Alli-The Weight Loss Drug

Everyone who is trying to lose weight is looking for the quick fix, or the magic bullet that will cause you to just drop the weight overnight.  While research so far hasn’t found this overnight miracle cure, they have taken us one step closer with Alli, the first over the counter, FDA approve weight loss aid.  This product is made of the drug Orlistat, which prevents the digestion and absorption of some of the fat in food.  Alli is sweeping the nation with their claims that the drug will increase your weight loss goals by up to 50%.  But how does it work and is it safe?
Orlistat was introduced to the market as a prescription weight loss drug in 1999.  This product is sold under the name Xenical.  The prescription form of the drug is a higher dose (120 mg) as compared with Alli’s over-the-counter dosage available at 60 mg (Ogbru, 2009).  Alli came to market in 2007.  Orlistat prevents about 25% percent of the fat in a meal by blocking the absorption of lipase.  Lipase is an enzyme found in the digestive track that helps break down the fat to be used for energy.  Since Alli stops this process, fat continues on through the body and out the digestive track (Hensrud, 2009). 
One of the most unpleasant side effects of Alli is the potential for urgent bowel movements, gas and oily spotting.  These side effects are linked to taking in too much fat.  It is recommended that patients keep their meals under 15 grams of fat each.  The side effects can also be lessened by a healthier diet.
It is important to note that Alli should be used as a weight loss aid and should not replace a healthy diet and exercise.  Because Alli is designed to help promote a healthier lifestyle, myAlli.com includes useful tools that will help a dieter to jump start their weight loss plan.  They have suggestions for helping to change your lifestyle, work on nutrition, increase your fitness and understand food.  The support they provide includes an online action plan, menu and shopping lists, tools to record your progress and a network of other Alli users to help connect and share success with. 
By following the guidelines laid out for Alli, you can lose up to 50% more weight than diet and exercise alone.  For example, someone who is taking Alli can lose 15 pounds as compared with the 10 pounds for someone not taking Alli.  Don’t let this confuse you into thinking that Alli makes weight loss easy.    It’s going take work.  Work in the form of changing your diet and hitting the gym.  Alli really promotes making a change for life, not just to lose weight.
The introduction of Alli as the first over-the-counter FDA approved weight loss supplement has really shaken up dieters across the country.  While the side effects can be messy, it seems like the idea of losing up to 50% more weight is very appealing.  Alli is no magic bullet.  The myAlli plan combines a low fat diet and exercise with other tips to manage your weight loss.  Alli really is a friend on your weight loss mission.