About Alli Weight Loss Drug

Weight loss takes place when you burn more calories than you consume. This can be done by restricting your food intake and partaking in physical activity on a regular basis. People that have tried multiple approaches and have found themselves frustrated with their results often turn to supplements to spark the process. Alli is a weight loss pill that is designed for that reason.

Features

Xenical is a prescription-strength obesity medication. Ali is an over-the-counter version that is less potent. To buy this weight loss drug, you must be 18 years old or older. Even though it is heralded as a weight loss supplement, it is intended to be used along with a healthy diet and exercise.

Absorption

Fat is a macronutrient that has 9 calories per gram. It is the most calorie-dense of the three macronutrients and it can cause weight gain at a faster pace when it is consumed in high amounts. Lipase is an enzyme in the body that breaks down fat so it can be stored for energy at a later date or used immediately for energy. Alli stops the release of lipase, which in turn causes the fat to get eliminated from the body instead of being broken down. This leads to less calories being absorbed and more weight being lost.

Time Frame

Alli is to be taken three times a day with meals that have fat in them. But these meals should not exceed 15 grams of fat. Most of the weight loss that occurs with Alli takes place in the first six months of use.

Effects

Since Alli causes you to not digest fat, side effects can be seen when using it. According to the Mayo Clinic, some examples of these include gas with an oily discharge, more frequent bowel movements, loose stools and hard to control bowel movements.

Considerations

Alli should not be taken if you are already at a healthy weight, if you are taking another drug called "cyclosporine," if you have a transplanted organ or if you have food absorption problems. If you have diabetes, thyroid disease or if you are taking a blood thinner, you can use Alli, but your risk for side effects increases.

Identification

When compared to the prescription formula Xenical, weight loss is about half as effective with Alli. Coupled with approximately 8 pounds of weight loss from a healthy diet and exercise in a year, you can expect to lose an additional 3 pounds from the drug.

References

Article reviewed by Carolyn Williams Last updated on: Sep 30, 2009

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