Alli, marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, is a dietary weight loss supplement that blocks approximately 25 percent of the fat you eat from absorption, according to the manufacturer. It is available over-the-counter and works in tandem with a low-calorie, reduced-fat diet. Alli is the only weight loss aid for over-the-counter use approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Orlistat
Alli contains 60mg of the active ingredient orlistat, which is usually a prescription medication to treat obesity in a dosing of 120mg, according to Donald Hensrue, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic. Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that functions by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats, which prevents the breakdown of fat while in the digestive tract, according to Dr. Hensrue. It comes in a white to off-white crystalline powder that is insoluble in water, according to RX List. If you eat a meal with more than 15g of fat while taking Alli, you will experience bowel related changes, especially during the first week, according to the manufacturer.
Length of Treatment
Hensrue also says that most weight loss occurs within the initial six weeks of treatment. He says that once you cease taking Alli, it is likely you will gain back the weight you lose, so many will continue with Alli for the long-term in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet. The manufacturer says to take one pill prior to every meal, not to exceed three pills per day.
Side Effects
The FDA received reports that orlistat caused serious liver injury. Although there is no definitive link between the active ingredient and liver damage, symptoms of weakness or fatigue, fever, jaundice or brown urine can indicate an issue with the liver and requires immediate medical attention, Hensrue warns. Common side effects like oily spotting on underwear or clothing, gas with oily spotting, loose stools, increased frequency of bowel movements, stomach pain, headache and anxiety may occur, according to PubMed, a publication of the National Institutes of Health.
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