counterpart--60 mg versus 120 mg. However, like Orlistat, Alli is intended for use in conjunction with a low-fat, low-calorie diet and exercise program. Alli is typically taken three times a day, prior to meals that contain fat.
Function
The Alli diet pill is a lipase inhibitor. Taken orally, it prevents the digestive enzyme lipase from breaking down dietary fat in the digestive tract. This means that instead of being absorbed in the intestines, the undigested fat passes through the body, eventually exiting in the form of stool, explains PubMed.
Effects
Alli can cause side effects including oily spotting, gas, diarrhea and sudden bowel movements. According to PubMed, these symptoms typically occur within the first few weeks of starting treatment. AlliPills.com recommends consuming 15 g fat or less per meal. Doing this helps control bowel movements by limiting the amount of unprocessed fat that passes through the body.
Considerations
Alli diet pills are meant to supplement--not replace--a diet and exercise program. According to the Mayo Clinic, Alli users may only lose a few pounds more than they would have with diet and exercise alone. Furthermore, Alli also prevents the body from absorbing beta carotene and important, fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. PubMed recommends taking a daily multivitamin to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Warning
Alli is not appropriate for people who are at a healthy weight, have had an organ transplant or who are taking certain medications. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not take Alli diet pills. Contact a medical professional right away if taking Alli causes severe side effects, such as hives, itching, difficulty breathing or severe stomach pain.
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