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Review
Currently
the Alli Weight Loss Program is one of our weight loss
supplements.
Alli is a relatively new weight
loss product, which uses an over-the-counter (reduced strength) version
of the FDA approved drug Orlistat.
Here are some thoughts on Alli by
Donald Hensrud, M.D. (a preventive medicine and nutrition specialist at
Mayo Clinic):
"Alli promotes weight loss by
decreasing absorption of fat by the intestines, which reduces the number
of calories you absorb...
... Alli can help you lose
weight, but the weight loss likely won't be great — perhaps just a few
pounds more than you would lose with diet and exercise alone." - read
more about Alli from the >
Mayo Clinic
We like the
fact that Alli has been FDA approved for non-prescription use and can
block up to 25% of your daily fat intake. However, Alli does not block
excessive carbohydrate intake nor does it help provide your body with
energy to exercise effectively.
The
side-effects are not pleasant. Alli can reduce the absorption of
vitamins, so it is recommended that a multivitamin be take before
bedtime. Since Alli prevents fat absorption, you may experience bowel
changes such as: Gas with oily spotting, Loose tool, More frequent
stools that may be hard to control.
Recently there have been lawsuits against the makers of Alli for
accute liver damage due to the usage of Alli and its sister medications.
In August 2009 the FDA decided to review the product due to 30 cases of
liver damage, all were hospitalized and 6 had complete liver failure. In
their defense this is out of millions of bottles sold but still should
be concerning none the less. |
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