Is the over-the-counter weight loss drug in the form of pills the solution to your weight loss problems?
Alli is a non-prescription medication designed for adults who are struggling with excess weight and seeking to shed those extra pounds. With its easy accessibility and promises of weight loss, can Alli be considered the answer to your weight loss journey?
What is Alli?
Alli is a medication available without a prescription, containing 60 milligrams of the drug Orlistat (Xenical), which is available with a prescription at a concentration of 120 milligrams. Both Alli and Xenical are used as part of weight loss plans, along with a commitment to a low-calorie diet and regular physical activity.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Alli for adults aged 18 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Xenical, on the other hand, has been approved for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher (obese individuals). Xenical is also approved for use in people with a BMI between 27 and 30 (overweight individuals) who have other health risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
What is Alli?
Alli is a medication available without a prescription, with a concentration of 60 milligrams of the drug Orlistat (Xenical), which is available with a prescription at a concentration of 120 milligrams. Both Alli and Xenical are used in weight loss plans, in addition to following a low-calorie diet and engaging in regular physical activity.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Alli for adults aged 18 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. Xenical, on the other hand, has been approved for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher (obese individuals). Xenical is also approved for use in people with a BMI between 27 and 30 (overweight individuals) who have other health risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Are there any concerns about the drug Orlistat?
In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a review of the safety of using Orlistat due to rare cases where users reported serious liver injuries. However, the FDA did not find any evidence to prove that Orlistat was the cause of these reported liver injuries.
Nevertheless, due to these reports, both Alli and Xenical drugs were reevaluated. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms of liver injury, such as:
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Light-colored stool
- Dark-colored urine
How does Alli work?
Orlistat, the active ingredient in Alli, helps stimulate weight loss by reducing the amount of dietary fats absorbed by the intestines.
The enzyme lipase, which is present in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fats into small components for energy utilization or storage. Orlistat inhibits the action of lipase, so when you take the medication with a meal, about 25% of the fats you consumed with the food will not be broken down. Instead, these fats are excreted through the process of defecation.
How much weight can I lose when using Alli?
Alli may help with weight loss, but the weight loss is likely to be moderate. It may help you lose a few pounds more than you would lose by following a healthy diet and exercising.
Some studies have shown that over 40% of people taking Alli, while following a low-calorie diet and increasing physical activity, lost 5% or more of their body weight within one year. Clinically, a weight loss rate of 5% or more of body weight is significant enough to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses.
People who adhered to a calorie-restricted diet and regular exercise along with taking Alli lost up to 5.7 pounds (2.6 kilograms) in one year more than those who only followed the diet and exercise regime.
How is Alli taken?
Take one 60-milligram Alli pill within an hour of consuming a meal that contains fat, up to three times daily. The manufacturer recommends that the fat content in a single meal should be about 15 grams.
If you have a meal that doesn’t contain fat, you won’t need to take an Alli dose. However, if you take Alli with a high-fat meal, you may experience severe digestive side effects.
Alli medication can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, including beta-carotene and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Take a multivitamin at least two hours after the last Alli dose. For some people, it may be best to take the multivitamin at bedtime.
Does Alli have side effects?
The active ingredient in Alli, which is Orlistat, can cause side effects related to undigested fats passing through your digestive system. These side effects gradually decrease over time with proper use of the medication. These side effects may include:
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Oily discharge from the rectum
- Gas with oily anal discharge
- Oily stools
- Increased frequency of bowel movements
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement or difficulty controlling bowel movements
Other possible side effects may include:
- Headache
- Back pain
- Cold-like symptoms
- Changes in menstrual cycle
When should you not take the drug Alli?
Before taking the drug Alli, consult your doctor and inquire about possible interactions with other medications, especially if you are taking medications for any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart disease
- Seizures/epilepsy
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
It is also essential to consult your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Gallbladder issues
- Kidney stones
- Pancreatitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Alli is not recommended in the following cases:
- If your weight is already healthy
- If you have undergone organ transplantation
- If you are taking cyclosporine medication (such as Neoral or Sandimmune)
- If you have problems absorbing food in your body
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
How long do you need to take Alli?
A successful weight loss plan typically involves following a diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication. It should result in losing about 1 pound (0.5 kg) per week during the first month. Also, losing 5% or more of body weight before starting the treatment within one year is considered a success.
If the treatment is successful, maintaining or further losing weight is likely if you continue to follow the treatment plan, including the diet, exercise, and medication.
The majority of the weight loss occurs during the first few months of using the medication. Therefore, if you followed a plan that included a diet and exercise and did not lose at least 5% of your body weight before starting the plan within a few months, continuing the medication may be of little benefit.
If you fail to lose 5% of your body weight within one year of starting the plan, discontinuing the drug may be a reasonable option. In this case, the risks, side effects, and cost of taking the medication are likely to outweigh any potential benefits.
How does Alli fit into a healthy weight loss plan?
Alli is not an easy solution for weight loss; it requires commitment to a healthy diet that controls calorie intake and regular physical activity.
Discuss with your doctor the benefits and potential risks of taking Alli or any other weight loss medications. Together with your doctor, you can develop a suitable weight loss plan for you.
