Alli weight loss Pill - Does it work ? (Research & Studies)

What exactly is Alli?

Alli is a 60-milligram over-the-counter version of the prescription drug orlistat (Xenical). Both Alli and Xenical are intended to be used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular physical activity as part of a weight-loss plan.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Alli for use in adults 18 and older with a BMI of 25 or higher. Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher are eligible to use Xenical (obese). Xenical is also approved for people with a BMI of 27 to 30 (overweight) and other health risks like high blood pressure or diabetes.(Source).

Alli (pronounced AL-eye) is an over-the-counter medication designed for overweight adults who are struggling to lose weight. Is Alli your weight-loss solution because of its ease of use and weight-loss promises?

 Is there anything to worry about with orlistat?

Because of rare reports of serious liver injury in orlistat users, the FDA published a safety review in 2010 (Source). The FDA discovered no evidence to support the claim that orlistat was the cause of the reported liver injuries.

However, as a result of the reports, the labels for Alli and Xenical were revised. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms of liver injury, contact your doctor right away.

• Itching
• Appetite loss
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Stool in light color
• Urine that is brown

How is Alli perceived?

You take one 60-milligram Alli pill up to three times per day, one hour before a fat-containing meal. Your daily fat intake should be distributed among the three main meals. Fat consumption should not exceed 30% of total calories. The manufacturer recommends 15 grams of fat per meal.

If you eat a meal that is low in fat, you won't need Alli. If you take Alli with a high-fat meal, you will most likely have more severe digestive side effects.

Alli has been shown to reduce the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as beta carotene and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Consume a multivitamin at at least two hours after the last Alli dose. This timing works best for some people to be at bedtime.

How does Alli function?

Orlistat (the active ingredient in Alli) helps you lose weight by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed in your intestines.

Lipase, a digestive enzyme, aids in the breakdown of dietary fat into smaller pieces so that it can be used or stored for energy. Orlistat inhibits lipase activity. When the drug is taken with a meal, approximately 25% of the fat consumed is not broken down. The fat is excreted in the bowels.

Alli Weight loss pills Study & Research

A Study examined the frequency and characteristics of alli® use among patients in eating disorder treatment facilities.

Patients from five treatment centers completed the Survey of Eating and Related Behaviors. Diagnoses were determined from survey responses.

The results of this survey suggest that patients with eating disorders use alli®, albeit relatively uncommonly. Therefore, it is worthwhile for clinicians to inquire about alli® use when evaluating or treating these patients in any clinical setting. (Source).

How much weight could Alli help me lose?

Alli may assist you in losing weight. However, the weight loss will most likely be minimal. It could be just a few pounds more than you'd lose through diet and exercise alone.

Over than 40% of people who have taken Alli while following a calorie-restricted diet and increasing their physical activity did lose 5% or more of their body weight within a year, according to some studies. Clinically important weight loss, commonly described as 5% or more of body weight, indicates that enough weight has been lost to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases.

People who followed a calorie-restricted diet, exercised regularly, and took Alli lost 5.7 pounds (2.6 kilograms) more in a year than those who only dieted and exercised.

What role does Alli play in a healthy weight-loss plan?

Alli isn't a quick fix for weight loss. Losing and maintaining weight requires a commitment to a healthy, calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity.

Work with your doctor to assess the potential benefits and risks of Alli or any other weight-loss medication. You and your provider can work together to develop the best weight-loss plan for you.

Is Alli associated with any side effects?

Orlistat, the active ingredient in Alli, causes digestive side effects associated with undigested fats passing through your digestive system. They generally diminish with time and proper drug use. Among these side effects are:

• Stomach discomfort or upset stomach
• The anus produces an oily discharge.
• Anal discharge of oily gas
• Stools that are oily
• Increased frequency of bowel movements
• Urgency or difficult-to-control bowel movements

Other possible side effects are as follows:

• Headache
• Back ache
• Typical cold symptoms
• Changes in menstruation

How long should I take Alli?

A weight-loss plan that includes diet, exercise, and medication is considered successful if you lose about 1 pound (0.5 kilogram) per week for the first month. It is also considered successful if you lose 5% or more of your pre-treatment body weight in one year.

If the treatment is effective, you are more likely to maintain or lose weight if you stick to the diet, exercise, and drug treatment plan.

The drug causes the majority of weight loss in the first few months. If you have followed the diet and workout plan but have not lost at least 5% of your initial weight within a few months, it is possible that continuing the drug will be ineffective.

If you've not lost 5% of your body weight after a year on the plan, discontinuing the drug is a viable option. The risks, side effects, and cost of taking the drug are likely to outweigh any potential benefits.

When should you not use Alli?

Before taking Alli, consult your doctor about potential drug interactions, especially if you take medications for any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid disorder
• Heartbeat irregularity
• Cardiovascular disease
• Seizures \sHIV

It's also a good idea to check with your doctor if you've had:

• Gallbladder issues
• Stones in the kidney
• Pancreatitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Alli is not advised if you:

• Have a healthy weight
• Have had an organ transplant and are currently taking cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, others)
• Have issues with food absorption
• Pregnant or nursing

Conclusion

Alli (orlistat) is a weight-loss medication available over the counter. Alli has been shown in studies to help people lose more weight than dieting alone. The weight loss medication is designed for overweight adults aged 18 and up who also follow a low-calorie, low-fat diet.

A greater dose of the same active ingredient found in Alli is available only by prescription and is marketed as Xenical. Xenical may also be prescribed after weight loss surgery to assist patients in maintaining their weight loss.