Leena Watts
Alli is a weight-loss supplement for overweight adults with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or above, who are 18 years or older. It is the only FDA-approved, over-the-counter weight loss pill. The main active ingredient in Alli is orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that works by binding itself to specific enzymes that break down fats. This results in about 25% of consumed fat not being absorbed and passing through the digestive system. Other Alli ingredients include FD&C Blue No. 2, edible ink, gelatin, iron oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, talc, and titanium dioxide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main active ingredient | Orlistat |
| Dosage | 60mg capsules |
| FDA approval | Yes |
| Over-the-counter | Yes |
| Prescription required | No |
| Age requirement | 18 years and older |
| BMI requirement | 25 kg/m2 or above |
| Side effects | Bowel changes, stomach pain, oily farts, loose stools, frequent stools, urgent need to go to the bathroom, gas with oily discharge |
| Precautions | Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding, have had an organ transplant, are taking medicines to prevent rejection, have problems absorbing food, or are not overweight |
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What You'll Learn
Alli's active ingredient, orlistat
Alli is a weight loss aid that is available without a prescription. It is intended for use by overweight adults (with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or above), who are aged 18 or older. Alli should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet, and regular physical activity.
The active ingredient in Alli is orlistat, a lipase inhibitor. Each Alli capsule contains 60 mg of orlistat. Orlistat works by binding itself to specific enzymes that break down fats, preventing the absorption of some of the fat consumed. This means that around 25% of consumed fat passes out of the body via the digestive tract, reducing caloric intake (as one gram of fat equates to nine calories).
Alli should not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had an organ transplant, or are taking medicines to prevent transplant rejection. It should also not be used by people with problems absorbing food, or who are not overweight. Alli may also interact with other medications, including blood-thinning medicines and medicines for diabetes or thyroid disease. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking Alli, especially if there are any health concerns or other medications being taken.
It is recommended to take a multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene once daily, at bedtime, while taking Alli. This is because orlistat may reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins. However, Alli and a multivitamin should not be taken at the same time, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the multivitamin.
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Who should take Alli?
Alli is a weight loss supplement for overweight adults with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or above, who are 18 years old or older. It should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular physical activity.
Alli is the only FDA-approved, over-the-counter weight loss pill. The main active ingredient in Alli is orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that works by binding itself to specific enzymes that break down fats. This prevents the absorption of about 25% of the fat consumed, which then passes through the digestive system without being absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result, the number of calories that enter the system is reduced, aiding weight loss.
It is important to note that Alli is not suitable for everyone. Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had an organ transplant or are taking medicines to prevent rejection, have problems absorbing food, or are not overweight should not use Alli. Additionally, those with gallbladder problems, such as cholestasis, should not take orlistat. Before taking Alli, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and suitable for your individual needs.
To minimise potential side effects, it is recommended to start a well-balanced, reduced-calorie, low-fat diet before taking Alli. Side effects are most likely to occur when consuming a meal containing more than 30% fat. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, such as bowel changes, loose stools, and an urgent need to use the bathroom. These side effects tend to occur at the beginning of treatment and usually subside with continued use as the body adjusts to the diet and Alli.
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Side effects
Alli diet pills contain 60 mg of orlistat, which is a lipase inhibitor. Orlistat works by binding to specific enzymes that break down fats, resulting in about 25% of consumed fat not being absorbed and passing through the digestive system. This reduces the number of calories that enter the body.
Alli diet pills have been linked to several side effects, some of which can be quite unpleasant. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal (GI) and are related to the amount of fat consumed when taking the capsules. These effects are more likely to occur when a meal containing more than 15 grams of fat is consumed. They include bowel-related changes such as loose or more frequent stools, an urgent need to use the bathroom, and gas with oily spotting. Other side effects include nausea, constant abdominal pain, and uncontrollable greasy butt leakage.
In addition, Alli may reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta carotene. It is recommended that individuals take a multivitamin containing these vitamins once a day, at bedtime, to mitigate this potential side effect.
There have also been rare reports of liver injury in individuals taking Alli, although it is unclear whether orlistat was completely to blame as some individuals were also taking other medications or had medical conditions that may have contributed to this side effect.
Furthermore, Alli should not be taken by individuals with certain health conditions. These include malabsorption syndrome, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, cholestasis (a problem with the flow of bile from the liver), and gallbladder problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also not take Alli, as it is unknown if the drug passes into breast milk.
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Interactions and warnings
Alli (orlistat 60 mg) is an over-the-counter weight loss pill for overweight adults with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or above. It is designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program. Alli works by preventing the absorption of some of the fat you eat, which can cause bowel changes.
It is important to read all label directions before using Alli and to check with your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. Alli may not be suitable for everyone, and certain groups of people should not take Alli:
- Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant should not take Alli. It is unknown if or how Alli could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby, or if it passes into breast milk.
- People with gallbladder problems, such as cholestasis or gallstones, should not take Alli.
- People with kidney problems should be cautious as Alli may cause kidney stones and kidney damage that can lead to renal failure.
- People with malabsorption syndrome should not take Alli.
- People with allergies to any ingredients in Alli should not take it.
In addition, Alli may interact with certain medications, including warfarin, cyclosporine, and medicines for thyroid disease. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, or other supplements you are taking to ensure Alli is safe for you.
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Alli packaging and purchasing
Alli is available in a few different sizes and packs. These include the 60-count Starter Pack, the 120-count Refill Pack, and the 170-count Pack. The 60-count pack comes with a pill counter to help with your weight loss journey.
The packaging of Alli contains a few security features to ensure the product has not been tampered with. The carton has a security seal on both ends, printed with the GSK logo. The bottle of capsules has a foil seal under the cap, which is imprinted with the words "sealed for your protection". Each individual capsule is sealed with a dark blue band around the centre.
Alli is available to purchase on Amazon.com. It is also available over the counter, as it is the only FDA-approved non-prescription weight loss pill. It is manufactured by Haleon US Services Inc. and labelled to United States standards.
Before purchasing Alli, it is recommended that you discuss it with your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines or supplements you are taking, as Alli may interact with these. It is not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had an organ transplant, are taking medicine to prevent rejection, have problems absorbing food, or are not overweight.
Alli should be used alongside a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and an exercise programme. It is intended for overweight adults (with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or above), who are 18 years or older.
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Frequently asked questions
Alli is an over-the-counter weight loss pill for overweight adults with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or above, who are 18 years or older.
The active ingredient in Alli is orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that works by binding itself to specific enzymes that break down fats.
Alli prevents the absorption of some of the fat you eat. The fat passes out of your body, so you may experience bowel changes.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal (GI) and are referred to as diet-related side effects. These include bowel-related changes such as loose stools, an urgent need to go to the bathroom, and gas with oily discharge.
Alli should not be taken by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had an organ transplant or are taking medicines to prevent rejection, have problems absorbing food, or are not overweight.
