Television, print and Internet ads have made Alli a popular over-the-counter weight loss aid with overweight Americans. However, an important thing to know about Alli is that this medication does not control your appetite like other weight loss medications. Learning how to eat healthfully--and nutritiously--as well as making exercise a part of your lifestyle are key ingredients to successful weight loss with Alli.
Other Weight Loss Drugs
According to the Weight-Control Information Network, only a handful of weight-loss medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and most are approved for only short-term use in adults. Prescription medications such as phentermine, diethylpropion and phendimetrazine are approved for 12 weeks of use, while sibutramine is safe to use for up to 1 year. These medications work by curbing your appetite. However, they also can have detrimental side effects, such as increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, sleeplessness, nervousness, dizziness and headache. Nonprescription Alli is a reduced-strength version of a medication called orlistat; the trade name for Alli's prescription equivalent is Xenical. Orlistat doesn't have an effect on your appetite; rather, it works as a lipase inhibitor.
How Alli Functions
While other weight-loss medications affect your central nervous system to make you feel full, Alli prevents your body from absorbing the dietary fat you eat by about one-third, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. Lipase inhibitors block the enzyme lipase, which breaks down fat. The fat that is not absorbed by your body passes through your intestines and is expelled whenever you have a bowel movement. However, although taking Alli may seem like an argument to eat fatty foods with impunity, the contrary is true: You must limit your daily intake of dietary fat and calories for Alli to work for you.
Diet and Alli
Alli is designed for be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet, as well as physical activity, states the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. If you use Alli, your treating physician will give you a diet to follow. Avoid getting more than 30 percent of your calories from fat to avoid the unwanted side effects associated with Alli, as discussed below. Choose lean meats, chicken and fish; substitute low-fat and nonfat milk and other dairy products for their whole milk equivalents; and place more emphasis on vegetables and fruits. According to the NIH, studies show that people who used Alli lost a modest amount of weight, between 5 and 10 pounds in 6 months.
Alli Cautions
Alli blocks the absorption of necessary nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, E and K, along with fat, says the NIH. Take a multivitamin at night to maintain proper nutrition. Although Alli and prescription Xenical don't have the same side effects as medications that act as appetite suppressants, they can affect your gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea, cramping and oily spotting, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. See a doctor before taking Alli if you take blood-thinning medications or have diabetes or thyroid disease.
Other Considerations
Cost is one factor you should consider before using Alli or another weight control medication, says MayoClinic.com. Although Alli can be a valuable tool to help you lose weight, first consider how making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help you lose weight, which includes incorporating regular physical activity. Modifying your behaviors is also important for successful weight loss, states the NIH. Successful weight loss begins with identifying what causes you to overeat or lead a sedentary lifestyle, and making necessary changes.
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