According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, approximately 7 percent of Americans use over-the-counter diet pills and products. Alli is a non-prescription medication that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a weight-loss aid. It may help you lose more weight than diet alone, but you still should not take Alli or any other weight-loss drug without discussing it with your doctor.
History
In 1999, the FDA approved Xenical as a prescription drug for obese patients. The main ingredient in Xenical is 120mg of orlistat. Eight years later, the FDA gave its approval to a reduced strength form of this medication. Alli was introduced by GlaxoSmithKline as an over-the-counter drug in early 2007 containing 60mg of orlistat. It is only approved in the United States for use by adults over 18.
Results
Charles Ganley, M.D., who was the Director of Non-prescription Products for the FDA at the time Alli was approved, told "USA Today" that those who took Alli along with exercise and a nutritious diet lost 2 to 3 lbs. more for every 5 lbs. those not taking Alli would lose. He also noted that taking the capsule and following the suggested plan could help lower the risk of regaining the weight.
Process
As explained by the University of Maryland Medical Center on its website, Alli is a medication that works by slowing down the absorption of fat within the intestine. It can block about 30 percent of fat from staying in the body, releasing it within stool. In obese patients, there can be health benefits in addition to weight loss, including aiding in the prevention of diabetes -- or slowing its progression -- and improving cholesterol levels.
Considerations
There are some side effects to consider before taking Alli medication for weight loss. It may interfere with certain vitamins that are fat-soluble, like A, D and E, so you need to take a multivitamin at a different time from the Alli capsule. You can also have an oily discharge or loose stools from Alli. The cost of Alli should also be considered as it is over the counter, and therefore not covered by medical insurance.
Warning
The FDA warned upon the approval of Alli that it should not be taken by those who have organ transplants because of interaction with anti-rejection medications. It should also be used with caution by those taking blood thinning pills, anyone with thyroid disease or gastrointestinal problems. Liver injuries have also been reported in conjunction with orlistat use. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Alli with your doctor before beginning this medication.
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