I just finished my first week taking alli.  I did very well and lost 6 pounds.  I was on the 1600 calorie plan.  After I checked in, I saw that the program had changed to 1800 calories.  Why did this happen?  I'm going to stay with the 1600 calorie plan until I hear from someone.

Thank you,

Alana

It's not unusual for calorie levels to go up - or down - at different points along the way.  They system will automatically adjust as your weight and/or your activity level changes.

My experience is that the Personal Calculator is very accurate.  I realize you're please with  the 6-pound loss but that's a big drop in one week.  Quick weight loss often turns into to quick weight gain if people aren't careful.  The alli Program is build on a more even, steady weight loss + other lifestyle changes.  That way it's more likely that weight loss will be maintained after goal weight is reached.

I hope this helps.

Pat Baird, MA, RD, registered dietitian

 Pat, you clearly believe in the Personal Calculator, but I have my doubts right now.

I started 3 weeks ago at 154 pound with light/occassional activity.  The calculator suggested 1200cal/12 grams of fat.  That made sense to me.  After a 5 pound loss the first week (mostly water, I think), I have averaged a pound a week.  So far, so good :).

As part of the program, I now walk to 2-3 miles per day.  According to the companion guide, that's moderate activity.  But moderate activity yields a suggestion of 1800cal/19g (according to both the online Personal Calculator and the Companion Guide).  Umm, I burn maybe 160 to 280 calories a day in exercise and that bumps my plan by 600 calories per day?  I'm afraid if I do that my weight loss may halt.  I'd appreciate some input.

Thanks, Wendy

Yes, I have generally found, after working with thousands of people since alli launched last year that results are usually best because the recommendations are based on personal information.  The booklets provide overall recommendations.

Occasionally people will go 200 calories below the recommendations to imporve results, and that's the most I ever recommend.  Though ultimately the decision is an individual one.

Hope that helps.

Pat

 Thanks for the feedback.  From the online chart and book, I am very close to the cutoff between 1600 and 1800 calories.  I think I will try 1600 and see how that goes.

Wendy

OK. Good luck!

Keep me posted!

Pat

 Pat, I've been on 1600 calories fore a few days now.  I feels right so far.  Once I lose one more pound, the personal calculator and I will agree on 1600 calories :).

Wendy

This is good to hear Wendy!  Some of this is by "feel" and we find our own way.  Everybody's body IS different. 

Let me know how things go.

Pat