Alli weight-loss pill: Does it work?Is Alli the solution to your weight-loss woes? A Mayo Clinic specialist discusses the effectiveness of Alli, an over-the-counter weight-loss pill.By Mayo Clinic Staff Donald D. Hensrud, M.D. Alli (pronounced AL-eye) is an over-the-counter drug meant for overweight adults who are struggling to shed excess pounds. With its easy access and weight-loss promises, is Alli your answer to losing weight? Here, Donald D. Hensrud, M.D., a preventive medicine and nutrition specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, answers common questions about Alli. Alli is the reduced-strength, 60-milligram version of orlistat (Xenical), a 120-milligram prescription drug. Xenical is approved for use by people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more (obese), as well as people with a BMI of 27 to 29 (overweight) who have other health risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Alli is approved for over-the-counter sale — with some exceptions — to overweight adults 18 years and older.

Both Alli and Xenical are meant to be used as part of a weight-loss plan that includes a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular physical activity. In 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a safety review of orlistat because of rare reports of serious liver injury in people using it. The FDA found no evidence to confirm that orlistat was the cause of the reported liver injuries. However, Alli and Xenical labels were revised because of the reports. Talk to your doctor immediately if you have signs or symptoms that may indicate liver injury: Alli promotes weight loss by decreasing the amount of dietary fat absorbed in your intestines. Lipase, an enzyme found in the digestive tract, helps break down dietary fat into smaller components, so it can be used or stored for energy. Alli inhibits the work of lipase. When you take the drug with a meal, about 30 percent of the fat you consume isn't broken down and is eliminated through bowel movements. Alli may help you lose weight, but the weight loss will likely be modest — perhaps just a few pounds more than you would lose with diet and exercise alone.

In a 2014 review of clinical trials, researchers assessed the effect of weight-loss pills in studies that were at least one year long. Puppies And Dogs For Sale Perth WaPeople who ate a calorie-restricted diet, exercised regularly and took Alli lost an average of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms) more in one year than did people who only dieted and exercised.Smart Notebook 11 Cannot Save Custom Tools About half the people taking Alli while following a calorie-restricted diet and increasing physical activity lost 5 percent or more of their body weight within a year. Indoor Remote Wall Switch Light ControlClinically meaningful weight loss — enough weight loss to begin lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other diseases — is generally defined as 5 percent or more of body weight.

Accessed Dec. 30, 2014.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed Jan. 1, 2015. FDA drug safety communication: Completed safety review of Xenical/Alli (orlistat) and severe liver injury. Accessed Dec. 31, 2014. Yanovski SZ, et al. Long-term drug treatment for obesity: A systematic and clinical review. Bray GA. Obesity in adults: Drug therapy. Alli FAQs: Usage and dosage FAQs. Accessed Nov. 26, 2014Here's a real review.Style Name: 28 CountWorth trying for IBSStyle Name: 28 CountWhy Align is so Mis-Aligned? Product Review by Galina (Dietitian/Nutritionist)Style Name: 28 CountI was skeptical of "supplements" but this one actually worked!Style Name: 28 Count|Worth Trying for Unexplained Digestive IssuesStyle Name: 28 CountAlign isn't for everyone....Style Name: 28 CountWow! Recommended to me by my GI. Style Name: 28 Count|goodbye chronic stinky gasStyle Name: 28 CountThumbs up from my G.I. docStyle Name: 28 Count|May work for many but I will NEVER take it again!!Style Name: 28 Count←Previous...

See all 20 answered questions Customers also viewed these itemsAlign Probiotic Supplement Capsules, 42 Count1,351Align Probiotic Supplement Capsules, 56 Count1,351Align Digestive Care Probiotic Supplement, 84 Count109Align Probiotic Supplement Capsules, 49 Count1,351Need customer service? Probiotics contain different types of micro-organisms such as yeast (saccharomyces boulardii) and bacteria (such as lactobacillus, bifidobacterium). Micro-organisms (flora) are naturally found in the stomach/intestines/vagina. Some conditions (such as antibiotic use, travel) can change the normal balance of bacteria/yeast. Probiotics are used to improve digestion and restore normal flora.Probiotics have been used to treat bowel problems (such as diarrhea, irritable bowel), eczema, vaginal yeast infections, lactose intolerance, and urinary tract infections.Probiotics are available in foods (such as yogurt, milk, juices, soy beverages) and as dietary supplements (capsules, tablets, powders).

Different products have different uses. Check the label for information on uses for your particular product.Some diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details regarding the particular brand you use.The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.How to use AlignFollow all directions on the product package. Refer to the label directions for your specific product to see if the dose should be swallowed whole, chewed, sprinkled onto food or mixed with liquid. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Some probiotic products may contain live bacteria (such as bifidobacteria). Antibiotics may prevent these products from working well. Take any product containing live bacteria at least 2 to 3 hours before or after taking antibiotics. Follow the directions for your specific product.If you are taking this product for diarrhea due to antibiotics, do not use it if you have a high fever or for more than 2 days, unless directed by your doctor.

You may have a serious problem that requires medical treatment.If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention. An increase in stomach gas or bloating may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (such as high fever, chills, persistent cough).A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: diarrhea lasting more than 2 days (especially if you also have a high fever), weakened immune system (such as due to chemotherapy, HIV infection), recurring vaginal infections, recurring urinary tract infections.Liquid products, foods, powders, or chewable tablets may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown whether this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Some medications that may interact with certain probiotics include: antibiotics, antifungals (such as clotrimazole, ketoconazole, griseofulvin, nystatin).This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems. If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.NotesKeep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.Missed DoseIf you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.StorageDifferent types of probiotics may have different storage needs. Some may require refrigeration while others should not be refrigerated. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your product.