Alli Pills is the first and only FDA approved over-the-counter weight loss product. Meaning, Alli is the only FDA approved weight loss product that you can buy without a prescription. The U.S. FDA advisory panel voted 11 to 3 to approve this over-the-counter formulation of orlistat.
Orlistat is also marketed under the trade name Xenical as a prescription weight loss pill. Orlistat, also known as tetrahydrolipstatin, is a medicine created to get ride of obesity. It prevents the absorption of fats from the diet and therefore reduces the caloric intake. Orlistat is a derivative of a natural inhibitor of the enzyme pancreatic lipase which breaks down triglycerides in the intestine. Xenical contains 120 mg of orlistat and blocks about one third of the fat you eat from being digested. Alli contains 60 mg of orlistat, half the dosage of prescription orlistat Xenical. Taking Alli pills three times per day before a fat-containing meal prevent about 25% of dietary fat from being absorbed. Taking higher doses do not produce more potent effects.
Alli Side Effects
The side effects of taking the Alli weight loss capsules include oily, loose stools and flatulence since fat that is not absorbed is excreted in the feces. The manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline advises consumer to follow a low-fat and reduced calorie diet to minimize digestive discomfort and to maximum the benefit of Alli diet pills. The Alli program consists of taking the Alli capsules and an individually customized online weight loss plan.
Another side effect of taking Alli diet pills is that the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E, K and beta-carotene is compromised. Fat-soluble nutrients and vitamins are usually absorbed with fat in the food. When fat is not digested and absorbed, these vitamins and nutrients are also excreted with the fat. People using Alli diet pills should take a multivitamin supplement before going to bed.
When you know you are eating meals that do not contain fat or meals that only contain healthy fat (mono- and polyunsaturated fat) then you can consider skipping the Alli weight loss capsule