Are You A Candidate For Alli?
Prescription weight-loss drugs aren't intended for people who just want to lose a few pounds for cosmetic reasons. They're generally reserved for people who are unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and often have health problems as a result.
Your doctor may consider you a candidate for medication treatment if these criteria apply:
* Other methods of weight loss haven't worked for you.
* Your body mass index (BMI) is greater than 27 and you have medical complications of obesity, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea.
* Your BMI is greater than 30.
Alli is the reduced-strength version of
orlistat (Xenical). It's approved for over-the-counter sale to overweight adults 18 years and older.
Alli is meant to be used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise.
Alli can help you lose weight, but the weight loss likely won't be great — perhaps just a few pounds more than you would lose with diet and exercise alone. Common side effects include diarrhea and gas with oily spotting. You can limit the side effects by eating a low-fat diet.