Alli is a dietary weight loss supplement that is available over-the-counter. The manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, says Alli works by disallowing 25 percent of consumed fat from absorbing into the body. It only contains one weight-loss ingredient. The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Alli, which is widely marketed through the U.S.
Orlistat
Orlistat is the only weight-loss ingredient contained in Alli. This compound works most effectively in tandem with a low-caloric, low-fat diet and exercise regimen, according to PubMed, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. It functions as a lipase inhibitor, which prevents the absorption of lipids, or fats, in the intestines. The unabsorbed fatty compounds are then expelled through the stool. PubMed says that you will most likely gain the weight back once you no longer use Alli; however, many people will use the supplement for the long-term.
Side Effects
Donald Hensrud, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic says that the Food and Drug Administration received reports of serious liver injury after the use of Alli. Although there is insufficient data to conclude Alli's influence on these claims, you should watch out for symptoms of liver damage, which include jaundice, brown urine, fatigue and fever, Hensrud says. Common side effects include abdominal discomfort or pain, anxiety, diarrhea, fatty or oily stools, gas and headache, according to Drugs.com. If you eat more than 15g of fat in a meal, you can experience bowel changes, the manufacturer says.
Dosing
You must take one pill prior to each meal, three times a day, according to PubMed. If you miss a dose, you should immediately take it unless more than an hour has passed. Do not double dose to compensate for a missed pill as this can cause extreme gastrointestinal discomfort. You should avoid eating foods that contain more than 30 percent fat as this will increase the potential for unpleasant side effects.
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