Just recently a new weight loss drug has become available over-the-counter. Alli is a reduced strength version of orlistat (Xenical), a prescription weight loss drug. The drug is approved for overweight adults 18 years or older. Of course you must follow a low calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise program to achieve maximum results. However, before you run and buy this drug, it is important to know how it works…all of the following information may change your mind.
Alli works by decreasing the absorption of fat by the intestines, which reduces the number of calories that can be absorbed. Lipase is an enzyme found in the digestive tract to help break down dietary fat into smaller components so it can be used or stored for energy. Alli disables the lipase, which prevents fat from being broken down in the digestive tract. The undigested fat continues through the intestines and out in the bowels.
It is recommended that Alli be taken with fat-containing meals up to three times per day. A person should limit their fat intake to less than 15 grams per meal to avoid unwanted effects from the removal of excess fat in the body. Some of these unwanted effects include “urgent” bowel movements and diarrhea.
So how effective is this drug in promoting weight loss?
You can expect to lose a few more pounds than what you would get with just diet and exercise. Weight loss studies with Xenical reported a loss of 6 pounds in a year, but remember the over-the-counter Alli is half the prescription dose, so the loss estimates will be half with Alli. In order to keep the weight that is lost off, the person must continue to stay on the drug, watch their diet and exercise.
Alli is not recommended for people who are a healthy weight, have had an organ transplant, are taking cyclosporine, or have problems absorbing food. It is also not recommended for people who are taking blood-thinning medication, diabetics, or people with thyroid disease. The other risk for anyone on the drug is that the drug decreases the absorption of fat soluble vitamins – A, D, E, and K. If you are taking the drug it is a good idea to take a daily multivitamin supplement
How much does this new drug cost?
A starter pack, which includes reference guides, a daily journal and one month's supply of medication, is about $60. A refill pack with a 40-day supply of capsules is about $75. The cost for this drug is not cheap and can get pricey over the course of a year.
If you consider Alli as a weight-loss aid, make sure that you make every effort to exercise, change your eating habits and adjust any other lifestyle factors that have contributed to your excess weight. Alli isn't the easy answer or guarantee to weight loss, and it is meant only to supplement — not replace — a healthy diet and regular exercise. Lastly, make sure to check with your doctor before taking this drug for weight loss.
Rebecca
