Darlene Nicholson

What You Need to Know About the Alli Diet Pill

Everywhere you turn you see a new ad or commercial for the Alli diet pill. I have to say the marketing is genius; however, it's yet another big letdown when it comes to permanent weight loss. Learn the basics (good and bad) about this controversial new pill.

The Alli diet pill has been touted in the press as being a miracle in a bottle for many overweight and especially obese people. What is this pill and how does it compare to other weight loss pills? Read on to find out what you need to know about the Alli diet pill.

The Alli diet pill is a half-strength version of the prescription Xenical. Unlike other diet pills, Alli is neither an appetite suppressant nor a stimulant and therefore, has minimal cardiovascular side effects. Prescription weight loss pills such as Meridia and Phentermine carry hefty side effects and should only be used in extreme circumstances and under the careful watch of a physician. They are intended for people who are obese or morbidly obese and who have tried and failed to lose weight in more conventional ways. The risks of being obese have outweighed the risks of taking the pills. The Alli diet pill, or its predecessor Xenical, works differently which is why it has been approved by the FDA to be sold over the counter.

The Alli diet pill is a fat blocker and works by preventing fat from being absorbed in the GI tract. It is thus eliminated as waste. Because many people who are overweight or obese consume diets high in fat, this seems like an effective way to lose weight. Unfortunately, the Alli diet pill also blocks the "good" fats that are needed in a healthy diet and the same "good" fats that aid in vitamin and mineral absorption.

In addition, many patients have side effects such as painful gas and decreased control of bowel movements that are oily and fatty in nature. In fact, that actual disclaimer on the bottle says "possible uncontrollable anal discharge". The solution to the side effect problem is to eat a lower fat diet; however, this is the "catch 22" of the Alli diet pill. Now, weight loss is minimal because the Alli diet pill doesn't stop absorption of carbohydrate or protein and if these are consumed in excess, the end result is still stored fat.

It should be noted that the Alli diet pill is certainly not for the person who needs to lose 5 to 10 pounds, yet many people who seek the Alli diet pill fall into this category. Whether a person is overweight, obese or simply desires to look good in a bikini, the best way to lose weight is yet to be found in any bottle. The answer lies in a healthy diet and exercise. Maybe not the easy way out that the "quick fix" type people like to hear, but the true solution nonetheless.

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