What You Going to Lose?
There are many issues concerning the FDA’s newly approved diet pill. Alli, was granted an over-the-counter approval by the FDA as a treatment for obesity and other overweight issues. Amidst their approval, the FDA has emphasized that Alli should only be purchased by overweight adults and should be well combined with a low fat, reduced calorie diet, and regular exercise.Although many believe that GlaxoSmithKline’s Alli is a hot new item on the pharmaceutical shelves; many say that it is already old news, but somehow repackaged. This is because Alli is the half-dose version of Xenical, a prescription diet pill, which has been out in the market since the year 1999. Although Xenical has been out for some time now, it was said that it was never a blockbuster since then. It was only last 2000 when its sales reached its peak. The reason for this would be the fact that most obese adults were not satisfied with the small amount of weight they were able to lose. This is why they are saying that Xenical was not really able to reduce their weight that much, what more should they expect on a new diet pill that has half its dosage?
Alli, came as a surprise in the market because of its approval as an over the counter drug. More people with overweight issues have found it easier to purchase it because they don’t need to see a doctor to get a prescription.
Alli is indicated to reduce the actual amount of fat being absorbed by your body by about 25%. It is also indicated that you should consume a low fat and low calorie diet. This means that if you overdo your consumption of fat, embarrassing side effects will really haunt you. This would go with the fact that the more fat you consume, the more fat Alli will block from your body; and this will be eliminated the only way the body knows how, through your bowels. Thus, it will be like your ordinary bowels, when you are using Alli, you will experience frequent loose bowel movements, oily discharge and gas. If you consume more fat, imagine having these side effects double or triple in proportion.
Aside from this, Alli is also believed to block the absorption of certain vitamins. Actually, this is really a serious drawback. Blocking the absorption of vitamins will really increase your risk for certain diseases. It is indicated that Alli actually blocks the absorption of not just certain fat-soluble vitamins; it also blocks the essential fats. Of course, there’s a reason there are foods with fat. Somehow, our body would need it to survive.
Alli is also indicated to block the absorption of Vitamin D. This is a nutrient which health officials are suspecting that there is already a short supply of. Having insufficient vitamin D in your system can put you in great risk of having gum disease, diabetes, osteoporosis or even cancer. This actually contradicts the fact that you are taking the drug to relieve you of obesity; so as to relieve of the serious diseases that go with it. Hen you will face another problem which is from the drug that should supposedly resolve you from the same problem. Since health officials are saying the supply of vitamin D is running a short supply at the moment, you may even find it hard to supplement yourself with Vitamin D while you are taking Alli.
There was even an indication that the Consumer Group of Public Citizens has requested to ban the prescription drug Xenical. You can now add this though to the other diet pills that was already removed from the market due to unsafe risks on the body. This group is also thinking of requesting to ban the half-dosage counterpart of Xenical; which is Alli. This is for the reason that they believe the FDA missed out on the animal study conducted on Alli. The animal study showed that using Alli has caused some precancerous lesions in the colon. Even if the short term side effects would be the bowel movements and gas eruptions, they are more concerned about Alli’s long term effect on the body.
The FDA only suggested that people who are using Alli should really supplement themselves with multivitamins as a way to make up for the nutrients being blocked by the said drug.
Another concern about Alli or Xenical would be the effects it can give you when you mix it with other drugs. The FDA has warned the public about the potential risk of drug interactions. They indicated that people who are being treated for diabetes, thyroid disease or are taking blood-thinning medicines should not consider taking Alli immediately. Even if it is an over the counter diet pill. They should first consult their doctor about this. This is because this may cause a serious problem and may even be lethal. Thus, Alli is also not recommended for people who had an organ transplant.
Even the vice president of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare weight control division, Steven Burton, emphasized that Alli should not be taken by anyone who just want to cut down on their weight. Alli is intended for obese individuals and those that have diabetes, high blood and heart diseases that run in the family. Above all, Alli is only meant for the people who are very much committed to making dietary changes in their system. As probably mentioned before, losing weight is not just a matter of getting rid of the fats; you need to support it with a good healthy lifestyle. You need to be committed on the notion that you intend to lose weight because it is for your health and for your own good.
Hence, Science has really helped the lives of millions and billions of people. With the advent of new medicines and devices meant to save lives, there is really so much our generation should b thankful for. Science also has its stand on successful weight control measures.
There was a study about this conducted by the National Weight Control Registry. They were able to assess that the most successful weight reduction measure are not those who resorted to diet pills or those who even went far out and took invasive surgery. The people who were most successful in losing weight were the ones who kept things sensible and simple. Instead of taking diet pills, these people walk 1 hour everyday and follow a low fat diet but full of healthy and natural low calorie foods. This would be found in vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains.
These people lost approximately 66 pounds and they were even to maintain this loss for over 6 years. Thus, this is why the National Weight registry indicated that the best way to lose weight would be to keep it natural and simple. It is the commitment you make to yourself, the lifestyle you set when you make this commitment that will really help you take out those unwanted pounds. If there were people who were able to do this, it only means that it is very much possible.
With regards to the oily discharge, sudden loose bowel movements and nutrient loss you can get from Alli, it is still your choice to take this alternative. As mentioned, it is the half dosage version of Xenical. This means that you also need to combine it with exercise and a good diet. Since the dosage is not that high, do not expect to lose weight in an instant. It’s a continuous process you can work on. The more that you make this as a routine; the more that your body will get used to this set up. It is still your body. Still, it is best to check with a doctor and a nutritionist. These people are trained and have the knowledge to help you regarding obesity issues.
As stated above, 2/3 of the American public is overweight. This means that there are more obese people in the world. Obesity has become a pandemic that needs to be resolved. This is also why there are a lot of diet pills being produced and sold in pharmacies. It is not indicated that these drugs are the only means to lose weight. There are also other ways. These drugs are just choices you can take. This is a good way top explore your options. If you would rather deal with the problem by going to invasive surgery, if you have the resources, then you have the right to do what you think is right.
Thus, not everyone can go to that extent, it’s just that a majority would rather take diet pills. There are many brands in the market. There are many choices out there. It is best that you research thoroughly, know the side effects and contraindications before you plunge into a commitment with any pill. Still, the best option would be to seek the advice of a professional.
