Alli Weight Loss Treatment

Losing weight is not easy and it takes time and dedication. These days there are many products, gadgets and programs on the market that claim to promote rapid weight loss without having to diet or exercise. This may lead consumers to try taking pills instead of using diet and exercise to lose weight. Alli is a popular weight loss pill, and while it may provide some benefits, it is not the most effective method when it comes to long term results. If you are considering using Alli, consult with a physician first to ensure it is safe based on personal health and other medications being taken.

Identification

Weight loss that occurs gradually is more likely to be successful long term, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unless you are under a doctor's supervision, weight loss of just one to two pounds per week is considered safe. Effective and long term weight loss involves adopting a healthy lifestyle without depriving the body of the nutrients it needs. The bottom line to losing weight is that more calories must be burned off than are eaten. This can occur through reducing caloric intake or by increasing exercise. However, consumers are often drawn to pills such as Alli in hopes of easy and fast weight loss.

Features

Weight loss pills claim to achieve results through several methods. This includes boosting metabolism, blocking the absorption of fat so that less calories are digested by the body or by suppressing appetite to curb food cravings. According to the Mayo Clinic, Alli blocks the absorption of fat in the intestines and it is the reduced-strength version of the prescription drug orlistat or Xenical. Even though Alli is sold over-the-counter, a medical professional should advise on its use.

Alli inhibits the enzyme lipase from breaking down fat during digestion. Since fat is not broken down, it passes through the intestines and is excreted in bowel movements. When taken as directed, it appears to be safe. However, recommendations are to not eat more than 15 g of fat at a meal. Eating more can lead to urgent bowel movements, diarrhea and gas with oily spotting. While rare, some patients experience liver damage with this pill.

Benefits

For some patients, weight loss pills such as Alli may be an option. Alli is designed for patients who have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise, have a body mass index over 30 or have a body mass index over 27 and have serious health concerns, claims the Mayo Clinic.

When used on their own, weight loss pills like Alli do not typically lead to much weight loss, however when they are combined with diet and exercise they can help a patient shed five to ten percent of their current weight within one year. This number is not that much higher than what is lost through just diet and exercise, which means that the pills are not a magic cure. They can provide a jump start to weight loss, which may help a patient who is struggling to get started.

Warnings

Due to the various side effects that can occur with weight loss pills, they are not designed for long term use. Alli should not be used by those taking warfarin, cyclosporine, diabetes medications or thyroid medications unless under a doctor's supervision.

While Alli may block fat absorption which can led to modest weight loss, it does not teach healthy behaviors. When Alli is stopped, if old eating habits and behaviors return, so will the lost weight. Alli must be combined with a low fat diet and physical activity with the goal of eventually no longer needing the medication. The idea is to jump-start weight loss while developing good habits that will continue throughout life. The Cleveland Clinic recommends that patients should not expect miracles when taking Alli or other weight loss pills, and that they are no substitute for nutrition and exercise.

Solution

For successful and long term weight loss, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends learning to control portion sizes and self monitor food intake, so that calorie consumption is just right to either lose weight or maintain weight. Regular exercise is essential to help keep off unwanted pounds and it also helps the heart, lungs joints and bones. Portion control, choosing low fat and low calorie foods and exercise should be combined with learning what situations trigger unhealthy eating choices, so that better ways to deal with these situations can be developed. Keeping a journal of what situations trigger poor eating choices can be combined with taking Alli for better results.