Alli®

alli is the first ever diet pill to be approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for over the counter sale in the USA. Following its launch in the USA in 2007 the makers of alli received approval by the European Commission to market alli as a non-prescription weight loss aid within all 27 member states of the EU.

alli contains the active chemical ingredient called orlistat. This is the same substance which is found in Xenical which is a prescription version that contains a higher dosage of orlistat. Whereas Xenical contains 120 mg of orlistat, alli contains the lower dosage of 60mg, half that of Xenical.

alli works by blocking dietary fats that enter the body from being absorbed. This can be an effective way to promote weight loss. GlaxoSmithKline who produce alli say that clinical studies have shown that weight loss can be increased by 50% when used in combination with a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet compared to dieting alone.

Taking alli

alli is indicated for weight loss in adults who have a BMI of 28 or over and are therefore classed as overweight or obese. Users of alli should also adopt a reduced calorie and lower fat diet whilst taking alli diet pills.

Recommended dosage of alli is one capsule of 60 mg three times a day to be taken with or shortly after (less than one hour) meals that contain fat.

alli blocks approximately 30% of fats consumed. Whilst taking alli fat content should not exceed 30% of the total caloric value of the meal. If your meal does not contain any fat, or if you skip a meal, do not take an alli tablet.

Side effects of alli

Whilst taking alli you are likely to experience changes in your bowel movements. This is a result of the the fats that exit your body without being digested as they normally would. Further limiting the quantity of fat you eat will lessen the following side effects:

• Flatulence with oily discharge
• Loose stools / diarrhea
• Increased frequency of bowel movements
• Uncontrollable bowel movements