Alli
The FDA's only over-the-counter diet pill.
BACKGROUND
The anticipation for a new diet pill is over as the FDA recently approved Alli (pronounced Al-eye). It's the weight loss newcomer that is quickly finding its place on drug store shelves. Alli is the first FDA-approved diet pill available without a prescription. Alli is actually a low-dose version of Xenical, a prescription drug that successfully assists obese individuals losing weight. Xenical is taken under a doctor's care while following a low-calorie, low-fat diet. Alli has the same active ingredient (Orlistat), but in a much lower dosage, and is available without the prescription.
Alli can help you lose a few pounds more than just dieting and exercise alone. It works by suppressing the body's ability to absorb fat in the intestines. By reducing fat, you reduce calories. When the body is unable to absorb these fats they become undigested waste.
Alli works best when it is used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and a regular exercise program. But since sticking to a reduced-calorie diet is tough and since certain foods need to be avoided while using the diet pill, Alli has partnered with eDiets, a meal delivery service that delivers Alli-specific meals to your door every week.
While some may view Alli as a controversial solution to weight loss, the manufacturers of this product have gone to great lengths to offer a comprehensive program to its users in order to make weight loss as easy and approachable as possible.
Although studies on the amount of weight loss you can lose with Alli are limited, you can expect to lose three to five pounds more than just relying on diet and exercise alone.
PRO
- May help to jump start a weight loss program
- Comprehensive website that offers support, food journals, calorie counters, meal plans and shopping lists
- Partnership with eDiets makes eating and meal planning simple and convenient
- The only over-the-counter diet pill with FDA approval
- Low-dose version of effective prescription diet pill
CON
- Some think it shouldn’t be sold without a prescription
- Not a long-term solution to weight loss
- Uncomfortable side effects
- Must be very careful to not exceed the maximum fat gram requirement with each meal
- Weight loss affects are modest
- Meal delivery services don't teach you how to consume and prepare your own calorie and portion-controlled meals
INGREDIENTS
Alli contains 60 mg of Orlistat.
ADMINISTRATION
Alli is a 60 mg tablet taken three times a day with meals that should not exceed 15 mg of fat.
DIET and EXERCISE
A low-fat and low-calorie diet must be followed while taking Alli. Since the success of Alli depends so largely on what you eat, how much you eat and when you eat, you have two choices for designing the most effective meal plan for your weight loss needs:
- You could consult with your physician or a registered dietitian to design a well-laid out diet and exercise plan.
- You could sign up for Alli's partner eDiets, a meal delivery service that creates special Alli-approved meals and delivers them to your door each week.
With the eDiets plan, you eat three meals a day plus snack and desserts. Menus can be personalized to reflect your tastes and preferences and you also have access to a registered dietitian, an online community of other Alli dieters and fitness and exercise support.
Since the fat content of each meal must be closely monitored while using Alli (no more than 15 mg each day), eDiets special Alli-approved meals meet these requirements so that your risk of side effects is kept to a minimum.
The eDiets menu includes a wide variety of delicious meals, including:
- Maple Apple Oatmeal
- Denver Style Potato Skillet with Turkey Ham
- Rosemary Pork with Brown Rice
- Oven Roasted Turkey with Savory Sweet Potatoes and Mixed Garden Vegetables
- Blackened Chicken served with Seasoned Spicy Brown Rice
- Peach Cobbler
- Sugar-free Pudding
Irrespective of which meal plan you follow, since Alli inhibits the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, it is important to take a daily supplement that includes Vitamins A, D and E.
In addition, for the best results, a regular exercise program should also be followed that includes 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. If you decide to sign-up with eDiets meal delivery service, you have access to a live fitness trainer to help you customize an exercise plan to compliment your weight loss needs.
CONCLUSION
Many people have seen positive results with Alli. However, those considering taking Alli should note that side effects can include gas, and uncontrolled urination and bowel movements, especially when not following the guidelines prescribed by Alli.
Alli is not a magic pill to lose weight, but its special partnership with eDiets, a meal delivery service, makes eating and meal planning simple and convenient.
Do keep in mind that the effects of taking Alli in comparison to just dieting and exercising alone are just the difference of a few pounds. It is necessary that you consult with your medical practitioner before taking Alli.
Common Misspellings
Alle, Ally, Alli Diet, Alli Pill, Alli Diet Pill, Allu, alli.com
Related Diets: eDiets, Advantra-Z, Contrave, Hydroxycut, Orlistat, Xenical
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most disgusting side effects and you can't control it -I threw a months supply out --I would rather have a few extra pounds than wear depends because you're not sure what may or may not come out -- FLIPPIN GROSS!!!
started using it, didn't lose but 2 lbs in an entire month but managed to crap orange uncontrollably, without eating high fat foods.... even when i passed gas it was embarassing at work, and even stained my pants. do not recommend to any one who is a human being.
I have been taking Alli since November 07. As of today 4/29/08, I have lost 35 lbs. You have to be dedicated to this diet to make it work(duh, like all other diets). Getting in the correct calories and fat intake are key, and all the little books that come with the starter kit explain why. I think this drug is wonderful, and also a great discipline tool, i have really learned how to eat healthier, and when I crave junk food, It has helped me stay conscious of portion control. Everyone is different, some people may not have a tolerance for the drug itself.FYI, triglycerides go through the roof from smoking as well as constant stopping and starting of diet and exercise also. If you are thinking about using Alli to assist your diet and exercise (i get in about 2 hours a week, not much, but its something) program, take the time to read the literature, it makes things alot easier, o yeah, and you might want to keep an extra pair of panties around, just in case. Ive never had TE's, but, hey, s**t happens.
Anyone heard of Alli increasing triglyerides? Never had a problem until I started taking Alli, now they are through the roof!
I took alli for 2 weeks..The results were great. I am now down to my desired weight and I'm off alli for now. Got the result and happy for it. Treatment effects weren't fun but hey focus on the result!!!! I wouls recomend it...
I have been taking Alli for 2 weeks now and I have lost 3lbs. I am excited about it. The bathroom trips are real. I do not have a diet plan just watching what I eat. I can tell when I have had to much fat. So It does help you to make good food choices. I am goin to stay with Alli for at these 3 months to see if it works for me. So far so good...Good Luck to everyone.
For some reason the pills didnt gave me the unpleacent side effects everyone talks about. However, I lost over a 100 pounds
I have been on alli for about 2.5 to 3 weeks now and it has been working for me. i went from 244 to 233 in a week. granted i lowered my fat intake and i am also taking a pill called Tight!. tight helps with hunger control. i am also working out 2 times a day. but it has been working well for me.
I started Alli two weeks ago and so far I have only lost 3 lbs. which I guess is better than gaining 3 lbs, but I was hoping for a little better in that time frame. After reading some of you comments, I found out a lot of you only lost a little in the first few weeks, so I dont feel so bad. I stay well under the 1800 calories I am allowed for my 220 weight, usually between 800-1400 per day with fat grams well within range. A little more bathroom trips, but nothing I cant handle yet. I have trouble eating enough carbs or fiber according to the nutrician log I keep online. Did anyone else only lose a small amount in the first few weeks also? I just reordered, I started with the 90 day starter pack, and hope I did the right thing. My doctor is the one who suggested the product. I do have a 9mm thyroid nodule that they have ultrasounded 2 times and nuclear scanned, but they said all is okay. My thyroid tsh is within normal range, but my t3 and t47 are very low, also, my antibodies are high. Dont know for sure what all that means, but thought if anyone was medical that reads this they may know if it is having any influence on the slow weight loss. I wish good luck to all those taking Alli and if anyone has any helpful words I will check back occaisonally to see.
Alli is great, just work out, and use as directed. Perfect!
Alli is not for everyone, that's for sure. I used Xenical a few years ago -- just double-dose Alli. If you are committed to losing, you will, whether you take Alli or not, but it is a nice little booster -- at least for me. When I've eaten too much fat, I would much prefer to see it in the toilet bowl than on my butt. And yes, you will see it in the bowl. As for the dreaded treatment effects, don't fart. I mean it. Just don't, unless you're on the toilet. If you can't control that, you'll probably want to wear a pantyliner. Will you gain the weight back if you stop? Yes, sure, if you go back to eating the way you did when you gained it to begin with. Alli won't lose the weight it for you. You have to make some lifestyle changes, too. Personally, I have no side effects from it at all, unless I've eaten something fatty, and get the oily stool, messy fart treatment effect. I've lost 25 lbs over three months, and I only take Alli when I'm eating something "extravagant". It lets me indulge without paying the full price -- except of course for the lovely TAs, but that's a price I'm happy to pay. Good luck to all.
I think Alli is great; I've had no side effects other than being regular(once a day); I follow and keep to 15 fat grams/meal; been on it since 2/9/08 and lost about 15 lbs. Try it; I think some people are not consuming the low fat foods and thus having the side effects. I'm 55 and I think this pill is really helping me. I've been on every diet imaginable and this is the first one that has actually "helped" me. Please try it.
i started alli on 3/15/08 i have lost 14 1/2 pound so far i exercise 2-4 times a week its sure seems to be working for me,and the TE'S they r not that bad and they r worth it....
I am in my 50's and though I don't have a lot to lose, it has become increasingly difficult. Alli has been the only thing that has helped me. Even WeightWatchers didn't work, though taught me to eat better. I can deal with the bathroom problem. I also don't take Alli 3 times a day. Maybe that is helping with the extremes.
just started alli. keepin it a secreat from my husband,cause thats when they want to take you out to eat.. so far, not bad if you don't cheat. If you do, make sure you stay home,cause you will need some time in the bathroom.
so i have been taking them for a couple weeks the dr says its not the Weight u loose BUT INCHES and yes i have lost 5inches off my waist in the past what 2 weeks and i have not excercised but i only eat once a day may be a tuna or ham and cheese cold sandwich or some soup and i snack on fruit. Don;t eat anything with grease because i assure you will go to the bathroom at least 3 times in like 30-40minutes
I just started Alli lastnight--- i am going to the bathroom more, notice the feeling of needing the bathroom if I eat fatty foods, a slight headache--- other than that- everything is ok.. I hope it works. I'll keep you posted.
Does anyone know, about the multivitamin, i read they said it is VERY important to be on a multivitamin, it says take before bed, but i am used to taking mine in the morning. Does it matter?
I am SO scared to try it!! I know I want to, but I'm just nervous about the side effects. My best friend tried it for one month, she didn't work-out, but she did change her diet and she lost 10 pounds. I'm thinking I want to do the same...except WITH working out. I want to lose a total of 50, but will settle for 20 if I can the first few months. I'm going to buy me a bottle and give it a go this weekend. It's 03/26/08 now, so, I will check back with my progress in one month! Wish me luck!
I am on my second week of taking Alli. I've already noticed that my pants are a little looser! I have had some of the side effects but just because I did cheat. When I eat health, everything is fine. If you follow the diet, you will see results as with anything. I think some of the people who are making the bad comment about Alli are people looking for a "quick" fix drug that will allow them to still eat whatever and however much they want.
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