Alli Review

 

Alli is the first FDA-approved diet drug cleared for over-the-counter sale. Alli (pronounced "al-eye") is a half-dose of the prescription drug Xenical (Orlistat), which is produced and sold by GlaxoSmithKline. The drug has been marketed in prescription form by Roche Holding AG using the brand name "Xenical" since 1999, to measured success. It costs $50 to $60 a month. Alli has recently arrived in drugstores nationwide, causing doctors and nutritionists to temper the intense consumer interest and marketing with reality. They argue that the drug's high cost and limited effectiveness may not be worth its unpleasant side effects.

GlaxoSmithKline expects Alli annual sales to be at least $1.5 billion and the company is expected to spend $150 million on marketing the drug in its first year. Ads are currently running on television and in magazines, and the product is being sold online by Amazon and Drugstore.com.

What is it?

Alli blocks enzymes that digest fat, preventing the body from absorbing a quarter of your fat intake, and the undigested fat is then excreted. One study of the drug showed that those who took Alli along with diet and exercise over a year lost about 3 pounds more than people who only dieted and exercised. Only 3 pounds more?

The company uses common language in their marketing, that the pills are not a magic bullet and that users of the drug should use their product in conjunction with exercise and a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet. Well of course, it's highly likely you will lose weight with that basic strategy whether you take the pills or not. That's just a security blanket for them. Why not save your money and do that?

Alli can interfere with vitamin absorption and users are advised to take a multivitamin supplement. The drug is not recommended for anyone younger than 18, people with kidney disease, patients on blood thinners and certain other medications, and pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Then there are the side effects, the unavoidable reality of diet pills. They include oily discharge, diarrhea and uncontrollable bowel movements significant enough for the company to recommend carrying an extra pair of pants until users become used to taking drug. Are you kidding me?

The company claims that side-effects for Alli can be mitigated by following a low fat diet. That's reasonable, but can't most digestive discomfort be lessened by eating healthy?

I could continue this review and opinion, get into the details and what not, but lets just cut to the chase... do you really think you can solve your weight problems, lose weight permanently and get healthy by taking a pill? Realize, those who lose weight and keep it off almost always follow the same strategy: balanced nutrition with portion control, daily exercise and especially important, they find a long-term motivation to change their lifestyle. Find a basic food program or chose one of the inexpensive online programs for structure and support, add daily exercise and you have all the ingredients for success.