Popular Weight Loss Pill Alli Returning In February

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) -  For those who have been anxiously waiting...rejoice!

The popular weight loss aid alli is now available for pre-order, and will be returning shortly to store shelves after a lengthy hiatus.

The capsule, pulled due to tampering, has been off the market since March of 2014. And, as it's still the only over-the-counter FDA-approved pill clinically proven to boost weight loss efforts, many working to shed pounds as part of their New Year's resolutions have been looking for it — without luck.

Amazon.com pre-orders (available HERE) are scheduled to ship on Feb. 19.  GSK has not yet released an exact date when metro Detroiters will be able to find the pill in stores — although the company has announced it will be sometime this month.

Joy Lee-Calio, External Communications Manager with UK-based heath care company GSK — which produces alli — told CBS Detroit,"...We are working hard to bring alli back to stores, and have added new tamper-evident packaging features."

The formula itself hasn't changed, according to the alli Facebook page, which has been posting updates.

Alli, which is approved for overweight adults, 18 years and up, contains orlistat — which the FDA says helps prevent about 25 of the fat a person eats from being absorbed. "For every two pounds you lose through diet and exercise, alli can help you lose one more," the company claims.

Dieters commenting on Facebook are excited.

Wrote Titiean Brock: "They really, really do work. I lost 30 lbs in 2 mo. I'm ready!!"

"I ordered 60 boxes from Amazon already! Alli stops selling all the time and you can't get them," posted Bill Ward.

The current listed price on Amazon is $59.69 for a 120-count bottle, with free shipping. For those who just can't wait, alli is still being sold by private citizens on ebay and elsewhere online, at a premium price of $299.99 or more. Ouch.