Alli is a popular over-the-counter weight-loss drug, but the negative side effects could outweigh the benefits. Diet and exercise are the most effective ways to lose weight, and adding Alli may only provide tangential additional weight loss. Consider taking this drug under a doctor's supervision, and be on the lookout for adverse effects.
Definition
Alli is a pill that supposedly promotes weight loss by blocking your body from absorbing some of the fat you eat. For best results, the manufacturer suggests taking Alli with low-fat meals and supplementing your lifestyle with a healthy diet and exercise.
Considerations
Alli may lower your body's ability to absorb vitamins, according to Drugs.com. This could cause a drop in energy if you aren't getting all the nutrients you need through food. If you take Alli, consider taking a daily multivitamin as well to avoid this problem. Avoid ordering the drug from the Internet, as counterfeit versions have been found to contain a dangerous ingredient, according to a January 2010 report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Energy
Orlistat, the active ingredient in Alli, is not an energy source or booster. Orlistat works by blocking some of your body's fat-consumption ability. As you start to lose weight, you may feel more energetic, but this is likely due to the diet and exercise the Alli program promotes; adopting a healthier lifestyle often makes you feel better and have more energy.
Side Effects
Alli has a number of side effects, most of which have to do with excess fat being released in bowel movements. Some of these effects include oily or fatty stools, gas with oily discharge, inability to control bowel movements, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and rectal pain. Tell your doctor if you experience weakness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, itching, loss of appetite or jaundice; these could be signs of a liver problem. Other side effects include cold or flu symptoms, teeth or gum problems, headache, back pain or mild skin rash.
Diet and Exercise
Alli is intended to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise; there is no evidence to show that the medication alone causes weight loss. According to MayoClinic.com, using Alli may only help you lose 3 to 5 extra pounds in a year in addition to the 8 pounds you could expect to lose from diet and exercise alone.
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