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Alli
The FDA's only over-the-counter diet pill.
BACKGROUND
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Warning: Alli Linked To Liver Damage
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
Featured Diets
Related Diets: eDiets, Advantra-Z, Contrave, Hydroxycut, Orlistat, Xenical
User Feedback
(Page 17 of 19, 369 total comments)Norma
Follow-up to my previous comment. I have lost another 3 lbs. So in total since I started my diet on 5/14, I lost 31 pounds (21 since taking Alli) and I have another 5lbs to go, as I said before, this product works - I don't count calories, just eat low-fat and low carb.
Rachel
Alli did nothing for me.
Anonymous
One person commented to check Alli's website for accurate information and not trust hearsay. Hearsay is actually very important for the TRUTH on actual non-lab tested results or lack there of. Alli is going to do all they can to protect their product, so although they will say what the side effects are (they have to...) they wont be nearly as honest as actual customers. My question to everyone who is on it and says it's great-when you go off the pill, and if you dont stick to your diet plan are you going to gain it back? Will you keep buying alli to prevent that, giving them more money and possibly getting addicted to it? That is my biggest problem with such pills. Many pills cut the water out (ex: HYDROXYcut-cuts the hydro) and many gain the weight back when they're done, so I have yet to do any pills. So just a thinker to everyone reading this...
Tina
I have taken Alli and lost 50lbs in 6 months if you eat healthy and low fat.. you won't have side effects... trust me... you can lose weight... If I can you can......
Anonymous
I''ve been on Alli since June 18th and have tried many, MANY other diet products. This is the ONLY one that has worked for me. I lost 12 pounds with NO EXCERCISE...just following a lower calorie diet and still treating myself each weekend to a higher calorie meal...and when I say "high carlorie" i mean fried chicken, pizza or BBQ ribs! I will continue to stay on Alli and plan on losing another 8 pounds before Christmas which is my goal. As far as side effects, I look at it as keeping me disciplined. Besides, maybe it works because the fat has to go somewhere. I'd rather it leave my body than to continue to store it inside of me. I am VERY pleased with the product.
rob
been on alli since july 18, went from 270 to 235 and still losing follow the plan it works, dont cheat, not pleasant
Woo-hoo
I've taken alli for ~3 months & I have lost 25 lbs. I try to exercise a couple times a week & watch what I eat, but by no means am I completely cutting out the food I like (I love pizza). Just be careful... if you eat a lot of fatty foods, the fat has to come out somewhere... and it can be icky.
Claudia
I have been on this product for about 2 1/2 weeks. I have lost 3 pounds. I get an upset stomach several times a week - which I can deal with, because it actually lowers my appetite. So far - better than I have expected. Side affects are minimal.
Anonymous
I started in July and have lost 26 pounds. Just the idea of the treatment effects keeps me honest when eating. Overeating once you start can really put on the pounds, but you don't want the side effects, so you stop.
Michele
I've been on Alli for 9wks. I've lost 12lbs. I keep each meal under 400cal and 15g of fat. I've not had any unpleasant side effects (unless I've cheated). I also make sure to do 20-30min of exercise a day (a mile walk is 20min)
Anonymous
you all need to be careful. i stopped taking (zenical-double strength of alli) alli 2-3 years ago. i am still having effects from the drug. just got back from dinner out. salad with ranch drsg on the side. 1hour later-bowel rumbling. just made it home in time. sour cream -forget it ranch-forget it and this is 2-3 years later. it screws up the recepters in the colon.
Nathan
Hello everyone, I’m a male, 5’7” beginning weight of 170. I have been taking the Alli pill for almost 2 weeks now. I have tried many diets before and they haven't shown results as fast as Alli has shown me. I have lost 9.5 pounds since I started. I only had one encounter with the infamous side effect, but that was because I cheated and had a high fat breakfast sandwich from one of our favorite American FAT food chains. Also about the 2nd day in, I urinated a lot! But that is probably because I also lowered my sodium and I began drinking lots of water. I was so amazed by the hasty results that I recommended the diet to a friend who is morbidly obese and has tried many other diets to no success, so far she is pleased with her results. Some people are mentioning that they are concerned that when they stop taking the pills they might gain the weight back. I feel that Alli is more than just a pill. It teaches us how to mold our current eating habits into a much healthier plan, and as long as you have the will power, you should be able to successfully keep the pounds off. I’m only 21 and there are so many things that I want to do with my life. I want to finish college, advance into my career, enjoy life, and I want to do that without the extra baggage. I hope for all of you that share a personal dream of having a good life without the weight the best of luck and continued success with your diet. Sincerely, Nathan
Anonymous
ninjagirl.. what is the tea called?
sandy
I just purchased the starter package, taking my first capsule in the morning. Now I've read all the good and bad comments posted and have decided that it is worth at least trying the product to see what effect it has for me. I've been on a low calorie diet for about a week and a half and have lost 3.4 pounds with that alone, but I really want to see what Alli can help me accomplish.
ninjagirl
there's a herbal tea that is very very similar to Alli (just that the tea has a totally aweful smell and taste), which makes you poop when you eat too much fats. those kind of tea are called "extra strength" and has it engraved on the outside and should state somewhere in the instructions: may cause bowel movements. BUT..i'm considering buying Alli..since I hate that aweful smell! i haven't used the tea constantly/regularly to see any results. but yeah.. I will keep you guys updated!
Ames
I am currently taking Alli and they are not lying when they want you to follow the guidelines. The side effects are REAL! I have lost 9 lbs so far. I would hate for them to take it off the shelves for prescription only. I am doing so well!
Lisa
Started alli last week. None of the side effects expected last week. Lost three ounds last week but gained back 2 this week and did not change a thing. I havd the opssite problem then the frequent stools. Might be due to the big fiber increase? I am bloated tonite so might have something to do with weight gain. I will keep at it...
Anonymous
has anyone taken alli by opening it up first?I cannot swallow pills and wrote the company and they said it has not been studied that way..nice trials there
Anonymous
I can't imagine why anyone would want to subject themselves to such laxative misery. Don't you see that what you're losing is your body's water weight. Once you are off the pill, you'll gain it all right back. All you need for healthy weight loss is portion control and moderate exercise.
sandy
I've been on Alli for almost 2 weeks now. I'm combining it with Weight Watchers. I have about 10-15lbs I'd like to lose. After almost 2 weeks my clothes don't feel as tight! =] I've been drinking a ton of water and really trying to stick to the diet! Its hard, but I keep telling myself it will be worth it in the end! Be sure to read all the little books, and don't cheat!! Good luck to everyone!! =]