Alli is an over-the-counter, Food and Drug Administration-approved form of the prescription weight loss drug orlistat that is available in starter packs with literature and 60 to 90 pills or in refill packs of up to 240 pills. It is approved for people older than 18 years old who are overweight or obese. Alli is meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy low-fat, low-calorie diet. MayoClinic.com reports Alli can increase annual weight loss by 3 to 5 lbs., which is in addition to the 8 lbs. a person can lose annually by exercising and eating healthy. The majority of weight loss as a result of Alli is noticed during the first six months of use, sometimes as early as two weeks after starting treatment.
Step 1
Take a single Alli pill three times per day. Take each pill within an hour of eating--either before or after the meal. Drink a full glass of water with each pill.
Step 2
Eat three healthy meals each day. According to MayoClinic.com, each meal must contain 15 g or less of fat to minimize the chance of treatment-related side effects.
Step 3
Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day at a moderate intensity, recommends MyAlli. Walking, swimming laps and cycling are some activities to try to get in your exercise.
Step 4
Take a multivitamin daily; however, don't take it at the same time as Alli. Consider taking your vitamin at night before bed. Alli affects the manner in which fat is absorbed by the body. Vitamins A, D and E are fat-soluble vitamins that may not be absorbed properly while taking Alli.
Tips and Warnings
- While Alli is considered safe, it is advisable to get a doctor's approval before starting the regime to ensure you don't have any contraindications. Using Alli properly can help to minimize the risk of unpleasant side effects, including frequent and urgent diarrhea, gas with an oily discharge, nausea, vomiting, rectal pain, weakness, headache, back pain, rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, gum and teeth problems, cough, sneezing, stuffy nose, chills, or sore throat while using the drug.
- Alli shouldn't be taken by people with gallbladder problems or malabsorption. People with liver disease, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, an eating disorder, an organ transplant, history of gallstones or pancreatitis or an underactive thyroid should seek a doctor's help prior to taking Alli, as dosing changes may be necessary.
