Started early Jan 2009 @ 5'10" 222.  My PCP said lose 52 lbs by end of yr for health reasons (high BP, diabetes in family, had edema in ankles).  Am now 177, which is 7 lbs shy of the BMI dropping below 25 and my BP Rx has been reduced to a minimal level.  No problems with Alli until now - only had 1 TE the whole yr but I'd eaten a restaurant meal that was deceptively fatty.  Starting in Jan, I had to go very low sodium and already had total non-dairy restrictions, so have virtually re-invented my diet - thanks to my hubby, who home cooks most of our meals which are now very healthy ones.

For the past 3 months, I've had zero fat breakfasts (no Alli needed), but have been taking Alli with about 75% of lunches and always with dinner.  The past week within 15-20 minutes of taking the Alli pill, I get a metallic taste in my mouth, things smell metallic, and I feel nauseous - lasts for 30-60 minutes.  Need herbal mint tea or chewing gum to get the taste out of my mouth.

I found Alli guidelines show that at my current height/weight I should not START Alli.  Is that one and the same with when to STOP Alli?  (I'm an analyst so find those 2 concepts technically different)

Hey I just noticed this for the first time.  My PCP's calculation must have included some buffer.  For 5'10", 174 gives BMI=25.  Anything under 174 pounds gives a BMI of less that 25.  I'm so close!  But is that metallic taste a red flag?

I would definitely talk with my doctor if something like that suddenly happened after almost a year.

I've passed my goal weight and have taken Alli for 18 months with no issues.  

Hi Monelise,

Congratulations on the success that you have had! Your BMI is close to normal (below 25) so that is the reason why you were told not to start alli. There are people who are taking it at your current BMI because they started it at a higher BMI. The fact that you did weigh more means that you can try this if your doctor is recommending it.

I have not heard anything about alli causing a metallic taste. I recommend that you post this on the pharmacist's board to see what they have to say. Make sure that you include any medications that you are taking. I also recommend that you read my post about reaching your recommended amount of fat on the beginning of the personal experiences board. You may find that you actually need to consume more fat to reach your goal and stay healthy.

Let me know if you have any other questions,

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD