I've been reading several message boards and have become a bit confused.  Some people say they are only taking the pills with meals they think are going to be higer in fat content and skipping the pill for meals they know are low-fat.  Doesn't this defy the purpose of Alli?  I take the pills with every meal regardless if I believe the fat intake is below or above the recommended limits.  I do this becasue I don't want to manipulate the Alli program.  I know the pills are expensive, but I rather be on the program as directed.  Please send some expert advice my way.  Thank you.

Yes, yes, yes, this strategy totally defies the purpose of Alli, and it also demonstrates a lack of commitment about losing weight.  Alli is all about commitment and taking responsibility and skipping capsules for high-fat meals is just not responsible.  I recently answered a few posts on this and you'll see my reply is basically that.

However, if breakfast is 5 grams of fat or less it IS OK to skip the capsule.  If someone comes into the Program and they eat cereal, skim milk and fruit for breakfast we don't want to discourage them -- especially since MOST people skip breakfast -- so we offer that alternative.  Most likely it's at breakfast that the fat is low and, in any event, it's for one meal only.

I hope this helps.  Good luck on your weight loss.

Pat Baird, MA, RD, registered dietitian