Alli... Friend or Foe?
Alli is a reduced-strength version of orlistat (Xenical), a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used to treat obesity. Alli is available without a prescription. It promotes weight loss by decreasing absorption of fat by the intestines, reducing the number of calories you absorb. If you eat too much fat during a meal or snack you may suffer unpleasant side effects including gas with oily spotting, urgent bowel movements, and diarrhea. Information about Alli’s side effects information contains the following warning:
You may feel an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Until you have a sense of any treatment effects, it's probably a smart idea to wear dark pants, and bring a change of clothes with you to work. You may not experience these side effects; most people experience excess gas, but it's a possibility when you take Alli. The bathroom is really the best place to go when that happens.
Alli decreases the absorption of vitamins A, D and E so the manufacturer recommends you take a multi-vitamin.
So, are these side effects worth it? Can Alli really help you lose those unwanted pounds? Dr. Charles Ganley, FDA's director of non-prescription products says, "Using this drug alone is unlikely to be beneficial. Alli has to be used in conjuction with a low fat, reduced diet and exercise regime. Any fat blocker product will not help you lose weight unless you make lifestyle changes also."
If weight loss is your goal, consider a non-diet approach, to normalize your eating, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, and include some physical activity in your daily routine. You will feel better, spend less money and improve your health.
For more information on the non-diet approach, visit the Healthy Weight Network or make an appointment with Maria Larkin, Nutrition Counselor, (603) 862-3823.
Check out the Healthy Weight Network's Slim Chances Diet Awards for 2007.
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