Trying to lose weight is a difficult process. Because of this, you may decide to try over-the-counter weight-loss supplements and drugs to help speed up the process. Alli, which is an FDA-approved weight-loss aid, is one product that you can choose to help you lose more weight than you would through a weight-loss program only, but you still have to put forth an effort to lose the weight.
Function
The active ingredient in Alli is orlistat, which is also available in a prescription-strength version. Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor. Lipase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down fat so your body can store it. Since orlistat inhibits, or limits, the amount of lipase your body produces, the fat isn't broken down and can't be stored in your body. Instead of remaining in your body and causing you to gain weight, the fat is expelled through bowel movements.
Suitability
Alli is suitable for adults who are overweight or obese, meaning you have a body mass index of 25 or higher. If you have gallbladder disease or chronic malabsorption syndrome, you shouldn't take Alli. Before starting on Alli, you should consult your doctor if you have any preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes or liver disease or you have an eating disorder, as you may need to follow different dosages than listed on the Alli packaging.
Lifestyle Plan
You should take one Alli pill three times per day. Each pill should be taken within 30 minutes of eating a meal. You can take Alli before or after the meal. Each meal can contain no more than 15 g or less of fat. Following a balanced diet is the basis of the Alli diet plan, so be sure that your diet includes dairy products, grains, protein, fruits and vegetables. In addition to the reduced-fat diet, you have to exercise regularly -- at least 30 minutes per day, according to MyAlli.com. When taking Alli and following the healthy diet and exercise program, you can see an increase in your weight loss of up to 50 percent, so instead of losing 2 lbs. per week, you could potentially lose 3 lbs. per week.
Considerations
By following the reduced-fat diet specified in the MyAlli Plan, you significantly reduce your risk of developing side effects, also known as treatment effects, while you are taking Alli. Some of the treatment effects include diarrhea, oily gas, stomach cramping and nausea. To reduce the risk of these when you first start Alli, begin your reduced-fat diet at least three days prior to taking the first dose of Alli. Because Alli reduces the amount of fat your body absorbs, you may need to take a multivitamin before bed each night to ensure that you get sufficient amounts of vitamins A, D, E and K, which are fat-soluble vitamins.
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