Alli Weight Loss Pill
Understanding What Alli Is
Alli is an over-the-counter weight loss aid with orlistat as its main ingredient. Each capsule contains 60 mg of orlistat, which is half the amount found in the prescription version. Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher who are overweight can use this pill.
Health authorities such as the FDA have approved it for use as part of a broader weight management plan. People who use Alli should also follow a low-calorie, low-fat diet and include regular physical activity for the best results.
Questions and Safety Concerns About Orlistat
Some people who have used orlistat have reported rare cases of serious liver harm. The FDA investigated these cases but did not confirm a direct link between the drug and liver injuries. Labels for Alli now include warnings. Signs of possible liver issues include yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, unexplained itching, or loss of appetite.
Anyone who notices these symptoms should contact their doctor right away. People should also talk to their doctor if they have had gallbladder problems, kidney stones, pancreatitis, or irritable bowel syndrome before starting Alli.
The Way Alli Works to Support Weight Loss
Orlistat, the main ingredient in Alli, works in the gut by blocking certain digestive enzymes called lipases. These enzymes usually help the body break down fats from food. When someone takes Alli, it prevents about 25% of these fats from being digested and absorbed. The undigested fat then moves through the intestine and leaves the body during bowel movements. Alli only helps when taken with meals that contain fat.
Key Action
- Reduces fat absorption.
- Causes some fats to pass through undigested.
- Works best as part of a calorie-controlled, healthy eating plan.
Expected Weight Loss Results With Alli
Most users lose a few more pounds with Alli than with diet and exercise alone. On average, studies show that people can lose about 5.7 pounds (2.6 kilograms) more in one year compared to those who do not use the drug.
About 40% of people may lose 5% or more of their body weight if they combine Alli with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Losing at least 5% of body weight can help lower health risks related to being overweight, such as heart disease and diabetes.
| Plan | Average Extra Weight Lost in One Year* |
|---|---|
| Diet and exercise | Baseline |
| Diet, exercise, Alli | 5.7 lb (2.6 kg) more |
*Results vary and may depend on how closely the user follows diet and exercise recommendations.
Proper Dosage and Taking Alli
Users should take one 60 mg Alli pill up to three times per day, swallowing it within an hour of a meal that contains some fat. For best results, spread fat intake evenly across three main meals, making sure no more than 30% of daily calories come from fat. The suggested amount of fat per meal is about 15 grams.
If a meal contains no fat, skip that dose. Taking Alli with a very high-fat meal can lead to more intense digestive side effects. To help with nutrition, take a multivitamin at least two hours after the last dose each day, since Alli may reduce the absorption of some vitamins.
Recognizing Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects of Alli relate to how the body handles undigested fat, usually affecting the digestive system. Many people find these effects ease over time, but they can be unpleasant at first, especially if the user eats too much fat.
Common Digestive Side Effects
- Oily or fatty stools
- Oily discharge from the anus
- Increased need for bowel movements
- Trouble controlling bowel movements (urgency)
- Gas and bloating
- Stomach cramps or pain
Other Possible Side Effects
- Headache
- Back pain
- Symptoms similar to a cold (stuffy nose, sneezing)
- Menstrual changes
Since fat passes out of the body, users may notice oily spots in their underwear or toilet, especially after meals with more fat than recommended.
Situations When Alli Should Not Be Used
Some people should not take Alli. Those who are at a healthy weight or underweight, as well as children and teens, should avoid Alli. People who have had an organ transplant or who use cyclosporine should not use this drug. It is not recommended for those who already have trouble absorbing nutrients or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
People who take medications for diabetes, thyroid issues, heart problems, seizures, or HIV should first talk with their doctor because orlistat can sometimes affect how other medicines work. It’s also not suited for those with certain stomach, liver, or kidney health problems. Do not use Alli if you:
- Are under 18 years old.
- Are pregnant or nursing.
- Have had an organ transplant.
- Take an immunosuppressant medication.
- Are unable to absorb nutrients properly.
- Are at or below a healthy body weight.
How Long to Stay on Alli
The length of time someone uses Alli depends on their weight-loss progress. If a person loses about 1 pound per week in the first month and at least 5% of their starting weight within a year, continuing Alli may be worthwhile.
Most weight loss happens in the first few months. If the desired weight loss is not reached within a few months of correct use—with diet and exercise—it may be time to stop. If someone does not reach at least 5% weight loss after one year, stopping the drug is reasonable.
Integrating Alli With a Whole-Health Weight Loss Approach
For effective long-term weight loss, use Alli alongside a healthy, low-calorie diet, regular exercise, and support from healthcare professionals. This means planning meals with limited fat, watching overall calorie intake, and being active most days of the week.
Talk to a health professional to create an individualized weight-loss strategy that may include Alli or other treatments. Weight loss with Alli should be gradual and paired with learning new habits about food, exercise, and lifestyle. Most people will need ongoing support and follow-up to help keep the weight off over time. Healthy plan includes:
- Eating fewer calories overall.
- Choosing mostly low-fat foods.
- Exercising regularly.
- Taking a multivitamin if using Alli.
- Managing side effects with healthy eating.
By including Alli as one part of a personalized plan, some overweight adults may find extra help in reaching and maintaining their goals. Success depends most on following a healthy diet and being physically active—not just taking a pill.
