Hi Molly,
I will encourage you to read all the information in the alli website that talks about how alli works and the benefits of alli.
Here is some information about alli that may help you understand how the program works. If you are committed, alli will help you to lose weight effectively and safely.
alli™ (60 mg orlistat), is the only FDA approved, over-the-counter weight loss product. alli is indicated for use by overweight consumers 18 years of age or older. But that’s only part of what’s different about alli. First, alli is not a miracle pill or a quick fix. Lots of other weight loss products promise results overnight. But alli is based on good things like hard work, smart choices, and gradual weight loss. Second, alli is a unique combination of a pill and a plan to help you lose more weight than dieting alone. Clinical studies have shown 50% more weight loss than dieting. If you could lose 10 pounds through dieting alone, you could lose 15 with alli.
How does alli work?
alli works by inhibiting some of the body’s absorption of dietary fat. Taken at meal times, it works by blocking the absorption of about 25 percent of fat in the food a person eats. Because of the way it works, alli must be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet containing about 15 grams of fat per meal. Eating a meal with too much fat while taking alli can result in bowel changes. These changes, called treatment effects, generally occur for the first time in the first weeks of treatment, are not harmful, and can generally be managed by following the recommended diet with about 15 grams of fat per meal.
alli works in the gut; it is non-systemically acting, which means it does not affect the central nervous system (CNS), and has no effect on the heart or the brain. Some weight-loss drugs and supplements that are systemically absorbed can be associated with CNS side effects (e.g., seizure, stroke, and anxiety) or systemic side effects (e.g., heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure and heart problems). alli, a non-systemic weight-loss medication, is not associated with these side effects and its safety and efficacy is well established.
Who can take alli?
alli is not for everyone. alli offers consumers who are ready and committed to make the lifestyle changes necessary for safe, realistic and sustained weight loss, with the added incentive to lose more than with diet alone. It can be taken by overweight individuals age 18 or older who are committed to adhering to a low-fat, reduced calorie diet. But, as with all medicines, there are some people that should not take alli or need to check with the doctor first, so it is important to look at the label before purchasing alli.
alli has been studied in ethnically diverse populations and has been proven safe and effective for all populations regardless of gender, race and initial weight. Data shows that alli plus diet is always significantly better than diet alone.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions,
Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian
Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian