Posted August 28, 2007 by Megan Bailey

One of the newest diets on the market right now is Alli. Alli is the over the counter version of the FDA approved fat blocker formerly known as Xenical. It is the exact same medicine as Xenical, but only half the strength.      Alli isn't just a pill, it is a complete diet program that includes the medication, a reduced low fat diet plan, regular walking and toning exercises, and behavioral changes. It also comes with a companion book titled Are You Losing It? Losing Weight Without Losing Your Mind, other weight loss materials, and online support. The cost is around $1.50 to $2.00 a day. You can get a 60 count starter kit for $49.25 and a 90 count kit for $62.99.      Though Alli is only half as strong as its predecessor Xenical, the side effects are not necessarily less. Side effects include gas with an oily discharge, inability to control bowel movements, oily or fatty stools, and oily spotting. Side effects will worsen if the prescribed diet is not followed.      The major benefit of Alli is that when it is taken in conjunction with a sensible low fat diet and exercise plan you will lose 50% more weight than with diet and exercise alone. An example of this would be if you would have lost 10 pounds over a 3 month period, you would lose 15 pounds over the same 3 month time if taking Alli. It is not a miracle pill though as it will not work effectively on its own. The only way that it will work is by adapting a healthy lifestyle.      The benefits of Alli don't seem to outweigh the negative side effects though. There is no substitute for simply cutting your calories, eating a low fat diet, and getting plenty of water and exercise when trying to lose weight. You can lose a ½ pound to 1 pound a week simply by cutting your calories by 300 a day and walking an extra 2 miles. This method may be slow, but it is effective, long lasting, and has no negative side effects such as having miserable gas or possibly having an embarrassing accident. The extra few pounds that could be lost by taking Alli might just as easily be taken off by simply increasing your exercise routine by a few minutes a day. Save your money for the new clothes you will enjoy buying as the weight slowly but surely disappears. As always, check with your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program.