Should you take Alli to lose weight? Johns Hopkins weighs in on this new weight loss drug.
The first FDA-approved nonprescription weight-loss drug is now on the U.S. market. Called Alli, the drug is a low-dose version of the prescription medication orlistat (Xenical).
Clinical trials show that people who take the drug Alli in combination with diet and exercise typically lose 5–10 lbs over a six-month period -- slightly more weight than they would lose with diet and exercise alone.
Alli blocks absorption of dietary fat in the intestine, allowing one quarter of that fat to pass through the system undigested into the feces, thereby reducing calorie intake. This undigested fat can produce unpleasant side effects, such as diarrhea, gas, oily stools, and involuntary discharge of stool. It also results in the loss of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, and E, in the feces.
Even though the drug is available without a prescription, it is not for everyone. People who are not overweight, those who have had an organ transplant, and those who have problems absorbing food should not use Alli. In addition, people taking warfarin (Coumadin) or being treated for diabetes or thyroid disease should consult their doctor before using this over-the-counter weight-loss drug. Alli is taken with fat-containing meals up to three times a day. A pack of 90 capsules costs approximately $50.
