I'm amazed and yet not surprised that so many of you are asking about the pros and cons of Alli, the much-hyped new over-the-counter diet pill (weight loss drug.) Whether Alli works or not is on your mind of course--but most of your questions involve your curiosity about Alli's side-effects--which may include gas with oily spotting, loose stools, and more frequent stools that may be hard to control (diarrhea).
Since Alli works mostly in the digestive system, I talked with Dr. Brian Fennerty, a leading gastroenterologist based in Portland, Oregon, who is also a one of our medical experts here at Revolution Health. I wanted to get the "real deal" about the toilet-related side-effects, like diarrhea, to clarify when and if Alli users need to worry. I also wanted to find if he thought there was any link between Alli and colon cancer. See, many news reports (including my previous post and a Revolution Health article) have cited a study that concluded Alli caused precancerous lesions in the colon.
Listen to Dr. Fennerty share his thoughts about Alli
I also talked with Dr. Caroline Cederquist, a board certified weight loss specialist in Naples, Florida. She is well-known for her balanced approach to weight loss--which stresses diet, exercise and strict monitoring of her patients. She has prescribed fat blockers such as Xenical to her patients, but only in combination with a personalized diet and exercise plan.
By the way, Alli is a "watered down" version of Xenical ( Alli is about half as strong). However, Dr. Cederquist said some studies have already shown that Alli has been just as effective as the prescription-strength version.
See how some Revolution users are incorporating Alli into their weight loss plan.
Both Dr. Fennerty and Dr. Cederquist agreed that Alli won't work unless you are serious about losing weight and are ready to make significant diet and exercise changes. Alli is no miracle diet pill and both Dr. Fennerty and Dr. Cederquist stressed that Alli won't work without a patent's full commitment to watching their diet and exercising.
Side-effects: Can You Cope?
Dr. Fennerty said that the side-affects will likely be more uncomfortable than a risk to your overall health. But as with any drug, you should read the warning label and not take Alli (and also consult your doctor before you take Alli) if you fall into the categories listed on the warning label. I checked out the label and the biggest warning was aimed those who have had organ transplants because Alli interferes with the medicines used to prevent transplant rejection.
Yes, you'll likely have increased bowel movements, looser stools or diarrhea. So besides your readiness to embrace the whole Alli plan, your decision to take Alli basically boils down to how much you can tolerate the digestive system side effects which may include: frequent bathroom trips, oily leakage, abdominal discomfort, gas and bloating.
"These side effects aren't life threatening," said Dr. Fennerty. Disputing study findings cited by Public Citizen director Sidney Wolfe, Dr. Fennerty said the chances of Alli leading to increased risk of of colon cancer or even precancerous lesions is very slim. "If Alli was in any way associated with colon cancer it would definitely not be on the market."
Alli Not Wise Choice For Those with Chronic Digestive Conditions
If you have a chronic digestive condition, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's or Colitis) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), where diarrhea is predominant, you shouldn't take Alli, since this drug would likely make your diarrhea much worse, according to Dr. Fennerty. However, he noted that for those with IBS where constipation is the main symptom, Alli could actually help. But IBS patients looking to alleviate their constipation shouldn't take Alli just to treat constipation if they aren't trying to lose weight.
Can you lessen the side-effects? Try this advice
If you're thinking about taking Alli, you need to know what to eat and how much to ensure the best results.
Dr. Cederquist recommends patients who take Alli eat a low-fat diet with 15 grams of fat per meal., which is what the drug company, GlaxoSmithKline, states on its website. "This will help patients lower the chance of experiencing these treatment effects."
This makes sense to me--if you eat lots of fatty foods, your trips to the bathroom may be more frequent and not so pretty. It's also the side-effects that may make some people give up. So it's important to realize this connection.
Since Allie blocks fat absorption—the side effects of eating so much fat might cause some people to give up. Dr. Cederquist said this is one reason why it’s important that Alli be taken as part of a diet and exercise program.
Why? Even restricting your fat consumption won’t work if you’re replacing fatty foods with too much sugar or protein.
“You can gain a lot of weight eating sugar and protein,” Dr. Cederquist said. “It's an issue of calories and you have to understand that Alli doesn’t block all calories. Simply, exercise and calories matter”
Think Alli is a ticket to fried? Think again.
“If your eating a ton of fat and taking Alli, you’ll have a ton of side effects,” said Dr. Cederquist. Sometimes you’ll learn from that and realize it’s better to have that chicken breast than a Big Mac.”
She also warned that many people don’t realize that they are consuming a lot of fat even when they think they’re making healthy choices: nuts, cheese, dressings all have fat.
“You might think you’re eating healthy but that salad could have as much fat a Big Mac if you’re piling on cheese and dressings.”
Note: I will be updating this post soon..please visit again!
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