Alli is an FDA-approved medication used to treat obesity. It is an over-the-counter version of orlistat, its active ingredient. Alli contains half the amount of its prescription counterpart, Xenical. Whereas Xenical is 120 mg of orlistat, Alli contains 60 milligrams. It works in your stomach and intestines, where it blocks the absorption of fat from the food you eat. According to orlistat's prescribing information, it decreases fat absorption by approximately 25 percent. The unabsorbed fat is then passed in your stools.
Step 1
Take one Alli capsule with each fat-containing meal or up to 1 hour after your dose of Alli. However, if your meal is fat-free, has little fat, or you miss a meal, you may skip the dose of Alli. According to the Food and Drug Administration's prescribing information for orlistat, you can safely take it for up to four years. However, you should discuss the duration of your treatment with your doctor.
Step 2
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for a reduced calorie diet. For better results, it suggests that in addition to taking Alli, you eat fewer calories and add physical activity to your weight-loss regimen. To help you meet your goal, Alli also offers its users an individualized diet and exercise plan that's accessible online.
Step 3
Eat less fat. Doing so aids in your weight loss efforts, as well as reduces the incidence of unwanted side effects such as oily gas, loose stools and more frequent bowel movements. The manufacturer recommends limiting your fat intake to less than 30 percent of your total daily calories or to less than 15 g a day.
Step 4
Take a multivitamin daily. Alli decreases the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins, A,D, E and K. Therefore, to prevent deficiencies, you will need to supplement these vitamins as well as beta-carotene. But don't take the multivitamin at the same time as Alli; take it at bedtime.
Step 5
Talk to your doctor before starting Alli if you take any medications or herbs, but especially if you take the drugs, cyclosporine, levothyroxine, and warfarin. Cyclosporine -- Sandimmune, Neoral -- is a drug used to treat organ rejection in people with organ transplants. Levothyroxine -- Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid -- is used in people with thyroid disease and warfarin -- Coumadin -- is a blood thinner. Alli may affect the way these drugs work.
Member Comments