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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 7 of 19, 369 total comments)Mrsjmm
I took alli for about two months, I constantly had to run to the bathroom because I did not want to change my diet. My bowel movements were liquid and had a very horrible smell (worst than usual). Because it was liquid it got on my hands and i would have to wash my hands for at least ten minutes to removed that horrible smell. It is not safe to pass gas if you are not dieting properly because you will use it on yourself. I wore a pad at all times just in case. I did not notice that I had extra room in my pants until I got off of Alli and gained all the weight back and now those pants are hanging in my closest because I can no longer wear them.
posted May 24th, 2009 11:45 amcarol
alli has helped me a lot. I lost 30 pounds by taking 1 a day since mid January. The only thing is my hair has started to thin more than usual. I stopped taking alli to see if that helps. taking alli is the only change in my meds.
posted May 22nd, 2009 12:39 pmWally
I stopped gaining weight when I started taking it, which motivated me to improve my diet. I take Alli when I cant avoid eating fast food because there was no alternative. I cannot exercise that much because of an injury. So, this Alli together with a proper diet and light exercise as made me lose 2 pounds. That may not sound like much to most people but I have been gaining about 2 pounds per month since my injury, so Alli was able to compensate for it.
posted May 17th, 2009 4:47 amsonja seldon
I've lost 30-35 lbs since mid January. To say the least I'm very pleased.
posted May 13th, 2009 2:28 amAmanda
I'm not quite sure what to think yet, I took it for a week...thought I had to "fart" and pooed all over myself...lol Lesson learned!!!
posted May 12th, 2009 1:03 pmmichael
i would recommend without doubt ive lost 13 pound in 2 weeks stick to a low fat diet and you will get results but try to keep active you dont havre to join a gym, walk the dog walk to the shops.
posted May 10th, 2009 5:12 pmbuttbutts
I have taken for two weeks - and have NO side effects what so ever? I am concerned whether i am really taking it correctly?? as i even had a chinese and nothing happened - i managed to loose two pounds but thought it would much more.
posted May 10th, 2009 6:17 amIm not obese - and my BMI is only 25 does this matter??
berlien
i like alli because it helps me can we oder it
posted May 9th, 2009 10:36 amlisa
I LOVE IT!! I lost 65 lbs. with the help of Alli, it keeps you honest on what you eat, which i think is the best part.. I now think before I eat so not to have to run to the bathroom with guests around.
posted May 6th, 2009 6:52 pmJulie
I tried Alli for a while and quickly realised the pills were not the quick fix that everyone wants! You are much better starting your diet with a Free profile at www.Diet-365.com and planning which one of the 22 diets that are on offer suit your lifestyle, I personally chose the wheat free diet plan and so far am I am seeing very positive results, get your Free profile like I did, I think its much better than relying on tablets to rule your life, after all its a lifestyle change needed if we are to lose weight, good luck!
posted May 4th, 2009 6:49 amamee
i started taking alli yesterday, so far no bad side effects yet touch wood! i am sticking to no more than 1200 calories and no more than 12g of fat per meal. although i've only taken these for 2 days my mood has been pretty low is that normal? i have lost a 1lbs in these 2 days though which i think is pretty good :)
posted May 2nd, 2009 4:25 pmLaura
Ive just started the Alli plan and have just past week 1.
posted Apr 30th, 2009 8:12 amI have lost 2 lbs within this week with no ill side effects what so ever!
I have reduced my cal intake to 15g fat per meal or there round about, and excise on the wkends... I am pleased with the results.
Could somebody confirm to me if i am doing the right thing... i am am taking the Alli pill three times a day after my meals with a multi vitamin in the evening as recommended, but i would say my breakfast is more or less completely fat free ?(either fruit with w.w yogart, or eggs with 1 slice of w.w brown bread) Should i still be taking the pill ??
Laura :)
rob
just wondering is this ok to take if u av a bmi of 25? i want to lose fat from my belly so thought id try it
posted Apr 22nd, 2009 1:51 pmMichele
I have taken Alli 4 separate times. The first time I lost about 5 lbs. The last 3 times I had to stop because I developed flu symptoms with a fever...and I NEVER get sick! The first two times I thought it was a coincidence. The third time, I'm convinced it was because of the Alli. I think it depletes my body of nutrients needed to maintain a health immune system.
posted Apr 20th, 2009 1:18 pmkhelsey
i love it! ive only been on alli for a week and ive lost 6 pounds! it does work if you work at it! you still cant eat fatty foods! i love it!
posted Apr 18th, 2009 3:21 pmWend
I'd like to know if you can take it at the same time as coming off the pill? Obviously once pregnant you stop taking it but am wondering if it's quite safe while trying as it doesnt go into the bloodstream?
posted Apr 15th, 2009 7:00 amSommer
I have been on Alli for about a week now and have not experienced any of the so called treatment effects. I think the people that are experiencing these must be eating high fatty foods. Do not go over 15 grams of fat and your fine! Alli is deffinately helping me make smarter decisions about what I eat and is helping to curb my appitite. Just remember you still have to work out with this pill!
posted Apr 10th, 2009 4:33 pmHollie
I've been taking alli for about 7 weeks now. I try to eat right, snack every once in a while, drink over 64 oz water a day and exercise at least 3 times a week. And still nothing!! I will keep trying maybe it'll drop off sometime. At 5'4" and 185 lbs I have tried every diet trying not to suffer from too much caffeine which makes me sick to my stomach. I am tired of spending $. I bought Alli double starter pack at sams for $65 and got 300 pills. Not too bad. Starting on my second bottle today. I can admit if you do eat fatty foods you will suffer and have accidents. just try to eat right and you'll be ok.
posted Apr 7th, 2009 9:40 pmCM358204
I started taking Alli last Thursday. I found it discounted on amazon.com. It has only been 6 days and I have already lost 4 lbs (5'7" went from 165 to 161). I know that whenever anyone goes on a diet they tend to see the most results within the first few weeks so I know I probably won't loose this much weight each week. The main thing which Alli does for me is help keep me motivated. This past week I have eaten healthier than I ever have before because I'm afraid of those nasty side effects we have all heard so much about. So far I have not had any side effects. I went out to lunch with some friends over the weekend and ordered a turkey wrap and ate only half because I thought that would be less than the fat gram target but later when I looked it up it was about 3 grams higher than what the target is but I still didn't have any side effects. Still, before going on Alli I definitely would have eaten the whole wrap just cause it tastes so good! Alli is helping me to make smarter decisions regarding my eating and helping me to stay motivated to work out so I can see the maximum results. The only thing I haven't changed was how much I drink on the weekends so I'm happy that I am still seeing results. I'll keep everyone posted to let you know how the results go in these next few weeks.
posted Apr 7th, 2009 5:48 pmNani
i have been taken alli for week now but i don`t lost nothing yet , i eat healthier, i am suffering from some gas and constipation ,,,, any one suffer from the same problem
posted Apr 7th, 2009 4:15 pm