After the FDA approved Alli diet pills as an over the counter drug in 2007, thousands of anxious dieters scrambled to stores to pick up a box of this ‘revolutionary' weight loss formula. Alli is available in a starter pack that can help dieters begin to lose weight by introducing the active ingredient, orlistat, into the system. In addition to taking the pills, dieters are encouraged to follow the Alli Diet Plan, a meal plan and exercise regiment that is designed to promote weight loss. However, there are a few significant side effects of orlistat to be aware of.

How Orlistat Works

Orlistat is the active ingredient in Alli that attaches to the body's digestive enzymes and prevents fat from being broken down. This means that any foods containing fat will be processed differently in the body. Instead of being digested and converted to energy, the fat bypasses the absorption process completely. Each fat molecule passes through the body without getting absorbed at all, and gets eliminated through the bowels. As a result, most dieters using Alli experience significant changes in their bowel movements, and many unpleasant side effects with continued use.

Key Side Effects of Alli Diet Pills

Even though Alli encourages dieters to follow the sensible eating plan, few people can make such a drastic change to their diet and eliminate most high-fat foods. Foods that contain large quantities of oil, butter, and other fattening ingredients will have more of a reaction than low-fat and natural foods. Since Alli binds to the fat molecules, consuming more fat will simply result in increased bowel movements which may lead to a few digestive problems.

Side effects of Alli Diet pills may include:

• Loose stools

• Too-frequent stools

• Excess gas

• Stomach distension and discomfort

• Uncontrollable bowel movements

• Oily discharge

• Discomfort after eating a large meal

• Diarrhea

• Nutritional deficiencies

Other Problems with Alli

Alli diet pills may work for some people who eat a very high fat diet and are interested in preventing the absorption of these excess calories. However, Alli binds with all types of fat, both unhealthy and healthy fats; this means that many people who are eating healthy fats, such as from fish or flaxseed oil for example, will not be able to absorb these vital nutrients effectively. Alli can reduce the absorption of the important minerals that go along with these fats such as vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin E.

Bottom Line: Alli is most effective with a very low fat diet and sticking with the meal plan provided. People who take Alli simply as a ‘fix' for an already-unhealthy diet are likely to experience range of uncomfortable-and sometimes embarrassing-side effects. Alli has been approved by the FDA as an over the counter weight loss drug, but research will continue on how effective the drug may be for the long term. Orlistat is available by prescription as the diet drug Xenical, and dieters taking Xenical have also experienced similar side effects.