For many many years people have been looking at ways to control their weight, whether naturally or by artificial means. This has spawned an industry which continues to grow to this day, and while attracting some of the brightest names from the medical world, has also been targeted by fraudsters and cheats.  Many have played on the desperation of people to lose weight, although until Alli arrived there was no real focus in the market. Alli has allowed those in need of assistance to actually see the way ahead, something which has been proven and works - something believable.  But how does Alli compare to the various types of treatment which have been introduced to the public over the years? 

How Does Alli Compare To Other Types Of Treatment?

There are a number of specific types of treatment which can be generally cut down to four real sectors, which are :-

Natural

While this is the choice of millions, it is also the most difficult to see through, the increased exercise, the change in dietary habits and the change in lifestyle.  It takes real determination to use the natural way to escape from what for many has been a long period of depression, over eating, depression.  Many find it difficult to make the first move, which is perhaps why other areas of treatment have opened up over the years.

No matter what treatments are released in the future, the natural way to lose weight should be the way of choice, but many people may need some kind of artificial assistance to get the ball rolling, to give them the boost they need to see it all of the way through.

Positive : No artifical substances, and very safe (as long as people are sensible)
Negative : Very difficult to see through on its own.  Outside assistance may well be required.

Surgery

Over the last few years we have seen many examples of obesity sufferers who have gone far and beyond the “natural” treatments for weight loss.  It has become easier and easier to take the surgical route, and for many this has been the last chance - and for some, even a matter of life or death.

As with any surgery there is the potential for major complications, infection and a prolonged healing process - and the possibility that the treatment may not work, even after physical changes to the body (which are often irreversible).  Many people have looked towards “gastric bands” which reduce the size of the stomach, thereby inducing a early feeling of “fullness”, which thereby tricks the body into feeling that sufficient food has been digested, and the body’s appetite diminishes.  There are even surgical procedures which involve part of the physical stomach being removed, thereby reducing the long term ability to consume large quantities of food

Surgical procedures are notoriously complicated in the case of obesity, with an increased chance of heart attacks, and above average risks on the actual operating table.  Perhaps one of the more risky options open to many - then again, it is the only option for a small few.

Positive : Physically reduces the size of the stomach - thereby reducing food intake.
Negative : Complications during surgery, the chance it may not work.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis and weight treatments have only really come together over the last few years, and for some the results can be impressive.  By encoding a prearranged cycle of events into the brain, it is possible to control and restrict the intake of food for many - although not all patients will respond to Hypnosis.

While for many Hypnosis is connected with entertainment, there is a serious side to the science which has the potential to assist many people in an array of treatments.  However, there are those who do not respond to treatment, and there have been limited occasions where the treatment has brought on some kind of mental illness.

Positive : Simple, and can be adapted for each patient’s requirements / lifestyle.
Negatives : Does not work for everyone, and has been known to bring about mental trauma in some.

Drugs

Obviously Alli falls into the drug category, but the reason why the treatment is so successful is the fact that it has a physical impact, rather than trying to control the mind.  Prior to the introduction of the likes of Alli,  the majority of obesity drug treatments where amphetamine based, which allows the levels of noradrenaline and dopamine hormones in the blood to be controlled, thereby lowering the appetite of the user.  

These kind of drugs have a variety of potential side effects and are not suitable for all obesity sufferers.  Some of the side effects include high blood pressure, anxiety and restlessness - perhaps some of the worst ailments that you would want to trigger in someone who is probably at high risk of depression and other medical conditions already.

Using Alli, GlaxoSmithkline have taken a slightly different stance to the traditional drug approach, by targeting the physical ability of the body to digest large amounts of fatty food.  By directly controlling the production of enzymes in the intestine, it is possible to allow the person to eat potentially the same diet and lose weight (although it is recommended that fatty intake is reduced to avoid the worst of the potential side effects).

Nobody is saying that Alli is the holy grail of obesity treatment, but the style and method in which fatty content is “rejected” by the body has resulted in healthy and very quick results.  As with any successful treatment we will no doubt see a flurry of “copies” when the licence runs out - although this is still years away.

Positive : Can offer a quick route to weight loss.
Negatives : Prior to the likes of Alli, many treatments tried to “control” parts of the brain, relating to hunger - seen by many as risky.

Conclusion

Alli has taken the obesity treatment market to a level of public approval which few drugs have ever seen in the past.  While the treatment has taken some time to perfect, the basic are very simple - reduce the amount of fatty content digested, and the user will see a significant weight reduction.

This is a treatment which the public can appreciate, and the fact it has been deemed safe enough for over the counter treatment is an obvious plus point, both to consumer confidence and the size of the potential market.  How large this market actually is, may surprise many!