| Alli; Weight Loss Hero or Hype? |
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So have you seen the commercials? Ok, well maybe you’ve seen the book in your local drugstore then? Well if you haven’t heard of it yet, you will. Alli® (pronounced ‘AL-eye’), is a new over-the-counter (OTC) drug for weight loss. The manufacturers of Alli® are really marketing the drug aggressively, with TV commercials and even a companion weight loss book. It is touted as the latest and greatest weight loss secret around. So what is Alli® and does it really work? What is Alli® The truth is, Alli® is not really a new drug. Alli® is the brand name for orlistat, a weight loss drug that has been available by prescription under the name of Xenical® since 1999.1 The newer OTC version is half the strength of Alli® helps you lose weight by reducing the amount of fat that is absorbed from the intestines. The 60mg capsule can be taken up to 3 times a day with fat-containing meals.2
Patients who purchase Alli® are encouraged to register online for a customized action plan. The plan will provide feedback on your progress and guidance during your therapy. The online plan allows you to create your own personal page where you can keep track of goals, progress, meal plans, eating and exercise. Weight management experts are also available online to answer any questions you have during your treatment. Finally, the site also contains recipes and menus to help you along the way (they certainly have thought of everything).
Does It Work
Alli® blocks about 25% of fat absorption.2 Studies have shown that along with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet, Alli® can help patients lose more weight than dieting alone. The average weight loss is three to five pounds in six months. Studies have suggested that Alli® may be less effective in mildly overweight patients (
Is It Safe? Alli® is not without side effects. Gas, urgency, diarrhea and loose, oily stools are the most common side effects. In fact, these side effects can be so troublesome, some people stop taking the drug. 2 These side effects can be minimized by decreasing your fat i ntake. The side effects are less severe and frequent with the OTC version of orlistat than with the prescription strength. Alli® blocks the absorption of fat, so it can prevent the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins too (vitamins A, D, E, and K). For this reason it is recommended that people who take Alli® also take a multivitamin at bedtime. The vitamin supplement should be taken at least 2 hours before or after the dose of Alli®.2
Alli® can also interact with other medications like warfarin (Coumadin®) and cyclosporine. Patients who have certain conditions like diabetes, thyroid conditions, gall bladder conditions, pancreatitis or kidney stones should consult with their doctor first before starting Alli®. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not take Alli®.2
There is some concern that Alli® will be used by some people during a high fat binge. For this reason, the manufacturer stresses the use of the eating and exercise plan along with the drug. How Much Does It Cost?
A month’s supply of Alli® costs about $62.13 if taken three times daily. This is relatively more affordable than its prescription version which costs about $260.48 for one month’s supply.
The Bottom Line
Alli® is currently the only FDA-approved OTC drug for weight loss. There are many weight loss supplements available at your local drug store, however, these are all marketed as ‘nutritional supplements’ and therefore are not bound by the stringent review process of the FDA before being offered to the public. On the other hand, it is important also to keep in mind that just because the drug was reviewed and approved for OTC use by the FDA, doesn’t mean that the drug is not without its risks and side effects. If used, it should be used cautiously and only after other more traditional weight loss methods (proper nutrition and exercise) have been exhausted. Author: Christi Larson, Pharm. D. Dr. Larson is a Clinical Infusion Pharmacist, author of Empowered Medicine; A Guide for Consumers and creator of www.empoweredmedicine.com. You can read more about her by visiting www.EmpoweredMedicine.com and clicking on the 'About Us' tab. EmpoweredMedicine.com is committed to providing evidence-based medical information.
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