Alli®
The active ingredient in Alli is the generic drug orlistat. Orlistat is also the active ingredient in the branded prescription diet medication, Xenical. Alli has half the dosage of orlistat than Xenical, due to this reduced quantity of the active ingredient Alli has been considered safe enough for people to use without the need of a doctor's prescription.
Alli is designed to help the overweight control their eating habits in order to aid their weight loss.
How does Alli work?
Alli 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.
What does Alli look like?
Alli® Capsules:
Dark blue
Hard gelatin capsule
60 mg orlistat (active ingredient)
Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline
What is Alli prescribed for?
Alli is an over the counter medication so a doctor’s prescription is unnecessary. Alli reduces the amount of fat absorbed by the body from the food you consume, it is used an aid to help weight loss.
Who should use Alli?
Alli is intended for use amongst overweight adults of 18+ years. A person’s weight category is determined by their BMI (Body Mass Index). Governmental guidelines state that someone with a BMI of 25 or above, a BMI of 30+ is classed as obese.
Who should not take Alli?
Alli is not advised for use amongst people with a BMI of lower than 25.
You should not take Alli if you have problems digesting foods or have problems with your gallbladder.
What should I tell my doctor before taking Alli?
Although it is not believe that the use of Alli would affect an unborn baby it is important to tell your doctor is you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding whilst taking Alli. Mothers should be aware that a percentage of multivitamins that are particular important whilst nursing an infant may also be blocked by Alli.
Don't take Alli if you:
- Are at a healthy weight
- Are taking cyclosporine
- Have had an organ transplant
- Have problems absorbing food
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.
Recommended Alli dosage
While Alli is in effect a reduced level dosage of the successful prescription weight loss pill Orlistat, it is essential that users stick to the recommended measurements. Sold in 60 mg capsules, it is advised that one capsule be taken 3 times a day with meals containing a fat content. The specificed dosage figures should not be abused.
Possible side effects of Alli
| Loose stools |
| Increased frequency of stools |
| An urgent need to go to the bathroom which may be hard to control. |
| Gas accompanied by oily spotting |
The above Alli side effects can be reduced by eating meals with lower levels of fat content. Users of Alli need to educate themselves on the hidden fats in foods and be aware that as individuals' daily calorie consumption will vary (typically between 1500 -1800) 15mg is an average figure.
Alli Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Orlistat 60mg (Weight Loss Aid)
Inactive Ingredients: FD&C Blue 2, Edible Ink, Gelatin, Iron Oxide, microcystalline cellulose, Povidone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, Talc, Titanium Dioxide.
Who makes Alli?
Alli is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. British based GlaxoSmithKline are one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biological and healthcare companies.