Alli
Despite it’s FDA Approval, Alli’s effectiveness has been called into question. Alli has been proven to help its clients lose about a pound per month, but for many at a higher cost than they anticipated. It’s essentially a toned down, over-the-counter version of the prescription pill Orlistat, a drug developed to fight obesity, that prevents the absorption of fat.
Alli is meant to work in conjunction with a low fat diet.
What “Prevents the absorption of fat means”
Alli works much the same way that Orlistat did by taking fat and pushing it through the body as fast as possible, which may cause diarrhea or other adverse side effects. Alli calls these episodes “treatment effects” and most consumer reviews we found mentioned that they experienced diarrhea.
Alli Side Effects
There are many requirements and rules associated with Alli. The manufacturers suggest talking with your doctor before starting it, as it has quite a few possible side effects. Most of these side effects involve the diarrhea mentioned before, but there are other possible side effects as well.
Some of the rarer and more serious side effects include: hives, rash, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe or continuous stomach pain, excessive tiredness or weakness, nausea, and yellowing of skin or eyes.
Of course, clinical reviews list quite a few more possible side effects, so it is important to be cautious when starting Alli until you know how it will effect you.
Alli Consumer Reviews
Dozens of diet pill reviews talk about horror stories of having Alli accidents at work. Some did mention that they had good results while taking Alli, but it was still absolutely necessary that they stay near a bathroom and be prepared for anything. Alli’s web site recommends staying close to the facilities when starting the pill. Their site suggests taking these actions as you take the pill:
• Pick a day to begin taking alli, such as a weekend day so you can stay close to home if you experience a treatment effect.
• Until you have a sense of any treatment effects, it’s probably a smart idea to wear dark pants, and bring a change of clothes with you to work.
• There is a certain amount of inconvenience associated with Alli, like bringing a change of clothes with you, but it does get results.
With these manufacturer warnings, some consumers have found that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, but Alli does effectively make fat indigestible.
The Final Word on Alli
There may be an easier way to lose 1 pound per month. There are certainly cheaper ways. At $60 a bottle, there are several cheaper, less risky options that we’ve found. The pill is backed by the FDA, and has had consistent results with their past customers, but at a compromise with the body. If losing a handful of pounds at the risk of losing your continence is worth it, this may be the pill to take. If you’re looking for a less risky option, we certainly have other suggestions.
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alli helped me lose almost four pounds in a month. not bad BUT it was not worth the numerous close calls and the three ruined pairs of underwear. to alli’s credit, i do have sensitive bowells but it had never been this bad.
also alli was way too expensive. i would spend sixty dollars on a weight loss supplement that worked but it was just too much. i have tried much better weight loss pills for fourty dollars before.
Posted on February 25, 2009 at 9:28 am
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I took Alli for nearly six months. I didn’t have any of the side effects with the loose bowels (Thank Goodness!) I liked it at first and had actually lost about 12 pounds over the first three months but eventually I gained four of them back and didn’t lose any. In retrospect I think my lost weight was more due to my exercise and diet than Alli. I ride my bike 5 times a week and try to stay away from sweets. I use Leptovox and it really works well a lot better than Alli.
Posted on March 3, 2009 at 8:44 pm
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I’ve never tried Alli personally but my wife did and she had a couple such embarrassing encounters as the anonymous poster above. She did lose a few pounds though but definately not worth it. Does anyone have any good suggestions for weight loss pills without the side effects?
Posted on March 18, 2009 at 10:40 am
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I don’t think Alli is as bad as everyone is making it out to be. I didn’t have the runs or anything. I think with with a Diet Pill you just can’t expect a miracle. You stilll have to work out and do your part. You aren’t going to get a six pack by taking pills and sitting on the couch. That is what I feel like a lot of you people are doing. Stop being lazy an go to the gym!
Posted on May 7, 2009 at 12:32 pm
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I think that those who have these side effects are simply not eating the proper diet, which is clearly explained in the Alli guides. I have been on Alli for over two weeks, have lost ten pounds, and have had no such treatment effects. I am barely overweight, so the weight loss isn’t due to being a high weight. I think that if you eat under 12-15 (I do 12) grams of fat per meal, you will see results. Don’t blame the pill if you have poor habits! And go exercise too
Posted on July 8, 2009 at 8:35 am
housekeeper/cna
i have been taking alli for 4 years and lost 30lbs in the beginning i had the side affects but if you watch what your eating your not going to have them, im not happy that i cant get them right now though since i am out of them and started putting some weight back on…please keep up with the demand it does work
Posted on April 11, 2012 at 6:24 pm
mrs.
if you eat a good healthy diet,and stay away from fast foods and junk, you will not have accidents. you cant take this and gorge at taco bell or burger king.if you stick to it, you can have a slice of cake or a slice of pizzia. ive used it off and on for twelve years,and now ,for some reason its hardto find.
Posted on April 28, 2012 at 10:51 pm
Mrs.
I have always had a sluggish system. I lost 60 lbs. using Alli, dieting, and exercising. I have been maintaining the lost until recently when they stop making it. I am gaining the weight back because my system is getting sluggish again. I heard that they will be back on the market in June. Meanwhile is there anywhere that I can get them?
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Retiree
Is there another pill that has Orlistat in it besides a prescription pill?
Posted on April 29, 2012 at 4:26 pm
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i tried alli two years ago and lost 16 lbs after two months of using it. i had some accidents but i think if you eat the right food (which im doing now) you wiil be fine. so far, i kept that my weight from size 10 to size 4. i still use alli whenever i go to buffet or big gatherings. alli really works!!!
Posted on May 14, 2012 at 7:50 pm