There are hundreds of over-the-counter weight loss products. However, not all of them are approved by the U.S. Drug and Food Administration or FDA, the agency that works to ensure the safety and effectiveness of products for consumer use. As of 2010, orlistat, which is marketed as Alli, is the only FDA approved over-the-counter weight loss product. Alli is approved for use by overweight adults ages 18 and older.
How It Works
Alli comes in 60 milligram capsules and is formulated to block 25 percent of fat consumption from being absorbed by the body. The fat is then passed out of your system through the bowels. Alli recommends that you take one capsule with a low calorie-meal, low-fat meal containing less than 15 grams of fat up to three times per day. The capsules can be taken one hour before a meal, during a meal, or up to one hour after a meal.
Possible Weight Loss
The amount of weight you lose while taking Alli depends on how strictly you follow the program. According to the Alli website, when following the program correctly, you should begin to see a weight loss results within the first two weeks. Alli promotes losing weight safely and gradually, so you may not experience a significant amount of weight loss. Alli reports that you can expect to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week, or a few pounds more than dieting alone.
Contraindications
Individuals with certain medical conditions should not take Alli. Those who have had an organ transplant should not take Alli due to the interference Alli has with transplant drugs. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have problems absorbing food, are allegic to Alli's ingredients, are taking cyclosporine or are at a healthy weight, you should not take Alli. Those who have had kidney stones, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues or are taking warfarin should consult a physician before use.
Side Effects
Alli only works in the gastrointestinal system, so it may cause bowel-related changes. Those changes may include gas with an oily anal discharge, loose stools, more frequent bowel movements and hard-to-control bowel movements. According to Alli, these changes may be related to the dieter consuming more than the recommended amount of fat. Alli suggests that dieters stick to low-fat foods in order to alleviate experiencing uncomfortable side effects.
Exercise Recommendations
Alli is designed to help you lose weight by adopting a healthy lifestyle, so exercise plays an important role in their program. Alli recommends committing to a 15-minute per day exercise program, such as brisk walking, and then adding five minutes subsequently. Regular exercise combined with Alli may lead to weight loss that may help to control blood pressure, reduce your risk of diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and certain cancers. It may also help lower cholesterol, build confidence, increase energy levels, improve your metabolism and help to relieve stress.
FDA Warning
The FDA is warning consumers to beware of a counterfeit product claiming to be Alli. The product is being sold on online auction sites and contains large capsules with white powder instead of small white pellets. The counterfeit pills contain sibutramine, a stimulant not found in authentic Alli. Excessive amounts of sibutramine can cause heart palpitations, stroke, heart attack, insomnia and nausea. The FDA encourages consumers to thoroughly research marketers to ensure you are purchasing authentic Alli.
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