Should I Use Alli Weight Loss Pills?

Have you tried Alli, or considered using it to lose weight?

I’m certainly not a fan of taking pills and potions as a quick fix solution, but I know that for some people these are an option and they can work.

So, I thought it was worthwhile taking a closer look at Alli today.

What is Alli?
Alli is the reduced-strength version of orlistat (Xenical), a prescription drug used in the treatment of obesity.

It’s approved for over-the-counter sale to overweight adults (BMI of 28 or more), and is meant to be used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet, and regular exercise.

So, with it being so easy to access, is Alli really your answer to losing weight permanently?

How does Alli work?
Alli encourages weight loss by decreasing your absorption of fat in the intestines, this in turn reduces the number of calories you absorb.

Lipase is an enzyme found in the digestive tract, which helps break down dietary fat into smaller components to be used, or stored, for energy. Alli works by disabling lipase–this prevents the enzyme from breaking down the fat while it is in your digestive tract, and therefore the undigested fat continues through your intestines, being eliminated in your bowel movements.

The idea is that you take Alli with fat-containing meals, up to three times per day. It is said to prevent absorption of around 25% dietary fat.

How much weight can I expect to lose?
Alli could result in an average of 3 pounds lost in a year. This is in addition to the approximate 8 pounds you could expect to lose from diet and exercise alone.

Unfortunately, only a small number of studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Alli, and in fact, many of the weight loss estimates are based on studies conducted on its prescription-strength counterpart, Xenical, so it’s unclear how relevant these would be.

Are there any side effects of using Alli?
As with most drugs, there can be unpleasant side effects when using Alli. It’s recommended you eat no more than 15 grams of fat with each meal–by eating higher amounts you may experience some of the unwanted effects:

• Urgent bowel movements
• Diarrhea
• Gas 
• Oily spotting

You should also be aware that the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins (A, D and E) is reduced when taking Alli, therefore you need to be taking a daily vitamin supplement to prevent nutrient deficiencies, if you decide to take Alli.

You shouldn’t take Alli if:

• You are a healthy weight
• You are taking cyclosporine
• You have had an organ transplant
• You have problems absorbing food
• You are taking blood-thinning medication or have diabetes or thyroid disease–discuss with your doctor first

So, how long should I take Alli?
Personally, I think Alli may have a beneficial role for some people for the first 6 months of weight loss. But, you must try to see it for what it is, it is a helping hand towards modest weight loss, not a quick fix solution.

How should Alli fit into my lifestyle?
If you decide Alli is right for you, you need to make a consistent effort to change your eating habits, and add exercise to your daily routine. This is the only way it can be effective long-term.

I would strongly advise that you see your doctor first before starting to take this weight loss pill, and if necessary ask to be referred to a registered dietitian, who will work out a suitable eating and exercise plan, specific to your individual needs.

Despite the fact that this drug is available without prescription, I believe a considerable amount of support is necessary if you are to change your eating habits for life. This is where a qualified health professional can help. 

Remember, drugs can never deal with the underlying reasons for your initial weight gain.

What do you think of Alli? Would you consider using it if necessary?