Alli is not a diet, per se, but the over-the-counter version of the weight-loss drug orlistat. Alli is intended to be used along with a low-calorie diet and regular physical activity, however, and can slightly increase your rate of weight loss over the course of a year. However, the modest weight-loss benefits of Alli also come with some side effects and potential dangers.
Method
Alli partially disables the fat-digesting molecule lipase in the digestive tract. When you take Alli along with a meal containing fat, about 25 percent of the fat is not digested. Instead, this fat leaves your system intact through your bowel movements. Potential side effects of Alli include diarrhea, gas and oily spotting. Side effects are more likely if you consume more than 15 grams of fat at a meal while taking Alli.
Usage
Individuals taking Alli typically use the drug three times a day, within one hour after a fat-containing meal each time. Alli comes in doses of 60 milligrams per pill and should be used in conjunction with exercise and a healthy diet to boost weight loss. Alli can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins D, K, E and A. You should take any supplements containing these vitamins at least two hours before or after taking Alli. You should institute a low-fat, low-calorie diet and exercise plan for at least three days before you start taking Alli to help your body adapt to the changes in diet that will accompany Alli use. While using Alli, no more than 30 percent of your daily calories should come from fat.
Effectiveness
Individuals taking Alli can expect a small amount of weight loss in addition to the weight loss caused through diet and exercise. Alli can cause a three to five pound weight loss over the course of a year in addition to weight lost through diet and exercise. For comparison, the prescription-strength version, Xenical, provides five to seven pounds of extra weight loss over the course of a year. In general, most of the weight lost through using Alli occurs in the first six months.
Concerns
The prescription-strength version of this drug, orlistat, has been linked to liver damage, but this link remains under investigation. If buying Alli, make sure to purchase it through a reputable source. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, issued a warning in January 2010 about counterfeit Alli sold through Internet pharmacies. The counterfeit Alli discovered by the FDA did not contain any orlistat, but instead contained the controlled substance sibutramine.
Member Comments