In 2006 Alli became the first over-the-counter weight loss product to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This medication is a safe and effective lower dose of the prescription drug orlistat, which works by blocking some dietary fat absorption. When fat is not absorbed from the digestive tract, the calories it provides are not available. Over time this calorie deficit promotes gradual weight loss.
How It Works
According to the Alli site for health care professionals, the drug works by binding to lipase, the enzyme that digests fat, preventing up to 25 percent of fat from being absorbed. With 15g fat allowed per meal on the Alli plan about 4g fat, or 36 calories, are prevented from being absorbed. This totals about 100 calories per day. In fact, if an overweight person consumes 100g fat on a typical day then 450 calories will be saved through adherence to the Alli food plan, before even taking the medication.
My Alli Plan
The plan to be followed while taking the pill incorporates calorie restriction, fat restriction and a fitness plan. Resources includes recipes for making healthy meals at home and a guide for smart choices dining out. There are tips on portion sizes, smart snacks, foods that are low in fat and foods that should be avoided, along with an online journal for recording food intake, vitamin intake and feelings about eating. For the person who hopes simply taking a pill with meals will be the key to weight loss, this mandatory information may be overwhelming.
Effectiveness
The Alli website considers successful weight loss as 5 to 10 percent of body weight. The studies it cites report 50 percent more success with the help of Alli as compared with diet alone in clinical trials. It explains "this means that if you could lose 10 pounds with a diet, you could lose 15 pounds working with Alli."
Side Effects
Since 25 percent of fat eaten is not digested, the fat continues along the intestinal tract to be excreted in its original form. If 40g of fat is eaten in one sitting (the amount in an average fast food burger and fries) the equivalent of 2 tsps. of oily matter will be expelled shortly after. Termed "anal leakage," this yellow discharge is one of the side effects that causes some people to abandon the fat-blocking diet pill as a method of weight loss. Alli also prevents absorption of fat soluble vitamins, which need to be supplemented in between meals to avoid deficiencies.
Who Should Not Use Alli
Dr. Donald Hensrud of the Mayo Clinic advises certain groups of people should avoid the fat-blocking drug. People who take certain medications, have had an organ transplant, have diabetes or thyroid disease may not be candidates for the drug and should discuss this decision with a physician.
Member Comments