Eager dieters snap up nonprescription drug
But Alli users might get limited results, have unpleasant side effects
By The Wall Street Journal

The new nonprescription diet drug Alli is flying off store shelves, but most people who use it will lose very little weight and might experience embarrassing side effects.

Pharmacies are reporting brisk sales of Alli (pronounced like the noun “ally”), which is sold by drug maker GlaxoSmithKline and is the first over-the-counter diet drug to win FDA approval. Unlike other prescription weight-loss drugs such as Meridia and the generic phentermine, Alli doesn’t make you feel full, reduce cravings or curb your appetite. Instead, it prevents the body from breaking down and absorbing fat.

The active ingredient in Alli is orlistat, which is found in a higher dose in the prescription diet drug Xenical. Alli blocks about 25 percent of the fat you eat; Xenical blocks one-third of the fat you ingest.

If you consume about 2,000 calories a day and eat about 30 percent fat, the fat-blocking benefits of Alli will translate to about 150 calories a day. A pound of weight loss equals 3,500 calories.

The downside of Alli is the fat it blocks can come out of your body in embarrassing ways. The Glaxo Web site, myalli.com, warns the drug can cause gas with oily discharge, as well as frequent or loose stools. The site suggests it’s probably a “smart idea” to wear dark pants and bring a change of clothes to work if you use Alli.

To avoid the side effects, Glaxo suggests limiting fat intake to 15 grams a meal. Many Americans consume 80 to 100 grams of fat a day. Glaxo officials concede that many people would lose weight on their own with a diet that’s moderate in fat, but they say the pill helps them lose more weight.

People consuming a diet already low in fat and high in carbohydrates likely won’t get much benefit from Alli. However, doctors say most people are eating far more fat than they realize.

WORTH ITS WEIGHT?

Here’s what users of orlistat, the ingredient in Alli, can expect from the weight-loss drug:

• One in five will lose 10 percent or more of body weight.

• Half will lose less than 5 percent of body weight.

• Side effects include gas, oily discharge and loose stools.

A pound of weight loss equals 3,500 calories.

Having uncontrollable poops at work are good times.

Their suggestion is to wear dark pants?




How about carrying a can of Febreze with you aong with the pants?

IrresistibleB1tch said:

She does but they are not as comfortable...

Um, I mean, I'm not sure. I'll check with her.

Anal leakage isn't the only problem with fat blockers. Blocking fat also means blocking the fat-soluble vitamins -- A, D, E and K. Getting adequate vitamin D (the natural kind -- not from supplements) can help you lose weight. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E helps your joints and makes your skin look good. Vitamin K is an essential component for your blood to clot.

Use this stuff and you can also end up malnourished.

Genesia said:

I'm really surprised no one has used "Anal Leakage" as a band name.

I have to give the company props for being honest though. Not a lot of companies would have the balls to say "Our product works...that is, if you don't mind crapping yourself."

GottaLetitgo said:

I don't know how many props are due. They're just trying to...ahem...cover their assets.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/hokie1/2007-01-13-super-soupy-poopy.jpg

[Please link to foul content. - CarrieMpls]

hokie1 said:

Sorry...

I'm in the weight loss mode right now and I had heard about this new drug but after reading about it, I think I'll pass. Please note bolded section below: