All About Alli, The Weight Loss Pill

(WebMD)  By now, you have probably seen the commercials or read the direct mail pieces about Alli. They ask if you are ready to commit to a weight loss plan that includes Alli, the over-the-counter version of the FDA-approved fat blocker formerly known as Xenical.

The name has changed — and the over-the-counter version is one-half the strength of Xenical — but it's the same drug. And it has some of the same problematic side effects that plagued its prescription-strength predecessor — gas with oily discharge, inability to control bowel movements, oily or fatty stools, and oily spotting.

Alli (pronounced "ally" — as in friend or associate) hits drug stores on Friday, June 15. And as its name suggests, Alli is merely one component of a new weight loss program.

More than just a pill, the Alli program involves a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet, regular walking and toning exercises, and behavioral changes. It comes with a companion book called Are You Losing It? Losing Weight Without Losing Your Mind, along with other weight loss material and online support. The drug's manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, is going all out with a splashy marketing plan that includes a museum-style exhibit in Manhattan demonstrating a dieter's experience before and after the addition of Alli.

The pills cost about $1.50 to $2 a day. A 60-count starter kit retails for $49.25 and a 90-count kit costs $62.99 at www.drugstore.com. GlaxoSmithKline is working with state insurers to get some of the costs covered by insurance.


A Magic Bullet?

If you take Alli and follow a sensible low-fat diet and exercise, you will lose 50 percent more weight than you would with diet and exercise alone. Instead of losing 10 pounds, a person who takes Alli will lose 15 pounds.

"It's an exciting new tool and widely available, but to think this is the only thing or some magic quick fix is wrong," says Gary Foster, MD, director of the Center of Obesity Research and Education at Temple University in Philadelphia, who helped develop the Alli program. "For the same amount of effort [as with a traditional diet and exercise plans], you get 50 percent more weight loss. It makes it easier, not effortless," he tells WebMD.

"Alli is an add-on," says George Blackburn, MD, PhD, director of the Center for the Study of Nutrition Medicine at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. "You have to have a good lifestyle with diet and exercise."

GlaxoSmithKline even makes the point on its web site devoted to the drug that it "only works if you work" and that it is "not a miracle pill or a quick fix."

In the recommended Alli diet, one-third of the calories come from fat, one-third come from protein, and the final third comes from carbs.

"Do the things you need to do to lose weight and see if this won't make it that much more successful," Blackburn tells WebMD.

"It's not about a pill, it's about a program," agrees Valentine Burroughs, MD, MBA, chief medical officer and chairman of the department of medicine at North General Hospital in New York City. Burroughs participated in developing the Alli program.


How Alli Works

The new drug is not an appetite suppressant. Instead, Alli works by blocking the absorption of fat in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. But the blocked fat has to go somewhere, which is why many a candid commentator has said not to take Alli on a first date or wear white pants while taking it.

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[tomwhite55]

Thanks for the information on the weight loss pill Alli. I was skeptical when searching for an online weight loss website because I didn't think I could lose weight with the help of the internet. However, I was proven wrong by a website called www.fitclick.com. This site offer weight loss programs, community forums, tips, calorie counters, etc. I couldn't be more happier with the results and I continue to use this site every day. Good luck dieters.

[tomwhite55]

I have heard from numerous friends that Alli is involved with anal leakage - yuck. I have been using a site called www.fitclick.com that provides not supplements just real workouts that help jump start your weight loss.

[likeitis5050]

markjessup Your parents need to keep better track of what you do on line. You have the maturity level of an 8 year old. Seriously. Get off the message boards...do some smut surfing or something. You are ill.

[drinuk]

This guy Jessop is two sandwiches short of a picnic, he should be banned from this site.

[sofi2hot]

i did la weight loss.. i ate my own food. did NO exercise and didnt even follow thier plan to the letter and i lost 40 pounds in 2 1/2 months.. how hard can it be to realize that you just have to eat less junk and more of the natural stuff we should eat anyway to be the weight you are destined to be?? fat people may smell.. but skinny people do too.. just let it go markjessup apparently not everyone is as "educated" as you.

[ramos937]

Truth - I am obese. I entered an out patient inexpensive rehab physical program at a local hospital and have lost 2 lbs in a week. They put me on a 2200 calorie diet per week and moderate exercise program. I am starting to feel better.

My point - I took a long time to get to where I am and will take a long time to lose the weight. But, I am definitely not taking this pill. For one thing, it is still too new. Let's see what actual field results are.

Plus, my work does require frequent contact with others. I definitely do not need an accident to torpedo my work.

[brianbwb-2009]

"Better living through chemistry" overeat garbage, take a pill, you can still look just like the hardbods on TV. Of course inside you will have the constitution of someone 190 years older.

Drive SUVs, kill the ozone, Science will save the earth.

Overfish the oceans, later science will invent a fish substitute.

Eat GM food, later science will fix that genetic damage to your grandfreaks.

Use even stronger cellphones, later science will be able to reverse the microwave roasting of your brain.

Actually science won't do jack, but we want you to think so, so we can take more of your money.

By the way, eat about twenty low fat Pringles, and feel the excitement as a volcano explodes in your bluejeans, and the hot lava runs down your leg.

[olivera75]

I was previously on this medication when it was pres. only (called Orlistat) a monthly supply was about $180.00, but let me tell you it WORKS, but if you eat too much fat like pork chops or other greasy foods you will regret it..... plus when you use the bathroom it will smell like some some has been dead for weeks. I did however manage to drop 20 lbs in a month (I was also doing Atkins) and the pill was to help with all the fat this diet makes you take in... Good Luck, I stopped taking it because it was too expensive, although I did avoid high levels of fat ;)

[shanev137]

I'll take a Big Mac, a side order of analeakage, and a medium Coke to go please.

[erasmus6]

markjessup

I have noticed that you seem to have a problem. I have notice that, when you post comments on other articles as well. You should maybe seek medical attention, you are definitely in need of some.