Alli review: Is It Safe?

What is Alli?

The only over the counter weight loss medication approved by the FDA, it’s promoted as a long term fat loss tool. It is only functional with a strict diet and exercise regimen. This medication is said to assist in losing approximately one pound of fat for every 2 pounds you lose thru diet and exercise.

With the first 6 months being the most apparent time of fat loss, Alli can be used anytime weight loss is necessary. They not only promote this supplement but provide tools for fat loss such as portion control and exercise tips, meaning this drug only works only when calorie counting and when exercising. Only those 18 and older are recommended to use this drug.

Who makes it?

GSK which originates in the United Kingdom, is a healthcare company focused on vaccines, pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare products. With over 100,000 employees in 115 countries this company started as a merger with GlaxoWellcome plc and SmithKline Beecham plc. GSK is infamous for settling the biggest criminal settlement in which a fine of 4 billion dollars was handed for criminal charges.

With an array of products and services this conglomerate serves people thru many facets of health. Their drug Alli can be found over the counter in many retailers.

How (and) does it work?

Thru a blockage in the intestines this drug releases an estimated 25% of fat into ones stool. A recommended 15 grams of fat or less is recommended for optimum usage between meals.

A dietary change and active lifestyle is necessary as fat loss only occurs with collaboration of pounds of fat lost thru one’s own means.

The FDA has shown this product works, though most customers mention tremendous physical discomfort relating to stomach and bowel issues.

What’s inside of it and are there side effects?

Very little is mentioned in the form of ingredients on their website, but the active ingredient includes Orlistat.  Orlistat is a part of bacteria that typically makes its way unto soil and decaying vegetation. It also contains sodium lauryl sulfate and food coloring; a common irritant allergy trigger. To find a more natural choice there is a diet pill that is derived from natural ingredients, please read the top 10 list.

• Orlistat: Medication meant to reduce fat absorption by the body, leading to fat filtered out thru ones bowel movements.

The inactive ingredients include a laundry list of preservatives, colorings and stabilizers including FD&C Blue No. 2, edible ink, and several others known to cause hypersensitivity in reaction to other substances.

Potential Side Effects: Bowel irritation, anxiety, headaches, stomach and rectum pain, gas, loose and oily stools, frequent bowel movements and irreversible liver injury.

What’s good about it?

With approval from the FDA and the added benefit of provided fitness tools, this medication is the first of its kind to be an over the counter fat loss tool.

What’s bad about it?

Their website even admits that you must first lose weight in order for this to be an effective drug.  Also Orlistat has been shown to only moderately reduce weight, a small benefit of 4 to 6 pounds a year with a strict diet and exercise plan. This fact is highlighted everywhere with the website giving multiple resources to track your diet and fitness demands.

The physical discomfort is common for all people through every stage of consuming this drug. Virtually every customer complains of major physical discomfort including the common case of daily headaches and nausea.

The fact that one must lose 2 pounds to lose one is unfounded as real clinical trials have shown a maximum reduction of 6 pounds a year at maximum with a combination of rigid diet and exercise.

Wrap Up

This drug is effective in such a miniscule dose that it doesn’t make practical sense to drop 70 dollars for 120 capsules. Also the widespread accounts of discomfort make it so one cannot function normally without being around a restroom.

Though the FDA has approved this drug the results show that one has very little to gain, and plenty to lose.

Bottom Line:

If you were given the choice to spend your hard earned money on top of being physically ill for only 4 to 6 pounds a year, would you say yes? You can easily find a better alternative without sacrificing 70 dollars for something that forces you to deal with headaches, nausea, gas, constipation and in some cases liver failure. Products exist out there that have natural ingredients and that won’t cost you an arm and leg.

In fact these supposed positive results are not even proven; the science shows that you can only lose 4 to 6 pounds a year with a strict diet and exercise plan;  You’re doing all the work while everyday you have stomach issues leading to bloating, gas, irregular stools and frequent bathroom use.

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