I started taking Alli about a week ago. I have been watching what I eat and I have been exercising ALOT. So far I have not lost any weight at all. What gives? I only need to lose 10 lbs at the most. I just wonder if this pill is going to help me at all to lose some weight.

Sincerely,

Kathy Martin

Hi Kathy,

It may take 1 to 2 weeks for your body to kick into gear.  Some bodies react differently, but if you stay the course the pounds will start to come off soon.  

Here is some information that may help speed up the process:

Many factors can attribute a weight plateau - Menstrual cycles, high sodium intake, medications, etc.  Sometimes, even if you follow a diet plan perfectly well there are moments when your body plateaus and that is OK.  Even when the scale does not show progress, you should not feel discouraged.  Chances are that you are making progress in many other ways. 

• You are eating healthy and that is positive
• Maybe you are feeling more energetic
• Maybe your clothes are fitting better
• Maybe your cholesterol level is lowering

If you stay the course you will continue to drop pounds.  You can also help your body if you increase your physical activity.  You can add resistance exercises to your routine or cut a snack or about 100 to 200 calories from your meal plan (as long as you are not going to be very hungry in between meals).  Most importantly, stay on track.  Hope this helps.

Let us know if we can be of any further help,

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian

 I have had the same problem.  I am stuck at a plateau for like the past month.  I gave up on the pill because I could not seem to eat the 19 grams of fat per meal as instructed.  I have increased my exercise to walking up to 3 miles a day plus doing weights and other cardio.   I start my day very early as early as 2:45 in the morning, work at home.  I guess I do not know what I should be eating to get my daily amount of fat grams in, thought too much fat was not good for the body.  Confused and do not know where to go from here.  I want to try the pill again but afraid it will not work again.

Energetic

 Hi Energetic,

Do not be worry...let me help you understand the fat grams. 

The alli meal plans are low fat and reduced in calories.  They are designed based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines and the American Heart Association Recommendations for low fat, low cholesterol, low sodium, low saturated fats and no trans fats.  The 15 to 19 grams of fat, usually assigned to alli consumers, is considered low fat.  Most people eat over 100 grams of fat per day (over 30 per meal!) without even knowing.  Most foods have their own natural fat and that is why we help you choose healthy fats so you can enjoy a healthy and well balanced meal. 

Here is a brief list of healthy fats to help you achieve your 19 grams per day.  Know that you do not have to hit 19 grams at every meal every single day, but stay close and try not to go over.  For more information about the fat content of common foods use the alli Calorie and Fat Counter found in your alli starter kit.

 kmjog I am haveing the same problem as Kathy and my Dr cut my calories to 800 a day because of what is going on with my heart I am unable to get a lot of exercising I eat mostly frute and vigges and chicken and fish and insted of loseing I have gained 3 pounds what am I doing wrong I eat 3 times a day and I take my pill so can you help me?

Cathy parr

Your calorie level is extremely low.  Once you go below your caloric body needs, your metabolism slows down making weight loss very difficult.  Your doctor knows you well and understand your condition more than anyone else, so he knows why your calorie needs are so rigid.  

Also, many factors can attribute a 3 pounds weight gain - Menstrual cycles, high sodium intake, medications, etc.  Sometimes, even if you follow a diet plan perfectly well there are moments when your body plateaus and that is OK.  Even when the scale does not show progress, you should not feel discouraged.  Chances are that you are making progress in many other ways. 

• You are eating healthy and that is positive
• Maybe you are feeling more energetic
• Maybe your clothes are fitting better
• Maybe your cholesterol level is lowering

If you stay the course you will continue to drop pounds.  You can also help move from plateau if you increase do some light physical activity.  Perhaps ask your doctor if you can add resistance exercises. Most importantly, stay on track..

Let us know if we can be of further help,

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian

 Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, sence my last post I have good news still eating like I should and have lost 5 pounds my only question is ,is the pill still going to work being I'm not haveing any treatment effects so how can I tell it is still working I do go up to 3 times a day and it is a normal one and I dont like plain water so I put limon in it . Ive never eatin frute and veggie befor but the parrot I just got is teaching me to eat healty foods  Is that reason I'm not haveing treatment effects is because i'm not eating to much fat I have no idea how much I am geting in the fat grams

 Wow, I am so happy to learn you have lost 5 pounds!!  You are on to a successful journey! 

In regards to knowing if alli is working for you - Here are the top signs:

• A steady and safe weight loss of 1 to 3 pounds per week
• Normal  or lower than usual blood levels (Cholesterol, LDL, HDL (higher), etc.)
• More energy
• No treatment effects
• Looking great :)

You are doing absolutely wonderful if you are going to the bathroom about 3 times per day - that is ideal.  Treatment effects are usually the result of consuming an excess of fat.  Hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any further questions and keep up the good work :)

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian