Alli is a weight loss drug and the first over-the-counter drug to be approved by the FDA. Alli can help you lose weight but the positives may not outweigh the negatives.
Alli works by preventing your body from breaking down one-forth (25%) of the fat you eat. This leads to less calories being absorbed by your body and potential weight loss. What more could you ask for?
Unfortunately, Alli does have side effects. The fat that your body does not absorb will pass through your system. This fat may lead to an excessive need to pass gas, an excessive need to pass stool, loose stool or oily stool. The side effects can be decreased or avoided by limiting fat intake to 15 grams per meal. What more can you ask for?
True effects of Alli
Alli is taken three times a day. If you eat the maximum of 15 grams of fat during those meals for a total of 45 grams, Alli will prevent 11 grams from being absorbed. That results in 100 less calories a day. That is a significant amount of calories.
However, those are the direct effects. Indirectly, Alli causes a greater calorie reduction by forcing you to eat less fat. You will eat less fat because if you eat too many grams of fat you will have more side effects. Eat less fat or get a diaper. Which would you choose?
What more can you ask for?
Why would you not take Alli? The side effects can be difficult to handle, but these can be decreased or avoided with a low fat, portion-controlled diet. However, decreasing the amount of fat in your diet may decrease the amount of good fats in your diet. Alli may also have an effect on the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Xenical is a prescription drug made with the same compound in Alli. However, it is two times as strong as Alli. The only problem is that Xenical has not proven to be effective. Not because the drug does not work but because people do not adhere to the diet. So, is a drug with half the strength of Xenical going to work?
Positives and Negatives
Alli Positives:
- FDA approved. That is like being baptized by the Pope
- Blocks 25% of the fat calories you eat
- Forces you to eat a low fat, portion-controlled diet
- Encourages slow and steady weight loss
Alli Negatives:
- May cause excessive gas and/or stool production
- Cost up to $2.50 a day
- May discourage the consumption of good fats
- Decreases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K
- Stronger version of Alli did not work
Alli may be a miracle drug or a waste of money. It will not work for most people but it will work for some. So, try it because you may be one of the lucky few.
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**Please consult your physician, registered dietitian, or certified fitness professional before starting or changing your diet or exercise program.**
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