n the battle against the bulge that’s on the rise in the United States, there’s now a new weapon on the market: the over-the-counter diet drug “alli” (generic name: orlistat). Intended for adults who are over the age of 18, this revolutionary new drug has just been approved by the FDA to help overweight people get their waistlines in check.
So why is it so revolutionary? Because it offers you a two- prong approach to dealing with weight reduction: along with taking the pill, you will also receive online support — it’s meant only to be used in conjunction with a preset low-fat, reduced-calorie diet (where each meal contains 15 grams of fat or less). The drug’s packaging includes specific guidelines that will help users adjust their eating habits. It will also contain the recommendation that the user discusses the drug with his/her doctor and that exercise must also play a vital role in the process.
The drug’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, is expecting to launch alli in the United States by this summer. The drug works by preventing about 25% of the fat in the foods that are eaten from being absorbed by the body. The drug does come with some mild side effects, such as loose stools, but eating a low-fat diet should prevent this from occurring, according to the manufacturer.
If you are a senior and/or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, or are undergoing any type of treatment for diabetes or a thyroid condition, you will need to speak to your doctor before you consider taking alli. If you have undergone an organ transplant, alli may not be for you, as it can cause serious drug interactions. Also, know that the drug can cause changes in your bowel movements as well.
According to the company, “Consuming a meal with too much fat, while taking alli, can result in bowel changes such as having an urgent need to use the bathroom. These changes, called treatment effects, generally occur in the first weeks of treatment, are not harmful, and can be managed by following the recommended diet with about 15 grams of fat per meal. Users should take a multivitamin once a day, at bedtime, because alli can reduce the absorption of some vitamins.”
With its new drug, GlaxoSmithKline is offering consumers a comprehensive approach to dealing with weight reduction. Instead of marketing alli as a magic pill that will cure all, the company is stressing the importance of taking a proactive approach to dealing with weight control. Along with a healthy, low-fat diet, exercise, consultation with your doctor, and healthy lifestyle habits, alli will also come with a link to a web site that will provide extra support.
In our society, where we are constantly on the prowl for a quick fix, it’s good to see a new, more revolutionary approach that does not tout a quick solution, but rather a progressive, gradual weight reduction program that teaches people good eating habits, the importance of working out, and the benefits of vitamin and mineral supplementation to deal with the problem. Two-thirds of all Americans are now overweight or obese — and they are still gaining weight. If you think that alli may be a helpful tool for you, speak to your doctor.
Remember: This drug is meant to act as a tool to help you get started on the path to weight reduction. Don’t discount the power of a regular fitness routine and a good diet, both of which you can establish on your own or with the help of your doctor.
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Tags: low carb diet, natural weight loss, vitamins
