Alli- Friend or Foe?

by: AndreaDow
Total views: 954
Word Count: 480

Tuesday, June 26th

I am sure that you have now heard of the new FDA approved over-the-counter weight loss drug called Alli (pronounced ally). Unforunately, the two main ingredients, Xenical and Orlistat, may not be the miracle drug components that people have been waiting for.

How does this drug work? Alli works by preventing your body from absorbing about 25% of the fat in the foods you consume. Of course, if you consume foods that are too high in fat, you will be hit with nasty side effects like diarrhea, gas, oily discharge and incontinence. Gross! O magazine interviewed Jennifer Lovejoy, PhD, dean of the school of nutrition and exercise at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington regarding her thoughts on the drug. She reports that some people think this drug will work because of the nasty side-effects. It would "provide a kind of Pavlovian conditioning". To me, that does not sound like fun way to figure out what foods are too high in fat. It seems far easier to read the ingredient labels on foods so that you can educate yourself and know what is healthy regardless of what situation you find yourself. How embarrassing to quickly exit Aunt Mary's summer barbecue after too many potato chips and brats.

What about results and safety? Has the drug been proven effective in control groups? People in the studies that took the pill and followed a diet lost about 50% more weight than the diet alone group. After 6 months, however, both groups had lost a similar amount of weight. The Alli group lost 10 pounds while the diet alone group lost 7 pounds. So far, long term use of the drug is safe. Although anyone with diabetes, thyroid problems or on blood thinners should talk with their doctors first before taking this pill. Because some fat-soluble vitamins are likely to be lost, those taking Alli should have a daily multi-vitamin.

How much does Alli cost? The cost of the drug is nothing to brush off either. Alli cashes in at $1 to $2 a day. For a 180 pound woman to lose 9 pounds in 6 months it would cost $360. I mentioned earlier that those taking Alli still need to diet- a reduced calorie, low-fat diet with no more than 30% fat is the recommendation. Following the same reduced calorie diet and 30% fat along with exercise, which costs nothing, will give you very similar results and bring so many other additional health benefits to the body like better sleep, improved cardiovascular system, better mental and physical stamina and higher self confidence.

Yes, popping a pill might be easier, but in the long run, the best advice is still to eat right and get moving. Overall, I think Alli is more of a foe than a friend.

Rating: 2.50