Alli has the distinction of being the first over-the-counter weight-loss supplement approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The product contains a reduced amount of the drug orlistat. It is used along with diet to control a person's weight.
Function
Alli works by blocking the body's ability to absorb fat from food. It stops enzymes from breaking down fat, and the fat remains undigested and is passed through your intestinal tract. According to the manufacturer, it blocks approximately 25 percent of fat that you consume from being digested.
Features
You need to follow a low-fat diet while taking Alli. At each meal, you are instructed to monitor the fat grams found in the food items that you are consuming. Each meal should contain no more than 15 grams of fat. Staying below this amount reduces your risk of developing side effects from the medication.
Directions
You take one capsule at each meal that contains fat for the drug to work. However, you should not exceed more than three capsules daily. According to the manufacturer, for every 5 pounds that you normally would lose, you should drop 2 to 3 pounds more because of taking Alli.
Side Effects
There are a number of side effects associated with the use of Alli. If you consume high-fat meals, you are more likely to develop these effects. Bowel changes that you may expect on Alli include diarrhea, gas, anal discharge and frequent bowel movements. Another side effect is that certain vitamins will not be properly absorbed while taking Alli. These vitamins include E, D and A. It is recommended that you take a multivitamin daily while on Alli.
Types
Alli can be purchased as a starter pack and as refill bottles. The starter pack includes 60 orlistat capsules, a carrying case, companion guide, instruction booklets, calorie and fat counter and a daily journal. The manufacturer recommends that you read all materials and speak to your doctor before using Alli. Online tools are available through the MyAlli website to help monitor your progress on the weight-loss drug.
Warnings
Alli is not recommended to individuals under the age of 18, and you may have to show proof of age before buying the diet drug. It is also intended for use only in people who are overweight and not on any other weight loss medications. Individuals with certain medical conditions should not take Alli unless advised to do so by a doctor. This includes people diagnosed with malabsorption disorders, gallbladder disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, pancreatitis or a history of an eating disorder. Thyroid medications, insulin and blood thinners may cause a drug interaction when taking Alli.
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