New mothers are often concerned about their food, beverage and supplement choices. This concern is well-founded since much of what a mother consumes will be found in trace amounts in her breast milk. If not careful, she could unintentionally harm her child. Therefore, it is best to speak with your doctor prior to taking Alli or any other supplement if you are pregnant or nursing.
What Alli Is
Alli is the trade name for over-the-counter orlistat. This Food and Drug Administration-approved medication is used in conjunction with a reduced calorie, low-fat diet and exercise to produce gradual weight loss. Prescription-strength orlistat, marketed as Xenical, helps dieters lose 5 lb. to 7 lb. more each year than they would with diet and exercise alone, according to "Handbook of Obesity Treatment." Alli is half the strength of Xenical and may therefore produce less weight loss.
How Alli Works
Lipase is an enzyme in the digestive tract responsible for breaking down fat to be absorbed. Alli reduces the effectiveness of lipase, therefore reducing the amount of fat that can be absorbed by the body. Undigested fat continues through the digestive tract and exits the body through bowel movements. Dietary fat contains 9 calories per gram. When fat is excreted through bowel movements, so are calories. Absorbing fewer calories than is burned each day results in weight loss.
Alli While Nursing
When a nursing mother takes Alli, the medication is passed to the infant through her breast milk. Alli is only safe for overweight adults and could result in malnutrition in babies and children. As a result, new mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies should avoid using Alli. According to "Focus on Nursing Pharmacology," Alli remains in the body for approximately 24 hours after administration, so it is important that you wait at least one day after your last dose of Alli to breastfeed your baby.
Alternatives While Nursing
New mothers who wish to lose weight after giving birth have safe options, including diet and exercise. According to "Introduction to Maternity & Pediatric Nursing," mothers who gave birth via a vaginal delivery can begin exercising as tolerated 48 hours after delivery; mothers who gave birth via cesarean section can begin exercising as tolerated six weeks after delivery. Nursing mothers can reduce their caloric intake to produce weight loss, provided they consume a minimum of 1,800 calories, says "Contemporary Nutrition."
References
- "Focus on Nursing Pharmacology"; Amy Morrison Karch; 2009
- "Introduction to Maternity & Pediatric Nursing"; Gloria Leifer; 2010
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon M. Wardlaw, et al.; 2007
- "Handbook of Obesity Treatment"; Thomas A. Wadden PhD, et al.; 2004
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