Friday, 02 January 2009

• Alli for Weight Loss Help

  Guest blog by xSocial_Vampirex
  
  We have all seen the television, magazine, and internet ads for the over-the-counter weight loss medication, Alli.
  
  Alli's main claim to fame is the first OTC weight loss aid that has been approved by the FDA. That could be why it is so damn expensive.
  
  The Specifics:
  
  What Alli is:
  Alli is the reduced strength version of orlistat (Xenical), a prescription drug to treat obesity. It's approved for over-the-counter sale to overweight adults 18 years and older. Alli is meant to be used in conjunction with a low calorie, low fat diet and regular exercise.
  
  How Alli works:
  Alli promotes weight loss by decreasing absorption of fat by the intestines, which reduces the number of calories you absorb.

  Lipase, an enzyme found in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fat into smaller components, so it can be used or stored for energy. Alli works by disabling lipase, which prevents the enzyme from breaking down the fat while it's in your digestive tract. The undigested fat continues through the intestines and is eliminated through bowel movements.

  Alli is taken with fat containing meals, up to three times a day. Because of how Alli works, it's recommended that you eat no more than 15 grams of fat with each meal. Eating higher amounts of fat can cause unwanted effects, such as urgent bowel movements, diarrhea and gas with oily spotting.

  Side Effects of Alli:
  You may experience bowel changes when taking Alli. Ads and marketing materials refer to these changes as "treatment effects." These side effects can include:

  • Gas with an oily anal discharge
  • Loose stools or diarrhea
  • More frequent bowel movements
  • Hard to control bowel movements

  These bowel changes result from the undigested fat going through your digestive system. You can limit the side effects by eating a low fat diet.
  

  In spite of the very undesirable side effects, there are a lot of people who are taking this medication. I have met a few people who absolutely swear by Alli. After much thought, I have decided to give it a try.
  

  I bought the double starter pack. The starter pack consists of, a welcome to Alli booklet, the Alli companion guide, the Alli healthy eating guide, the Alli calorie and fat counter (booklet includes calories and fat of various food items including fast food.), Alli daily journal, a pocket guide to remind you how to eat healthy, and 90 Alli capsules.
  

  Since I bought the double pack, I received two sets of the booklets and 180 Alli capsules.

  Included in one of the booklets is a code which gives you access to the "My Alli" community. While I was registering with "My Alli" I answered all of the questions honestly except for the last one.
  

  The last question asks if you have ever been diagnosed or exhibit signs of an eating disorder. I answered "no" even though I have been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa.

  On the website, you set a start time for a few things and goals
  1) The start date to begin your low fat diet.
  2) The start date to begin taking Alli (approximately 3 days after you start the low fat diet).
  3) Your "check in" day ( That is where you choose what day of the wee to record your weight).
  4) Set a realistic weight loss goal (For me, my realistic goal was 10 pounds).
  

  Today is my start date to begin my low fat diet. My start date for beginning to take Alli is Friday.

  Now according to what I have read and been told, if you stick to the low fat diet (15g of fat or less per meal), then you don't have anything to worry about but if you don't stick to the low fat then those nasty little side effects will kick in.

  Why am I doing this? Of course I would love to shed ALL of my excess weight and look great but that is not why I have turned to the medication. For the past few months I have had a lot of problems with my diabetes.
  

  My doc has informed me that if I could lose around 10% of my body weight then I may be able to go off  the medication that I am taking for the diabetes.
  

  I take a handful of pills everyday, so two less pills a day would be great. Perhaps then I could go back to testing my blood sugar once a day instead of three times a day?

  Have you ever taken Alli?  What was your experience like? If not, have you thought about taking it? Do you think it'll really help lose weight better than just diet and exercise alone? 

  
  

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