How does Alli work?
Alli is a weight loss pill designed to help people lose weight. It is mostly intended for use by people who are either overweight or obese and is usually taken alongside a low-calorie diet and a regular exercise routine.
In this article we will cover everything you need to know about Alli including; what is Alli, how it works, who should take it, and its side effects.
What is Alli?
Alli is the over-the-counter version of another weight loss drug called Orlistat which we covered in another article.
Alli has been approved as a weight loss drug by the FDC and is usually prescribed for people who are overweight, alongside a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.
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How does Alli work?
Alli works by preventing the body from absorbing about 25% of the fat you eat. It does this by inhibiting the lipase enzyme which enables fat absorption in our bodies.
The fats that aren’t absorbed by your intestines leave your body naturally when you go to the restroom/toilet.
So, as you absorb less fat, this leads to fewer calories being processed by the body which can lead to weight loss.
Does Alli really work?
Several studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of Orlistat’ the active ingredient found in the Alli pill.
One study found that people who took 120mg of orlistat, three times a day and implemented a healthier diet and frequent exercise over a 12 month period lost on average 23.3 pounds compared to those who took a placebo and were also on a healthy diet and exercised regularly who lost an average of 13.6 pounds.
Another study found that the average weight loss for people who took orlistat over a 12 month period is about 7.5 pounds greater than those taking a placebo.
These studies show that Alli can help lead to weight loss, but the average weight loss is not overly high.
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Does Alli have any other benefits?
Alli pills have been linked to several other health benefits including:
- Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced cholesterol levels
Who is Alli suitable for?
Alli is generally only recommended for use by people who are overweight (BMI of 25 or above) and/or obese and have tried other natural ways to lose weight without much success.
We strongly recommend that you speak to a doctor to determine if Alli is the right weight loss solution for you.
Who should not take Alli?
Alli should not be taken by people who fall into the following categories:
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You’re not classed as overweight
- You’re taking cyclosporine
- You’ve had an organ transplant. This is because Alli has been reported to interfere with drugs that transplant patients take.
As we mentioned earlier, you should always check with a doctor before taking Alli to make sure it is suitable.
Side effects of Alli
Because Alli blocks some fat absorption, the presence of undigested fat in the bowel can cause digestive issues and symptoms including:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements
- Loose stools
- Oily or fatty stools
- Oily spotting
- Stomach pain
- Passing wind more often
Alli has also been linked to liver injury in rare cases, however, this has mostly been as a result of those who have taken Xenical which is a stronger version of Alli and available on prescription only.
Possible signs of liver damage include:
- Light colored stools
- Fever
- Dark urine
- Severe and/or persistent itching.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately.
Summary
Alli is a weight loss pill that studies have shown can help lose weight, however, the average results that patients have shown are modest, and this may not be enough for some people.
Alli is not suitable for everyone and should only be taken by people who are overweight or obese with a BMI of 25 or higher.
There are also a number of possible side effects that could result from taking Alli which is important to be aware of, so we strongly recommend speaking to a doctor before deciding whether to take this pill.
Finally, the most effective way to lose weight whether taking a weight loss pill or not is always to eat a healthy, nutritious diet and exercise regularly.
To learn more about how you can lose weight effectively and sustainably, read our articles here and here.
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