Does Alli Work?
June 23, 2007
A reporter wrote me yesterday to ask about the first weight loss drug approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use–Alli (a version of Xenical, which prevents absorption of fat). Glaxo, he says, “has mounted a large campaign ($150m) to tell people to exercise and eat low fat if they use Alli. They are touting Alli as safe and more proven than the herbal diet concoctions out there. The…drug, Alli, promises to have a modest weight loss (6-10 pounds) and it causes some uncomfortable side effects. (You my soil yourself if you eat too much fat). [Glaxo is] very upfront about the side effects if you use Alli and eat too much fat. For ex, the drug’s marketing effort makes an impression by telling users to wear dark pants and carry extra clothes in case they soil themselves. I’m wondering if it is worth it…. Do you think people will buy it? Should they?”
I’m wondering exactly the same thing. Do you know anyone who has tried it? What do they say about it?
Very useful info..
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Comment by pretty — July 2, 2007 @ 12:20 am
Me and my husband tried it for a week. We limited our fat intake and exercised. We did NOT have 1 TREATMENT EFFECT. After a week of limited fat we tested myalli’s theory took a risk and ate fat just to see if we would get the “treatment effect” - NADA.. It was a big disappointment, I was really looking forward to it.
Comment by Ms K — July 4, 2007 @ 7:52 am
Well, I am in phase two of the Alli diet, and it is absolutely true that if you eat anything with a lot of fat you WILL experience those dreadful treatment effects!! I haven’t experienced any significant weight loss yet (I have been limiting my fat intake as well as exercising), but hopefully by next week I will!!
Comment by A.P. — July 4, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
I was given some Xenical by my doctor about 2 years ago, and it was quite an experience. After less than two weeks, I had to quit taking the drug, as its side effects were very problematic for me. I experienced sudden onsets of meteoric diarrhea, and my stool was very loose with an oily slick in the toilet bowl. Sounds just wonderful, doesn’t it? My doctor had given me some free samples he had obtained from a drug salesman, and he was looking forward to hving one of his patients try it. What was I thinking? The advice to have an extra pair of underwear and pants on hand is excellent advice, it almost certain that you may need them!
Comment by Java Master — July 15, 2007 @ 9:47 pm
i have been using alli since it became available and have lost A LOT of weight. i think it works quite well and i have experienced very very few side effects. if you eat a lower fat diet, the side effects are completely tolerable to non-existant. im kind of surprised to read that others havent had the same experience.
Comment by works — July 18, 2007 @ 3:35 pm
I would think that if you eat a low fat diet, you could save your money and skip the Alli? If the pill only works by the fact you get diarrhea when you fail at your diet, I suppose it could help, but so could just following the diet and exercise programs. Being stuck at work for 12 hours/day with little choice some days of what to eat, and no chance at going home, or finding a few minutes to change soiled clothes, I think I’m gonna skip it.
Comment by Jamie — July 22, 2007 @ 5:19 pm
[…] the company that makes Alli (a.k.a. Xenical), says it has sold 2 million packages of the diet drug since June when the FDA approved over-the-counter sales. How did Glaxo do this? In interesting […]
Pingback by What to Eat » The selling of Alli — October 24, 2007 @ 6:41 pm
I just started with Alli this week. I haven’t been too good in the dieting. I’m not too over weight. I want to loose 10lbs. My ideal weight is 130. I’m 145lbs now. I tried exercising alone, but I work full time and I go to school full time. I don’t have time to cook so I eat out a lot. The reason I am trying Alli is because I’m hoping it would help me stop eating fatty foods. I feel I need a push, something that can help me eat healthy to start out. I know if I eat too much fat I may soil myself. (That would be so embarrassing) I read all the other notes and it kind of scares me. I eat too much sugar (candies, cakes) and a lot of fat foods. I tried to slow it down, but I keep falling. So far I haven’t experienced anything. I’m trying to eat fruits instead of candy and eat healthier foods. With my schedule it’s hard, but I hope for the best. (I’ll keep in touch) -T
Comment by Talina — November 28, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
I have been on it for a week. The pill doesn’t make me feel bad or anything like that. I too put the side effect leakage to the test…I ate a 1 taco from taco bell and did get a slightly oily poo. But nothing that was leaking nor did i have to change my pants. I am trying to lose 32 pounds. so I will check back. Other than that I don’t see a problem with this pill…I would honestly recommend you not take it to lose 10- 15 lbs as it does state not to use it, on the box.
Comment by Jamie — February 13, 2008 @ 10:21 pm
I’m trying to get over a hump in my diet road…I think that if Alli will help “flush” some of the fat that I eat and my diet is low fat, I will be sure to loose something. The thought of having the side effects will surely prevent binge eatting!!! I’m going to give it a try.
Comment by Kim — June 1, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
I tried Alli for one week and I had to stop. Only because even though I was eating low fat food and low calories, it would give me a very loose stool and severe cramping. It would make me feel miserable so I had to stop taking it .
Comment by Gladys — June 19, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
I tried Alli for one week and I had to stop. Only because even though I was eating low fat food and low calories, it would give me a very loose stool and severe cramping. It would make me feel miserable so I had to stop taking it .
Comment by Gladys — June 19, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
i want ti try alli,, i quit smoking over a year ago,, yeah for me but i also put 50 lbs on,,, i am 40 something??? i just not sure i understand it,,??low fat i know can someone help me olease thank u
Comment by suzy — July 11, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
I said ok lets start it so I took one last night and fell asleep and when I got to work early this morning I had to use the restroom and couldnt believe what I seeing, oily greasy poop [gross] but it was such a motivation to keep doing it to see if I loose weight, Ive always struggled with my weight so Im hoping this works!
Comment by Ana — September 14, 2008 @ 12:03 pm