Alli Side Effects

One of the newest fat blocking diet pills on the market is Alli, an over-the-counter pill that promises to aid with weight loss and reduce fat absorption. Alli is manufactured by GlaxoSmithCline and comes with a complete ‘kit' to help people try out the program over an extended period of time.

You've probably found Alli at the local drugstore or grocery store. It's packaged in attractive colors and a clean white box, and is being marketed towards adults who are interested in losing weight by reducing fat in their diets. Donald Hensrud of the Mayo Clinic explains that Alli is a reduced-strength version of orlistat (Xenical)--a drug available by prescription only to treat obesity. Alli is designed to work in a similar way, along with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise program.

Many fat-blocking products and low-absorption ingredients have reached the weight loss and food shelves in recent years, but these are not without significant side effects. When Olestra made its way to potato chips and other snacks as a ‘fat substitute,' each package was clearly markeed with warnings of side effects involving digestive and intestinal absorption problems.

The Mayo Clinic reports on Alli side effects:

"You may experience bowel changes when taking Alli. Ads and marketing materials refer to these changes as "treatment effects." These side effects can include:

• Gas with an oily anal discharge

• Loose stools or diarrhea

• More frequent bowel movements

• Hard-to-control bowel movements

These bowel changes result from the undigested fat going through your digestive system. You can limit the side effects by eating a low-fat diet."

Alli is designed for those who are looking to lose at least at least ten pounds or more, and is not recommended for those who are at a healthy weight, or have problems absorbing food in the first place. Any significant weight loss from Alli is due to decreased fat absorption; if your diet is not generally high in fat, Alli will not necessarily help you eat less. Plus, Alli blocks all types of fats, including essential fatty acids such as omega-3s. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are important for a healthy lifestyle and can help regulate mood, appetite, and even bone density.

During the process of absorbing any and all fat you ingest, the drug also absorbs vitamin E, vtiman A, and vitamn D. These are often difficult to absorb through a supplement alone, and can be found in a range of healthy foods. Deficiencies in Vitamin D especially can lead to osteoporosis, breast cancer, and mood imbalances that lead to depression. Although the FDA doesn't necessarily consider nutritional deficiencies to be a ‘side effect,' it is certainly a factor to take into consideration when choosing a weight loss aid or supplement.

Ultimately, any major weight loss will be a result of regular exercise and healthy eating habits. Simply eating high-fat foods and taking a pill to decrease absorption in the body will not encourage you to choose more healthful and nourishing foods. Alli does have side effects that can lead to digestive problems and malabsorption of vital nutrients.