There are a number of reasons why a person may want to lose weight, including reducing disease risk factors, improving overall quality of life, and relieving symptoms associated with illness.

Although weight loss can improve health, it is not always easy to lose excess fat and maintain weight loss over the long term.

Caloric restriction leads to compensatory changes in the body, including increased appetite and decreased energy expenditure, making it difficult to maintain weight loss.

This leads many people to look for alternative methods of weight loss, including drugs and supplements.

Alli is one such product. It is an over-the-counter diet pill that is actually a low-dose pharmaceutical product.

This drug limits the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body, which reduces caloric intake and can lead to weight loss.

This is an in-depth review of Alli slimming pills: what they are, how they work, and whether they're right for you.

Alli is an over-the-counter version of a weight-loss pharmaceutical called orlistat (Xenical).

Xenical is a prescription-only medication that contains a higher dose of orlistat than Alli. Alli diet pills contain 60 mg of orlistat, while Xenical pills contain 120 mg.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the drug in 1999 as a weight-loss treatment for people who are obese - body mass index (BMI) over 30 - and people who are overweight - BMI over 27 - who also have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high blood lipid levels.

It is usually prescribed for long-term treatment of obesity along with a low-fat diet and calorie restriction.

Summary

Alli is the over-the-counter version of orlistat, a pharmaceutical used for weight control. The prescription version of orlistat contains 120 mg, while Alli contains 60 mg.

Alli works by preventing the body from absorbing dietary fats.

In particular, it inhibits enzymes called pancreatic and gastric lipases, which are involved in the digestion of fats.

These lipases are needed to digest the fats you eat. They help break down fats into free fatty acids that your body can digest.

Without the action of these enzymes, dietary fat bypasses the process of digestion and is eliminated from the body.

As a lipase inhibitor, Alli has been shown to reduce absorption of dietary fats by about 30%.

Because dietary fat is high in calories, it causes fewer calories to be processed by your body, which can lead to weight loss.

Recommended use

It is recommended that Orlistat (120 mg) be taken by prescription only three times daily, during or within 1 hour of a fat-containing meal.

As a rule, significant weight loss occurs only after taking the drug for at least 2 months, although weight loss can begin as early as 2 weeks.

Alli, containing 60 mg of orlistat, is recommended to be taken in the same way as the prescription-only medicine, 1 capsule with each meal containing fat, for a total of 3 tablets per day. You should not take more than 3 Alli tablets per day.

The Alli website claims that users can lose a significant amount of belly fat within 12 weeks of using the drug and that after 24 weeks of use, Alli can help users lose more than 2 inches (5.08 cm) off their waistlines.

Personalized tools

Along with selling the drug, Alli's website features resources for Alli users, including recipes, a meal planner and tracker, dinner guides, a fitness tracker, a weight tracker, workout videos and more.

After purchasing Alli supplements online or in stores such as Costco, customers can create a MyAlli account to access the tools listed above.

The site now offers hundreds of recipes, integrated shopping lists and ideas for dining out.

Summary

Alli interrupts the digestion of dietary fats and blocks the absorption of about 30% of fats. This results in lower caloric intake. Users can create an MyAlli account to access resources such as recipes and workout videos.

There have been several human studies of orlistat, the active ingredient in Alli slimming pills.

The best known is the Swedish XENDOS study, the results of which were published in 2004. It included 3,305 obese people and lasted 4 years.

Two groups participated in the study. One took 120 mg of orlistat three times a day, and the other took a placebo.

All participants were instructed to consume 800 fewer calories per day than necessary to maintain their current weight and to limit dietary fat to 30% of their calories. They were also advised to walk every day.

Remember, an 800-calorie deficit is significant and not usually recommended for safe and sustainable weight loss.

During the first year, the average weight loss in the group that received orlistat was 23.3 pounds (10.6 kg), while the placebo group lost only 13.6 pounds (6.2 kg).

During the remaining 3 years, both groups experienced significant weight gain. In the end, patients who received orlistat lost 12.8 pounds (5.8 kg) compared with 6.6 pounds (3.0 kg) in those who took placebo.

According to this study, orlistat combined with diet and exercise can help you lose almost twice as much weight as with significant calorie reductions and exercise alone.

Additional research

According to a review of studies, the average weight loss over 12 months in adults taking orlistat who participate in behavioral weight control programs and follow a low-fat diet is about 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg) greater than that of placebo (5).

This represents 3.1% of the original weight, which is not particularly impressive. Orlistat 60 mg (Alli dose) showed an even smaller average weight loss of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) compared to the placebo group.

For both doses of Orlistat, it appeared that weight slowly recovered after the first year of treatment.

In addition, orlistat-induced weight loss can help raise blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipid levels, and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

However, it's important to know that weight loss - whether achieved through lifestyle changes alone or with the addition of orlistat - can help reduce these risk factors and prevent the onset of chronic disease.

Summary

Alli is a poorly effective anti-obesity drug, with an average weight loss of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) over 12 months compared to placebo.

Alli is also associated with a number of other health benefits related to its effect on weight loss, including:

• Reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In the XENDOS study, taking orlistat for 4 years reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 37%.
• Blood pressure reduction. A 2020 review of 27 randomized controlled trials found that orlistat-induced weight loss was associated with lower blood pressure in people who were overweight or obese.
• Reduced LDL ("bad") and total cholesterol. A 2017 review of 33 studies found that orlistat slightly reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but the reduction was more persistent in people who lost more weight and took orlistat for a shorter time.

Summary

Long-term use of Alli may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduce cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high blood lipid levels.

Alli diet pills do have well-documented side effects, some of which are quite unpleasant.

The most common side effects of Alli include:

• Digestive symptoms. Because the pills block fat absorption, the presence of undigested fat in the intestines can cause digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. Some people also experience fecal incontinence and liquid, oily stools.
• Impaired absorption of nutrients. Prolonged use of Alli can impair absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E and K, leading to nutrient deficiencies. It can also reduce calcium absorption. Taking a multivitamin is recommended. However, multivitamins should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking Alli or Xenical.
• Increased risk of kidney damage. Alli may increase the risk of kidney problems because unabsorbed fat binds to calcium in the digestive system. This can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage.
• Drug Interactions. Alli may also interfere with absorption of certain medicines, including those used to treat conditions such as epilepsy, thyroid disorders, irregular heartbeat and HIV. If you are taking any medications, it is important to consult your doctor before taking Alli.

Other potential health problems

In addition to the side effects listed above, there are several other potential risks you should be aware of if you are interested in taking Alli.

According to the FDA, from April 1999 through August 2009, there was 1 reported case of liver damage in the United States with Alli and 12 overseas cases of liver damage with Xenical. By comparison, about 40 million people worldwide have used Alli or Xenical.

However, it is currently unclear whether orlistat is entirely to blame for the liver damage, as some people who experienced this rare side effect were taking other medications or had medical conditions that may have contributed to the liver damage.

However, people who are taking medications or who have any medical conditions, including conditions affecting liver health, should consult a physician before taking Alli.

Even if you are currently healthy and not taking any medications, it is recommended that you consult with a registered dietitian or other medical professional before taking Alli to make sure it is appropriate and safe for your specific health needs.

Finally, orlistat should not be taken by people with conditions such as malabsorption, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, or cholestasis-a condition that affects the outflow of bile from the liver-and should never be taken by pregnant, breastfeeding, or infants.

Summary

Alli diet pills have many side effects. They can cause digestive problems and nutritional deficiencies and can interfere with some medications.

Alli diet pills can be effective for achieving small weight loss when combined with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and a consistent exercise regimen. However, the effect is not as impressive as most people would like it to be.

At best, you will be able to lose a little more weight, but only if taking the drug is combined with a weight loss diet and exercise.

In addition, the beneficial effects on weight loss must be weighed against the negative effects associated with digestive problems and possible nutritional deficiencies.

You will also have to follow a calorie-restricted, low-fat diet, which many people may like and can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not carefully planned.

You can achieve healthy, sustained weight loss without using weight loss supplements like Alli.

If you want to lose weight, try the following:

• Reduce your consumption of over-processed foods. Reducing your intake of over-processed foods that are high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can help you lose weight. Most of the calories you consume should come from whole, nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and fish.
• Increase your protein and fiber intake. Protein and fiber are satiating and help you feel fuller and less hungry, which can help you lose weight.
• Reduce your intake of added sugar. Reducing your sugar intake, especially in sugar-sweetened beverages, can help you lose weight. In addition, avoiding foods and drinks high in sugar can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Cook more meals at home. Studies show that people who cook at home more often tend to weigh less and are more likely to eat healthier than those who eat out more often.
• Increase your activity level. Increasing your energy expenditure through daily activity is a healthy way to support weight loss. Try to find an activity you enjoy and stick to it. Walking, swimming, and cycling are low-impact activities that are suitable for beginners.
• Work with knowledgeable health care professionals. Because of serious medical conditions, losing weight may seem impossible. Visit a trusted medical professional to rule out possible medical conditions that may be affecting your weight.
• Consult a registered dietitian. A registered dietitian is a health care professional who specializes in nutrition. A dietitian can help you develop a healthy and sustainable nutrition plan based on your overall health and specific goals.

In addition to the dietary and lifestyle tips listed above, there are other meal plans that do not include supplements or medications.

For example, the Mediterranean diet is a non-restrictive, healthy diet that has been shown to help people lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight over the long term.

Summary

According to research, Alli can help you lose some weight, but only when combined with a weight loss diet and exercise. There are many other ways to lose weight in a healthy way that do not involve the use of diet pills.

How much weight can you lose by taking Alli?

Studies showed that people taking Alli lost an average of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) more over 12 months than people taking a placebo.

Keep in mind that this is an average, meaning some people will lose more weight by taking Alli and others will lose less.

In addition, most studies examining the effects of orlistat have combined orlistat treatment with interventions such as low-calorie diets or weight loss counseling.

This means that taking Alli without changing your diet or lifestyle is likely to result in less weight loss.

What foods should I avoid while taking Alli?

Alli is designed to be used in conjunction with a low-fat, low-calorie diet. This means that while taking Alli you should limit your intake of high-fat foods and stick to a low-calorie diet.

Although some fats should be present in the diet when taking Alli, eating high-fat foods such as fried foods and ice cream increases the risk of digestive side effects, such as diarrhea.

The Alli Web site recommends consuming 12 to 18 grams of fat per meal. For comparison, 1 tablespoon (13.5 grams) of olive oil contains 13.5 grams of fat, and a quarter of an avocado (76 grams) contains about 8 grams of fat.

Can you consume alcohol while taking Alli?

According to the Alli website, you can drink alcohol while taking Alli.

An older study involving 30 people found that taking orlistat with 40 grams of alcohol, equivalent to about 3 glasses of wine, did not result in negative side effects or alter the effects of orlistat on the body (21).

However, while moderate amounts of alcohol are safe with Alli, it is important to understand that drinking too much alcohol can negatively affect your health for a variety of reasons and even make weight loss more difficult.

Alli is a diet pill that is a low-dose version of the prescription drug Xenical. Both drugs contain orlistat, which reduces the absorption of fat in the body.

Studies show that when combined with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise, using orlistat can help slightly increase weight loss over diet and exercise.

However, orlistat drugs such as Alli and Xenical have unpleasant and potentially harmful side effects, including fecal incontinence and fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.

If you want to try Alli, be sure to consult a health care professional first because Alli may not be appropriate or safe for some people.

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