1. Magic Beans They're Not
Alli is a weight loss drug created by GlaxoSmithKline. It is the over the counter version of Xenical, a prescription weight loss medication. Available for purchase by overweight adults 18 and older, it's best to think of Alli as a weight loss supplement. This isn't some magic pill that will make you skinny. It is intended to be part of a low calorie, low fat diet combined with regular exercise.
2. Absorb Less Fat With Alli
Alli helps prevent absorption of fat in your digestive tract. There is an enzyme in your digestive tract called Lipase, whose purpose is to breakdown fat in the digestive tract into smaller parts the body then uses or stores for energy. Alli works by preventing Lipase from breaking down the fat in your digestive tract. The undigested fat continues through your digestive tract, then later gets released through your bowel movements. By not absorbing the fat, you absorb fewer calories, and therefore lose weight.
3. Weight Loss, But Not Much
Actual weight lost on Alli is minimal. Dieters take Alli up to three times a day with meals containing 15 grams (or less) of fat per meal. However, expected weight loss with Alli will probably only equal three pounds over what you would get with diet and exercise alone. The research on Alli's effectiveness is inconclusive at best. Most completed studies cover the prescription strength Xenical. On Xenical, patients can expect to lose up to six pounds more than they would on diet and exercise alone, so three pounds is a good estimate of what you can expect to lose using Alli.
4. They Aren't Pleasant for the Rear Exit
Alli has some unpleasant side effects. Because this pill allows more fat to continue through the digestive tract, those taking Alli can experience some or all of the common drawbacks reported with this drug. These include diarrhea or loose stools, more frequent bowel movements, excessive gas with an oily discharge and hard to control bowel movements. It's important to change to a low fat diet when you begin taking Alli. The more fat you eat with each meal, the more likely you are to experience its side effects.
5. Who Shouldn't Use Alli
Alli isn't for everyone. If you're at a healthy weight, you shouldn't take Alli. Also, if you have problems absorbing food, have had an organ transplant or are currently taking cyclosporine, you shouldn't take Alli. There also may be complications for those who have diabetes, thyroid disease or if you take blood-thinning medications. While on Alli, you need to take supplements, at different times then you take your diet pill, to help prevent any vitamin deficiencies you may experience when you're on the medication. You may be missing out on certain fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E since you're absorbing less fat when on Alli.
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