As Alli continues to take the US market by storm, more and more people are becoming aware of this so called “wonder drug” treatment for obesity. While there has been much mention of the drug in the professional press, e.g. medical journals, etc, many of the general public are not quite sure about the details. Over the last few days it has become apparent that perhaps the market is not fully aware of the way the drug works, who distributes it, etc.  Many potential users may find the following “Frequently Asked Question” list of assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Alli Weight Loss Pills

Who Owns The Alli Brand Name?

Alli, which is sold “over the counter” by GlaxoSmithkline, is a form of the very successful Orlistat obesity drug which is only available on prescription.  Roche also sell another form of the drug under the trade name Xenical, which again is only available on prescription.  These companies are two of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, who have both been around for many years.  Backed by multi-billion dollar research programs, they have both brought a string of successful drugs to the market.

Why Is Alli The Only Variation Available Over The Counter?

Alli is the only obesity drug to be approved for over the counter sale by the US Food and Drugs Administration, who work on very strict guidelines, and demand excessive research and trial data.  They were so impressed by the potential of the drug to solve what is becoming a major problem in the US that the treatment was effectively “fast racked” to the market.

What Does “Over The Counter” Actually Mean?

In simple terms “over the counter” means that the treatment is available without a doctor’s prescription.  This effectively means that anyone can purchase the treatment “over the counter” at a chemist without any official paperwork, and no questions will be asked.

How Does Alli Work?

To explain how Alli works, it is probably best to explain how the body absorbs fatty content from food which we digest.  Once you digest your food it will work its way through the body to the intestine, where naturally occurring chemicals in the body will absorb a variety of elements from the food, including vitamins, fatty content, sugar, etc, etc.  All of these elements have a part to play in the every day well being of your body, although excessive intake of certain elements can be harmful, e.g. fatty food.

Enzymes which are produced by the body will latch on to certain food elements, e.g. fatty content and change their form so that they can be absorbed into the body.  Fatty content is actually converted into fatty acid which is then absorbed into the body, producing an increase in the fat content.  Alli actually works by reducing the production of these enzymes by approximately 30%, which effectively means that from day one of the treatment the body will absorb 30% less fatty content from digested food.

Even though there is less fat being absorbed, the bodies natural metabolism will still be intact and rather than fat being replaced by absorbed fat, the body will need to “burn” existing fat into energy, thereby reducing the body weight of the user.  

Are There Any Serious Side Effects?

Extensive trials and research have shown that there are no serious side effects, although many patients will experience some rather uncomfortable side effects which include :-

• Oily stools.
• Increased flatulence.
• Bouts of sudden bowel movement.

These side effects occur because a great amount of unprocessed fatty content is being passed straight through the body, rather than being absorbed into the body.  It is this unprocessed content which causes the above side effects.  Thankfully the side effects can be controlled by reducing the intake of fat in the users diet, with GlaxoSmithkline recommending no more than 15g of fat content per meal.

Many users may also find it more comfortable to take Alli with a simple selection of vitamin supplements to build up any possible reduction in the absorption of vitamins into the body.

How Often Should Alli Be Taken?

It is recommended that the treatment is taken prior to mealtimes, with maximum dosages of 60g.  This 60g dosage is half of the dosage allowed on prescription with Orlistat, which is part of the reason why it is available “over the counter”.  As mentioned above, Orlistat can only be distributed under prescription to more serious cases of obesity.

The treatment is taken orally in the form of a small, easy to swallow tablet.

Where Is Alli Available?

Currently the treatment is only available through chemists in the US, although it is expected that further countries will “fast track” approval very soon and sales will start to occur on a world wide basis.

How Popular Is The Treatment Expected To Be?

While nothing is ever definite in the medical market, GlaxoSmithkline expect worldwide sales of at least $1.5 billion dollars once the treatment is approved in more countries.  They will be spending in the region of $150 million advertising the treatment in the first year, making Alli potentially one of the most successful drugs of all time.

How Much Does Alli Cost?

The cost varies depending on the amount of tablets purchased, but at the moment a 60 capsule kit will cost you $50, and a 90 capsule kit in the region of $60.  These prices may change in accordance with market demand, although at the moment they are fairly steady.

Is This The Miracle Treatment We Have Been Waiting For?

While much of the press have perhaps gone a little over board about the treatment, there is no doubt that it is ground breaking and has the potential to touch the lives of hundreds of millions of people.  However, rather than solely rely on the treatment, GlaxoSmithkline are recommending that users also instigate a subtle change in their lifestyles and eating habits to get the most out of the treatment longer term.

Alli may also be of major assistance with sufferers of depression, who a very often stuck in the vicious circle of depression, weight gain, depression, etc, etc.  Alli has the potential to break the cycle and offer many a new lease of life.