According to the FDA, Alli, or orlistat, is the "only weight-loss medication approved for longer-term use." Its prescription-strength counterpart, Xenical, is prescribed for overweight and obese patients with chronic health problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. On the official Alli website, the manufacturers claim Alli "should not affect your heart rate, liver, brain or cause sleeplessness." Alli does not promise quick weight loss; it is marketed as an aid to a healthy, gradual weight loss plan.
How It Works
Orlistat is a lipase, or fat, inhibitor. It works by blocking the absorption of roughly one-third of dietary fat during digestion and passing it through the digestive system. Alli is promoted and advertised as a part of a plan; GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Alli, claims the drug will help "change how you think and feel about food" and "break the cycle of emotional eating." By being a part of a structured plan, says the manufacturer, Alli will help people lose weight gradually while eating right and exercising. The manufacturer offers online tracking tools and information where consumers can monitor their goals, journal about their experiences and connect with other Alli users.
Losing the Weight
There are no claims promising that you will lose weight quickly and easily by using Alli. With the potential to cause unwanted side effects such as oily, uncontrollable bowel movements, Alli should be taken during the three largest meals of the day with a restriction on the amount of fat consumed -- approximately 15 g of fat. MayoClinic.com reports that Alli, in addition to the implementation of a healthy diet and exercise program, will help people lose a few extra pounds. It warns that even with the prescription dose of 120 mg, results are, on average, only five to seven extra pounds lost per year. The estimate for weight loss with 60 mg of Alli is about three to five extra pounds per year.
Successful Losers
Those most successful on this plan are people who are already committed to eating a healthy diet, keeping a food journal and exercising regularly. Exceeding the recommended fat intake per meal of about 15 g will result in what the manufacturer terms "treatment effects," or an excess in gastrointestinal activity and oily discharge. GlaxoSmithKline claims that for most people, the best results for weight loss occur in the first six months of use.
Considerations
Alli is intended as an aid for weight loss efforts. Those expecting dramatic results may be disappointed. Lifelong success with weight loss occurs from changing the habits that lead to the weight gain in the first place. Because Alli can interact with some medications, and is contraindicated for some conditions, it is advised that you consult your doctor prior to taking Alli. Some health problems, although rare, have occurred with the use of Alli, such as liver damage. The possibility of liver damage prompted the FDA to require Alli's product label to be redesigned addressing the risk. Due to Internet scams, the FDA advises not to purchase Alli from any website outside of the United States.
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