Hi,

  I just started to see the signs of the treatment effects with the oil spots in the toilet.  That just seems not natural in any way shape or form to me.  I understand why it is happening, but what I'm worried about is the long run.  Is that oil running through my GI tract safe for me?  Is it going to harm my intestines when I'm older, or is it perfectly safe, and has any clinical testing been done to make sure that it will not damage or clog the intestinal tract? 

Hi KyleighKS,

You have legitimate concerns, and yes this has been studied.  There have been numerous clinical studies on the safety of orlistat, the active ingredient in Alli, as well as the safety of long term use. These studies have shown that orlistat is safe and will not cause any residual effects on the body.

The oil that you see being eliminated is the excess oil that has not been absorbed.  It is just that, oil.  With time many people do notice a decrease. Eating foods that are higher in fiber helps also.  The oil will not clog up the digestive tract, we do need fat to lubricate the stool as it passes along the tract, what you are seeing is the excess.

Hope this helps.

Sophia De Monte RPh

 im really glad someone else was concerned about this. i have been taking alli for over a week now, and just today did i notice the oily spots. it's really proving a problem for me, and it's kinda gross. does anyone know if anything besides fiber can help get rid of this?

Hi valerie_b,

The oily spots you are seeing is the excess fat being eliminated.  High fiber foods or supplements can help lessen this effect, the oil is still present but it becomes mixed in.  With time this effect can also lessen as your body adapts to the excess oil. It may be helpful to eat a little less fat.  Many people prefer to see the oil, reaffirms that alli is working.  Some find that wearing pantiliners helps if they experience oily discharge during the day.

Hope this helps.

Sophia De Monte RPh