Hi

I started taking Alli on Sunday and am finding it very convenient to have the meal plans to follow as suggested.  I am making short-term goals, 10 pounds at a time, to reach my goal weight.  I've been going to the gym, even before starting on Alli, and was wondering how Alli works on my existing fat.  If you could please let me know I would greatly appreciate it. 

Thank you!

Hi nato09301, Welcome to alli! Making small, short-term goals with long-term goal in the big picture is crucial and very important! The alli product doe not actually effect or work on your existing fat. It strictly effect dietary fat-intake and how much is absorbed. To make a difference in the subcutaneous fat that is already on your body, that is determined by weight/fat loss through diet and exercise. The alli program promotes a clean healthy diet along with cardio and strength training to maximize calorie/fat burn! Best in health to you, Kelli

Kelli

Am I understanding right that existing fat is not helped by Alli?  I am trying so hard to get 65 pounds off.  I have just started taking Alli this week and trying the treadmill 3x a week.  I will add Leslie Sansone walking at home soon.  Treadmill 30 minutes 3x weekly and Leslie 3x weekly.  I am hoping

Thanks for your support

Cookie

Hi Cookie,

The pills themselves work to reduce the amount of fat that is absorbed by the food you eat.  Having said that, however, the alli plan - diet, exercise and the pills as a combination - is designed to reduce ALL fat - both existing and what you intake.  The reason is, as you reduce the number of calories you take in and increase the number you expend, you are losing weight.  As you build lean muscle mass, through strength training, you are also allowing your body to burn more calories and fat, even as you rest, and it's coming from existing deposits. 

Therefore, continue with your cardio sessions, and I encourage you to start strength training (follow the exercises listed on the alli Web site as a great start for a total body workout twice per week).

Keep up the great work.

Good Luck,

Paul

Thank you for your quick response.  But now I would like to know if the exercising I'm doing is going to be enough to notice weight loss.  I have strictly been focusing on performing cardio exercises such as spinning, step aerobics, elliptical trainer, and walking/slow jogging on the treadmill.  I try to do at least 90 minutes of cardio each time I go to the health club which is 3 - 5 times a week depending on my schedule.   The health club I go to offers a weight training class that targets all muscle groups during a one hour time period.  I thought it would be best to try to lose some weight first before doing weight training exercises.  What are your thoughts on this? 

Hi Nat09301,

So many people beginning a diet and/or exercise program are under the false impression that strength training will make them bulky or that they would benefit from "losing weight" first, then, when they slim down, begin the strength training.  The thing you need to realize is that strength training is actually a critical component to losing weight, and promoting lean muscle mass.  The more lean muscle we have, the more calories and fat your body will burn around the clock - even at rest.  Most bodies will not gain the kind of muscle that will make them appear bigger (it's actually quite difficult for most people to put on quality muscle).  The kind of strength training you are going to be doing is not designed for that, and will likely make your body appear smaller and more compact, especially as you continue to burn fat. 

And, the most effective way to increase muscle mass and burn fat is through a combination of cardio and strength training exercises, and you are doing great with the cardio.  I urge you to start participating in the strength training classes your gym offers now. Try to get in two total body sessions per week - spaced out by four days.  On your other days, keep up the cardio. 

Keep up the great work and keep me posted.

Good Luck,

Paul