I am on day 4 of Alli.  I have stayed in the 15 gram a meal limit since starting.  Sometimes I eat less but most of the time I'm at 12 - 15 grams a meal.  I do not eat anything that derives more than 30% of its calories from fat, yet I am having treatment effects.  I do not feel comfortable leaving my house.  I guess what I would like to know, is this normal?  Will this go away?  I want to continue on but I can't live all my life in my house. 

Some people may be more sensitive to the medication in Alli. You might want to talk with your doctor.

 I have the same problem. I have been on for almost 2 weeks. I stay within my 17g of fat or less per meal and 1600 or less calories per day. I have reduced my portion size with meals but still I have TE, Twice while in public but luckily I was prepared and spared any embarassment. I've lost 4lbs so far but I feel like I must be doing something wrong if this keeps happening to me.

 I guess for myself, I'm going to have to get off Alli.  I stay in my fat range but I have to take lots of immodium to even leave the house which is not acceptable for myself.  I am disappointed that it is that way.

Hi Catladyklbh,

A treatment effect is an uncontrollable, oily discharge. If you are experiencing diarrhea that is not a treatment effect. Immodium is used to stop diarrhea so if you are taking that and it is working then whatever you have is not a treatment effect. Your doctor would be the one to determine what is going on if this continues.

The key to preventing treatment effects is to stay under 18 grams of fat per meal. It is very easy to get more fat than we think. Have you been making the food yourself? Is there any chance that there is more than 18 grams of fat in your meal? Some people find that their body tolerates solid sources of fat better than liquids when taking alli. If you are having problems with treatment effects try to stop the liquid fats and see if that helps.

Keep us posted on how you are doing,

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD