Alli is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter diet pill. The pill is meant to be used as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program and not as a replacement. According to MayoClinic.com, most of the weight loss when taking Alli occurs during the first six months. While you can take the pill longer, the results are not likely to improve much more after that initial period.
General Data
Alli is a milder form of Xenical, a prescription fat blocker. According to MayoClinic.com, both products contain the drug orlistat, although Alli contains only 60 milligrams of the drug, while Xenical contains 120 mg. Alli should not be taken by people who have a history of eating disorders, gallstones or liver disease unless a doctor approves it.
How Does It Work
Alli works by blocking the fat you eat from being absorbed by the intestines. According to Drugs.com, the pill must be taken three times a day, with or up to one hour after consuming a meal that contains fat. If the meal contains no fat or you skip a meal, you don't need to take your Alli dose.
Effectiveness
While Alli can help dieters lose some weight, the numbers are not that significant. According to MayoClinic.com, taking Alli will increase your weight loss by about seven pounds a year. The largest weight loss will come from diet and exercise, which is essential to the program. In fact, dieters are likely to lose about eight pounds thanks to the changes in food and exercise habits.
Side Effects
Alli can cause a number of side effects, most of which happen only if you exceed the recommended amount of fat. The most common side effects include loose stools, bowel movements that are hard to control, gas with oily discharge and stomach cramps, according to Alli's official website. To avoid side effects, you should restrict your fat intake to no more than 30 percent of your total daily calories.
Precautions
According to Medline Plus, Alli can block the absorption of certain vitamins, including D, E, K and beta carotene. This is because these vitamins are fat soluble. As Alli blocks fat, it also blocks the vitamins from staying in your body. Medline recommends taking a multivitamin while using Alli.
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