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Effectiveness: |
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| Side Effects: |
Mild |
| User Feedback: |
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| Cost per Day: |
$0.7-$2.0 |
| Overall Rating: |
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Alli is the first FDA approved over the counter drug used to treat
obese and overweight people. It is actually a low dose version of
Xenical. Like all other obesity drugs, Alli is combined with low fat,
low calorie diet intake and regular exercises. A starter pack, which
includes reference guides, a daily journal and one month's supply
of medication, is about $60. Whereas a refill pack with a 40-day supply
of capsules is about $75. Alli comes in the capsule form and the company
claims that the use of Alli can accelerate 50% weight loss along with
dieting and exercises.
How does Alli work in the body?
The dietary fat contains double the calories of carbohydrates and
proteins. No matter how much we take care, a little fat does go on
in the body. So when using Alli, there is no problem with the fat
intake, though it should be limited. Alli is a lipase inhibitor. Lipase
is the enzyme that breaks the fat molecule and let it be absorbed
by the villi in the intestine. But its inhibition will stop breaking
and absorbing the fat molecules and they will be excreted out from
the body along with the waste products. Alli is taken thrice daily
along with the meals because of its mode of action. But the fat amount
is restricted to 15 grams or less, otherwise some side effects will
be observed.
Who needs to take Alli?
People with BMI of 28 or more are either obese or at the verge of
getting obese, are advised to take obesity medicine such as Alli along
with the exercising and dieting.
What is myalliplan?
Alli is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and they have a proper plan
called myalliplan to use Alli in a proper form. The partnership of
Alli and myalliplan is the key to success. When the purchase of Alli
is done, the membership of myalliplan is automatically done. The activation
comes along with a personal myalliplan homepage, where one can view
the goals and progress along with latest steps and meal plans, interactive
tools that help to discover hidden calories and fat in foods. Plus
the buyer gets an online journal, so they can record their eating
and exercise habits. One more thing that is a part of myalliplan and
is very helpful are the lessons from clinical experts in weight loss
along with the healthy and delicious recipes, smart meal plans, shopping
lists, a dining out guide and off course the expert advices.
What are the side effects of Alli?
Like every other drug, Alli also have some potential risks of side
effects. These side effects are listed below:
- Flatulence (gas) with an oily discharge: Alli may cause
flatulence and the inhibition of lipase to breakdown causes the
fat molecules to escape in the gas. Loose fat molecule spotting
is observed along with the gas, and this will increase with the
fat intake as no fat is being absorbed, therefore the fat amount
should be no more than 15 grams.
- Loose stools or diarrhea: The mode of action of Alli, is
the main reason behind the loose stools or diarrhea. Alli does not
cause direct gastric disturbances, until and unless the person is
hypersensitive to the drug. Instead, the unabsorbed fat molecules
are the main reason behind the softening of the stools and possible
diarrhea. Again, limitation of fat intake and consumption of more
fibrous diet may help reducing this side effect to some extent.
And more fat intake may cause worsening of the situation.
- More frequent bowel movements: The bowel movements may
be felt more due to the extra lubrication of the gut. This extra
lubrication is due to the unabsorbed fat molecules. This enhanced
lubrication will reduce the binding effect of the stool and the
bowel movements will be more compulsive and frequent.
- Hard-to-control bowel movements: Basically the side effects,
which are also acclaimed as treatment effects. The basic mode of
action of Alli, acts in different ways to give almost the same sort
of side effects. The increased fat content in the gut will make
the stool a bit uncontrollable and frequent.
Contraindications of Alli:
There are certain contraindications of using Alli, these are:
- Gastric disturbances.
- Impairment of food absorption.
- People with healthy weight.
- Patient with an organ transplant.
- Patient using cyclosporine.