Alli is the first over-the-counter weight loss pill approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This means that, unlike other weight loss drugs, the FDA evaluated Alli's safety and effectiveness and deemed it an appropriate weight loss tool. Still, users are at risk of certain side effects. The Mayo Clinic explains that Alli is designed only for adults who are considered overweight as part of a lifestyle change to achieve weight loss. Alli is not designed for users to quickly lose a few pounds, or for those who are within a healthy weight range.
Function
Alli functions by blocking the absorption of fat in the intestines. According to the Mayo Clinic, Alli specifically blocks the function of lipase in the digestive tract. Lipase is a type of enzyme that usually breaks down fat and stores it in the body as energy reserves. Alli blocks this process. In turn, your body does not absorb as many calories, leading to long-term weight loss. `
Ingredients
Alli contains an ingredient called orlistat. Orlistat is the prescription weight loss pill Xenical, used to treat obesity. According to the Mayo Clinic, Alli contains 60 mg of orlistat while Xenical has 120 mg, double the amount. The fact that Alli has the same ingredient as a prescription weight loss drug is worrisome for some potential users, reports Diets in Review.
Usage and Results
Alli is taken with meals that contain up to 15 mg of fat. According to Diets in Review, the manufacturer recommends that you take Alli three times a day for maximum results. Alli itself is designed to maximize weight loss you would achieve through diet and exercise. The Mayo Clinic reports that this averages up to five pounds in one year. Xenical helps obese patients lose twice the amount of weight as Alli, since it has double the amount of Orlistat. The Mayo Clinic points out that most people use Alli for six months at a time.
Precautions
Take care not to exceed 15 mg of fat per meal. The Mayo Clinic cautions that exceeding this amount causes side effects, including gas, diarrhea, discharge and frequent bowel movements. The FDA received complaints in 2009 that Alli can cause liver damage. As of 2010, the Mayo Clinic reports that there is not enough evidence to support the claim that Alli causes liver disease. Stop using the weight loss pill if you experience jaundice, fever, brown urine and excessive fatigue. The Mayo Clinic does not recommend Alli for people who have had an organ transplant, cannot absorb food properly or take cyclosporine.
Considerations
A low-fat diet is required in order for Alli to work properly. If you find it difficult to prepare low-fat meals, Diets in Review suggests trying eDiets. eDiets is a food delivery service that has meals that are low in fat and Alli-approved. It is vital that you exercise 30 minutes a day to lose weight, even when you take Alli. The Mayo Clinic recommends that Alli users take a daily multivitamin because the weight loss pill can deplete fat soluble vitamins from your body.
Member Comments