Alli is the newest weight-loss pill:Does it work?Another drug called Alli just was released for instant over the counter sale on June 13th. It has a HUGE marketing budget so if you haven't already heard about it -you will. This drug promises to aid your weight-loss efforts, AND you don't need a prescription. Alli (pronounced AL-eye) is targeted at overweight adults who are struggling to shed excess pounds. With its easy access and weight-loss promises, is Alli your answer to losing weight permanently? While you should already know the answer to this question, I do want to offer answers to some of the commonly asked questions I have been receiving about this new product. If you are short for time, here's the bottom line-
The bottom line: You still must exercise. Alli simply isn't the easy answer to weight loss and is meant only to supplement — not replace — a healthy diet and regular exercise.Some commonly asked questions about Alli:
What is Alli?Alli is the reduced-strength version of orlistat (Xenical), a prescription drug to treat obesity. It's approved for over-the-counter sale to overweight adults 18 years and older. Alli is meant to be used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise. How does Alli work? Alli promotes weight loss by decreasing absorption of fat by the intestines, which reduces the number of calories you absorb. Lipase, an enzyme found in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fat into smaller components, so it can be used or stored for energy. Alli works by disabling lipase, which prevents the enzyme from breaking down the fat while it's in your digestive tract. The undigested fat continues through the intestines and is eliminated through bowel movements. According to the Alli website, Alli is taken with fat-containing meals, up to three times a day. Because of how Alli works, it's recommended that you eat no more than 15 grams of fat with each meal. Eating higher amounts of fat can cause unwanted effects, such as urgent bowel movements, diarrhea and gas with oily spotting. [Personal sidebar] I think I'd rather try to cut back on the fat in my diet first (such as those greasy chips) than suffer the unwanted side effects of Alli described here. How much weight could I lose using Alli? While they'll sure be marketing Alli as a cure all solution for your weight problem, be sure to look carefully at what makes sense from the nonsense. If your body is not absorbing fat, you are in theory "saving" those calories. However, the weight loss likely won't be great — perhaps just a few pounds more than you would lose with diet and exercise alone. Only a small number of studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Alli. And many of the weight-loss estimates are based on studies conducted on its prescription-strength counterpart, Xenical. The average weight loss reported for prescription-strength Xenical is modest — about 6 pounds greater than diet and exercise alone after one year. So at half the strength, Alli could conceivably result in an average of 3 pounds lost in a year in addition to the approximately 8 pounds you could expect to lose from diet and exercise alone. What are the side effects? Again, here's what the makers of Alli say. "You may experience bowel changes when taking Alli." Ads and marketing materials refer to these changes as "treatment effects." As reported by the manufacturer, these side effects can include:
These bowel changes result from the undigested fat going through your digestive system. The manufacturers again note you can limit the side effects by eating a low-fat diet. [I digress again, why not try to learn better eating habits and reduce the excess amounts of fat from your dietary choices first??] I'll give you a free tool to get the answers on how to remove the bad fats from your diet. See my free trial offer at the bottom of this page before you drop any money on this drug. When shouldn't I take Alli? You shouldn't take Alli if you:
The drug also may pose risks for anyone who takes blood-thinning medication or has diabetes or thyroid disease. Orlistat decreases the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins — for example, vitamins A, D and E. If you're taking Alli, you need to take a daily vitamin supplement (at a time different from when you take Alli) to prevent potential nutrient deficiencies. How long do you need to take Alli? According to the manufacturer, most weight loss occurs within the first six months. Many people who take medications to lose weight regain the weight they lost when they stop taking the medication. Therefore, to keep the weight off, many people continue taking medications indefinitely along with eating a low-calorie diet and exercising regularly. I think you should ask, is this a medicine you want to take for life?? How much does Alli cost? According to the manufacturer, 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. How does Alli fit into a healthy weight-loss plan? As 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. As I stated at the top of this article, the bottom line is simple-Alli isn't the easy answer to weight loss and is meant only to supplement — not replace — a healthy diet and regular exercise. If you are seriously considering this new weight loss drug, I strongly advise you work with your doctor to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of Alli or any other weight-loss drugs. As a resonable alternative, you can create an effective weight-loss plan easily by signing up for our free 7 day trial offer using my-nutrition-coach.com
An Alli Alternate Plan: Try my Free 7-Day Trial
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