Alli, an over-the-counter version of prescription drug orlistat, is a weight loss supplement that has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration for adults who are overweight. It is considered safe for most adults that are otherwise healthy; however, it isn't suitable for adults with certain medical conditions such as gallbladder disease or chronic malabsorption disorder.
Function
Alli is a lipase inhibitor, which means it affects the way that your body digests fats that are in the foods you eat and drink. Lipase is the enzyme that breaks down fat in your intestines. Instead of your body absorbing and storing this fat, it is flushed out as a component of bowel movements. Since your body doesn't absorb this fat, you won't gain weight from it; however, it is still important to eat a balanced diet and exercise daily.
Time Frame
This drug is suitable for long term use of up to one year, although the majority of weight loss due to Alli will occur during the first six months of use, notes MayoClinic.com. You take it three times a day. Each pill must be taken with a meal. If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, a thyroid disorder, gallstones, an eating disorder, liver disease or pancreatitis, your doctor may alter the dosage.
Diet Program
The treatment effects of Alli include urgent diarrhea, stomach cramping and oily gas, which are the result of your body flushing out the fat that isn't absorbed. To minimize the risk of these and make Alli as effective as possible, you must limit the amount of fat you eat. Your three daily meals should have no more than 15 g of fat each. The snacks you choose should also be low-fat. Your diet must include foods from the meat and bean, milk, grain, fruit and vegetable groups. At least 20 minutes of exercise on three days per week is recommended by MyAlli.com.
Consideration
There have been reports of liver injury in people taking orlistat, which is the main ingredient in Alli; however, MayoClinic.com reports that no definite link to Alli has been established. Signs of liver injury include dark urine, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, clay-colored stools, weakness, loss of appetite and itching. If you experience these, stop taking Alli and contact your doctor.
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