On February 7, 2007,
GlaxoSmithKline PLC received FDA approval to begin selling an
over-the-counter diet drug called Alli. This drug is a new version of
orlistat — similar to the prescription drug, Xenical, that is already
on the market.
Alli will be a 60-milligram capsule which is about half the strength of
the prescription version. It is expected to be available sometime this
summer at a cost of about $1 – $2 a day.
It will be the only FDA-approved weight-loss product available over the
counter.
How It Works
Alli is only for people 18 years of age
and older. By itself, the drug is not expected to be that effective. It
should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and
an exercise program.
One capsule should be taken before every meal that contains fat. Alli
works by blocking the absorption of some of that dietary fat in the
gastrointestinal tract.
Six-month clinical trials of the drug showed that obese people lost
approximately one more pound a month. Not a week, a month. In my
opinion, that’s a minor benefit.
The Potentially
Disgusting Side Effects
Gastrointestinal side effects are
believed to be common with orlistat. These may include fecal urgency or
incontinence, explosive diarrhea, anal leakage, increased number of
bowel movements, abdominal cramping and oily discharge.
Depending on how severe these gastrointestinal side effects may be (if
you experience them at all), you may need to wear adult diapers or you
could end up with soiled undies.
The smell would probably be unpleasant as well, especially if Alli
shares Xenical’s potential side effect of gas with fecal discharge.
For an extra pound a month, I wouldn’t want to suffer those
gastrointestinal side effects. It sounds messy, stinky, and potentially
humiliating if you can’t control your bowel movements in public.
If you start experiencing these side effects, you’d better not be too
far from a bathroom.
If That’s Not Bad
Enough For You, There’s More
Along with dietary fat, Alli may decrease the
absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and
beta-carotene. We need these nutrients to keep us healthy.
For example, Vitamin E may help your heart or prevent blood clots.
Vitamin K may help your blood to clot normally.
You may need to take a daily multivitamin to counteract these effects.
But you should see your doctor for specific medical advice.
There are other potential side effects as well.
For example, I believe that diabetics, people on immunosuppressant or
blood-thinning drugs, or patients with thyroid disease are not supposed
to take orlistat.
But again, you should check with your doctor to be sure that this drug
is safe for you.
Is It Worth It?
Is losing an extra pound a month really
worth the risk of these potential side effects? Couldn’t the same
results be achieved through diet and exercise alone?
And how do people feel who experience these side effects? Apart from
inconvenience and possible humiliation, wouldn’t you feel sick from the
gastro effects? I thought the point of weight loss was to feel better.
Or is this just a way of preying on the desperation of obese people?
And making a lot of money in the process?
Important Disclaimer:
This information is presented for educational purposes only. This isn’t
medical advice and it’s not a substitute for any advice or treatment
from your physician. You should always see your doctor before taking
any new medication or starting any new weight loss regimen.
Want to weigh in with
your views? Debbie Fontana, who specializes in writing about weight
loss, health, and nutrition, welcomes your comments about this or any
other article
on her blog. Visit her at http://www.ILoveToCheatDiet.com/blog/alli-orlistat-diet-drug
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