Alli is a drug used to treat obesity and aid in the total weight loss plans of an individual. It is the first ever weight loss drug that was officially sanctioned and approved by the US for OTC (over the counter) distribution. They work by preventing fats (about 25%) from the human diet to be absorbed by the body hence a lesser chance for fats to be accumulated and form into stored fats and excess calories.

It is a derived from an enzyme called lipstatin which functions as an inhibitor of pancreatic lipases. There is a widespread acceptance of this drug as most individuals who have tried using it preach about its effect. It has been noted that Alli’s effects are definite but at a modest amount to say the least.

Although there is a rave about the positive effects of Alli in terms of weight loss results, it is important to note that it should be taken with a complete weight loss plan that comprises a good diet, exercise, and over all well-being.

Alli is an anti-obesity drug that is designed for adult use and is prohibited to be used by individuals under 18years or age. Doctors however can device a lower dosage of Alli in cases where a 12-18 year old obese individual needs to use the drugs.

It has been noted that for every 2 pounds lost through dieting alone, Alli helps lose an extra pound.

Alli is should be taken with care and should be avoided by individuals who have conditions like the ones stated below:
•    Individuals who suffer from chronic malabsorption syndrome (body not able to absorb food nutrients properly). Because Alli is known to coat the fat content of the food, it is a must for the body to absorb all the other nutrients to be properly nourished.
•    People who have allergic reactions to orlistat should stop consumption right away.
•    Individuals who have undergone cholecystectomy and those with impaired gall bladder function.
•    Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Although there is no known interaction between Alli and the infant in the womb itself, problem lies on the inability of the mothers to be fully nourished with vitamins and nutrients from the food she eats.
•    People with obstructed bile duct, liver function problems as well as pancreatic disorders.

One capsule of Alli should be taken during or within an hour after a fatty meal with lots of water 3 times a day. If a meal is skipped within the day, the capsule intended for that meal can also be saved for later use. Some doctors even order the patients not to take Alli if there is no fat content in the food eaten during the meal.

Doctors also suggest taking vitamin supplements 2 hours before or after taking Alli in order to compensate for the unabsorbed nutrients from the food.

Do not share the drug as it is intended for the person whom it is prescribed for. The effects vary from person to person, so is the dosage. Therefore it is imperative to follow the doctor’s advice regarding Alli consumption.

Alli should be taken 1 hour after a meal at most. If an hour has passed after a full meal, do not attempt to consume one at all. Take the next one on the next meal. Do not double dose.

Alli over dose should be reported to your doctor at once for proper medical help. Over usage of the drug may lead to increased risk of side effects.

•    Avoid high fat consumption during each meal when taking Alli. It doesn’t mean that since the drug will be able to keep the fats undigested you can pig out on fatty foods. The key here is moderation. Eat a balanced diet which contains about 30% of calories from fat. Otherwise, the tendency to suffer the side effects could also double.

Just like any anti-obesity drug, or drugs for that matter, Alli also has its fair share of side effects. Individuals who are allergic to Alli could experience hives, shortness of breath, swelling on parts of the body like face, throat, lips and tongue.
Individuals may also suffer from pancreatitis and could experience severe pain in the upper stomach that could crawl towards the back, vomiting, as well as very fast heart rate.
Among the minor side effects that are commonly experienced by Alli users include:
•    Anal Leaking of oily substances
•    Oily or fatty stools that could lead to oily spotting in the undergarments
•    Brownish or orange colored oil in stool
•    Urgent sometime uncontrollable need to go to the bathroom
•    Loss of appetite
•    Colds, sore throat, cough and sneezing

Individuals who are undergoing Coumadin (warfarin) treatment for its blood thinning effect should keep a close watch on their Vitamin K levels. Alli can cause a decline on levels of fat binding Vitamin K and could cause abnormal bleeding to the individual.

A drug widely used to prevent transplant rejection called cyclosporine could also have a diminished effect when taken with Alli simultaneously. It is advised to be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking Alli to ensure proper absorption by the body.