Weight loss can be difficult, several prescription drugs can aid individuals with losing weight. Alli is an over-the-counter weight-loss drug that is a reduced-strength version of the prescription weight loss pill orlistat, known as the brand name drug Xenical. While it is available without a prescription, you should take it with caution, and prior to using Alli you should consult a physician to see if it is appropriate for you.
Significance
Alli weight loss pills became available without a prescription in 2007 and is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss pill in the United States. The Alli website states that orlistat, the main component of Alli, is the most studied weight-loss drug in the world, with over 100 clinical studies involving more than 30,000 patients.
Function
The main function of Alli is to aid in weight loss. It is typically used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet to treat obesity in individuals with risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It works by lowering the amount of fat the intestines are able to absorb, which means the body absorbs fewer calories. MayoClinic.com elaborates by explaining that Alli disables the enzyme lipase, which normally helps break down dietary fat into smaller parts; with Alli, the dietary fat remains unbroken and undigested and travels through the intestines and is excreted in bowel movements.
Considerations
Due to the way Alli works, it needs to be taken with meals, up to three times a day. MayoClinic.com states that no more than 15 g of fat should be in each meal because of the way Alli interacts with fat. If excess fat is ingested with the pill, adverse side effects can occur, including urgent bowel movements, diarrhea and gas with oily spotting.
Weight Loss
According to MayoClinic.com, weight loss with Alli is likely to be only slightly more than with diet and exercise alone. The average weight loss with Xenical is five to seven pounds per year more than with diet and exercise alone; Alli is half the strength of Xenical, so an average expected weight loss would be three to five pounds more per year.
Warning
Alli should not be used by individuals 12 to 18 years of age without being supervised by a physician, warns Drugs.com. It may interfere with vitamins needed for a healthy pregnancy, so pregnant women should tell their physician if they are taking or plan to take Alli. Drugs.com states that individuals with an underactive thyroid, pancreatitis, diabetes, an eating disorder or liver disease may not be able to take Alli safely, and they should discuss their conditions with a physician prior to taking the medication.
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