If you are overweight or obese, you may consider weight loss supplements to help drop excess pounds. Over-the-counter medications for weight loss should be used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. As of January 2011, the only over-the-counter weight loss medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is Alli.
History
Alli is produced by GlaxoSmithKline and was approved by the FDA in February 2007. Alli contains 60 mg of orlistat, which is also found in a prescription version in twice the amount. Orlistat falls into the class of drugs known as lipase inhibitors. Alli blocks approximately 25 percent of the fat you consume at meals.
Usage
To use Alli, you must follow a low-fat diet. You are instructed by the manufacturer to take a capsule with water at each meal. Each meal should contain no more than 15 g of fat. If you exceed this amount, you may experience unwanted side effects. Potential side effects include oily discharge from the rectum, gas pains, frequent bowel movements and diarrhea. Because Alli can affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, you must take a multivitamin at bedtime.
Considerations
In January 2010, the FDA issued a warning to consumers regarding the selling of counterfeit Alli. Counterfeit versions were sold online and, instead of containing orlistat, contained sibutramine. Sibutramine acts as an appetite suppressant. However, sibutramine is no longer produced due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in its users. To determine whether you have purchased counterfeit Alli, the FDA suggests checking for a lot number on the outside packaging and looking for the words "Sealed for Your Protection" on the foil safety seal.
Warning
The FDA has banned certain over-the-counter weight loss medications when reports have been made about their side effects. For instance, ephedra and country mallow were once common ingredients found in over-the-counter weight loss medications. Both medications contain ephedrine and may cause dizziness, rapid heartbeat, headache, nausea and stomach upset.
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