Alli (R) is the over-the-counter equivalent of prescription Xenical (R), and is approved as safe and effective in weight reduction by the Food and Drug Administration.
It is safe to take with other medicines except for Coumadin (R) or warfarin the prescription blood-thinner, and organ transplant medicines.
When taken with meals, it keeps about 20% of the fat in the meal from being absorbed into your bloodstream and then being deposited into fat cells. This 20% then is excreted in your bowel movements, which may make them oily looking.
Yes, that's right. No meal is absolutely zero fat. A fifth of the fat in your meals isn't going to your belly or thighs, but is excreted out of your body. That's the point!
Alli is capable of working as well as any other medication, assuming that you change how you eat in order to minimize this side-effect rather than not taking the pills when you plan to eat pizza or ice cream.
The oily bowel movements are not intended to be punishment; it's probably better than all the fat in meals being fully absorbed and deposited in your fat cells. However it can lead to improved eating habits, too.
This mechanism of action of this medicine is particularly of interest to folks at risk for diabetes, since the growth of abdominal fat cells is what ultimately causes diabetes in the first place!
Disclaimer: I have no financial or other interest in Alli, Xenical or its manufacturers. I am only interested in helping my patients to lose weight safely and effectively.
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