Hi,

I only started Alli yesteday (7/21/08), but already I've noticed some changes to the way my body works.  Prior to taking Alli, I have bowel movements between 20-45 min after each meal, like clockwork.  Since starting Alli yesterday morning, I have not had any bowel movements at all.  I have had no treatment effects whatsoever, though.  I've been eating plenty of veggies, drinking lots of water (as usual), and added a bit more fat to my meals to stick to the recommended fat intake/meal for me.  Is this decrease in bowel movment something I should worry about?  Thank you.   

Hi,

It is too soon to tell if it is just the Alli that has affected the frequency of your bowel movements.  It is not uncommon to find that the first few days of Alli therapy that there is a decrease in movement especially with a radical change in diet and the addition of a multivitamin which contains iron.

It is more desirable though to have less frequent bowel movements especially so soon after eating, when the food travels through your gut so quickly there is a decrease in the ability to absorb all of its the nutrients.

Hope this helps.

Sophia De Monte RPh

 I have a similiar situation, only I've been on Alli for 1.5.  Take a multi vitamin, drink water, and follow the eating plan.  Is this normal?  Is my body just adjusting?

lcaletas:

 I have a similiar situation, only I've been on Alli for 1.5.  Take a multi vitamin, drink water, and follow the eating plan.  Is this normal?  Is my body just adjusting?

Hi,

It is likely that your body is adjusting.  Have you just started taking the multivitamin also?  Iron and calcium that are found in multivitamins tend to be constipating.  Adequate hydration and fiber tend to help alleviate this problem.

Hope this hels.

Sophia De Monte RPh

I am having the same issue.  I am concerned that it is not working because I have less movement.  I have only been on it a few days and I take the multivitamin.  Can I supplement with my daily fiber (metamucil)?

Hi LVerenn,

It is fine to take a fiber supplement with alli. 

People fear getting the treatment effects from alli and are surprised if they develop constipation.  Any time you change your diet there are changes in your bowel movements also.  The addition of a multivitamin which contains iron and calcium does have a tendency to be binding especially the initial few days.  Keeping yourself hydrated and eating plenty of fiber does help alleviate this.

Are you also eating close to the fat gram target?  Your body does need minimal fat to function efficiently.  The bowels need fat to lubricate the stool so that is passes through smoothly.  It is all a matter of balance.

One 60mg alli dose will block about 25% of the fat that has been consumed, the excess fat will be eliminated.

Hope this helps.

Sophia De Monte RPh