Alli is a weight loss pill intended to help people burn one pound of fat, for every 2 pounds lost through exercise. It’s an over the counter medication made to help reduce about 25% of the fat one eats.
It’s only available for people 18 and older, and for those who would be considered obese with a BMI of 25 or more. You also have to introduce a low-calorie, low-fat diet, and you have to make sure to take Alli alongside fats in your meals. The intended purpose of Alli is to remove some fat calories from your diet, by not having it digested, and instead being passed through one’s stool. So is this really an effective weight loss pill? What kinds of weight loss effects are possible? Featured in this Alli review is all the information needed to make an informed decision.
Orlistat: The sole key active ingredient in Alli. It’s used to help reduce the absorption of some fats, by having them removed by bowel movements.
You are advised to skip dosing these pills if you have a meal with no fats. It’s also advised to get no more than 30% of your calories from fat to make good use of this ingredient. Both Drugs.com and the official website for Alli confirm:
“Orlistat can make it harder for your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins”
“may recommend that you take vitamin and mineral supplements while you are taking this medication”
This can reduce the intake of vitamins A, D, E, and K. When using this pill, it’s important to watch out for signs of vitamin and mineral deficiency. This can potentially lead to issues such as:
Brittle nails and dull looking hear.
Extreme fatigue.
Vision problems.
Mood swings and symptoms of depression.
Reduced muscle mass and weakness in the limbs.
Blindness.
Increased risk for disease.
Orlistat itself has also been shown to potentially cause side effects that include:
Blood in the urine.
Severe lower back pain.
Kidney problems including little to no urination.
Liver issues that may cause nausea, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, fatigue, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Oily and or fatty stools.
Gas and oily discharge.
Stomach pain, increased bathroom usage, and rectal pain.
Inability to control your bowel movements.
Several other side effects
There are also other side effects that if experienced, it’s advised to seek immediate medical help. This can be a sign of serious health problems that can be potentially life threatening if not treated. Compiled in this link are the year’s best weight loss pills.
The official website does list some possible side effects, but a list on Drugs.com features all the possible issues people have experienced.
A clinical study of this ingredient showed very poor weight loss benefits. The Cochrane Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders Group ran a study showing the effects of the active ingredient when used for over a year:
“compared to placebo, Orlistat reduced weight by 2.9 kg”
2.9 kg is 6.39 pounds. So people lost around 1.87 pounds each month. This is significantly less weight loss than what other supplements can provide. You also have to make sure to consider all the possible side effects, as well as reduce your calories and increase exercise.
The company claims that you can lose around 5% of your total body fat if taken according to their demands, but this still isn’t very much. The added diet and exercise is likely a major part of why there’s weight loss.
FD&C Blue No. 2: Synthetic food coloring added to help provide a blue color. It has no nutritional value, and is only added to make these pills appear blue. Rats given this ingredient were subject to:
“statistically significant increases in brain cancer”
This is according to a study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. They also advise that this ingredient should be banned, since it has no nutritional value. It’s also believed that this ingredient may cause hyperactivity as well.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: A detergent and foaming agent that may cause skin and eye irritation.
Sodium Starch Glycolate: White powder added to help a pill dissolve and absorb better. It can be extracted from common allergens like wheat and corn. Those allergic or sensitive to these ingredients won’t know which is added, since manufacturers aren’t required to list what extracts are used.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven fat burner such as Sletrokor for better results.
Alli Quality of Ingredients
10 of the 11 ingredients are inactive, meaning they have no weight loss purpose.
The only truly beneficial ingredient is Orlistat, and its results on long term weight loss have been poor. You also have to make sure to take it alongside fats, so people who don’t eat much dietary fats wouldn’t see much improvement.
Clinical studies have shown that it may lead to serious side effects, of which there are many. Other studies have revealed that its weight loss effects are poor. Just over a pound of weight loss is possible each month, which isn’t much. This also comes at the addition of added diet and exercise, as well as special intake considerations, as not all people are advised to take this weight loss pill.
You also have to watch out for fat soluble vitamin loss, which may require extra supplementation with multivitamins.
Alli is available for purchase in store and in online retail stores. One 40 day supply sells for $69.99 on Amazon.com. So you’re essentially paying $1.74 per pill.
Most of what’s inside this pill has no weight loss effect. It’s mostly made up of food coloring, pill stabilizers, and additives to ease digestion.
The sole active ingredient has been shown to help reduce dietary fats, but its possibility for side effects and vitamin and mineral loss. Also, the weight loss benefits have been incredibly poor, and as you’ll see in the “Customer Opinions of Alli” section, it’s not well reviewed by users.
The makers have also been the subject of controversy over marketing and illegal actions. They also were subject to the biggest fine ever imposed on a drug company. The Department of Justice adds:
“Unlawful promotion of certain prescription drugs, its failure to report safety data, and its civil liability for alleged false price reporting”
“largest health care fraud settlement in US history”
They hid information about possible side effects, and they manipulated prices for several of their drugs.
In 2024, they also recalled Alli after fears of contamination. The FDA adds:
“the company believes some packages of the product were tampered with”
It’s unknown how this could have happened, but they voluntarily recalled all batches of Alli in the US.
EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using weight loss pills for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.
Customer Opinions of Alli
Several customer reviews are available online. Here’s what a few have experienced:
“hate so much that I paid for a product that did absolutely nothing”
“exercised as I did before, failed to lose any weight”
“It was disgusting and uncontrollable”
“Does not work at all”
Side effects were often listed, and they ranged from loose and oily stools, flatulence, increased bathroom usage, and sudden unexpected stools. A few people mentioned they couldn’t be far away from a bathroom, as they would suddenly get the urge to have to go immedietly.
A lack of weight loss was also listed as a problem. Currently 571 reviews on Amazon.com confirm the lack of beneficial effects. Many struggled to see any weight loss even with proper diet and exercise.
There was often concern that the new batches of Alli just aren’t as good, and that there’s a lack of any noticeable change.
When considering weight loss pills like Alli, it’s important to look at clinical studies and customer opinions. Many users who tried Alli failed to see any change, and many severe side effects have also been listed. Though Alli can help reduce some fat intake, it only works to reduce fat, and it has no metabolism boosting or other calorie burning effects. So sugar and carbohydrates won’t be reduced.
Also, the possibility for loss of fat soluble vitamins might require extra supplementation. A better solution is available that has only natural ingredients, no laxative like side effects, and great customer reviews. The very best option of 2024 is the all-natural Sletrokor.
It doesn’t require a special diet, and you can rest assured this supplement won’t have laxative like side effects. Customers have also raved about the beneficial and long lasting weight loss effects. You can find these testimonials on their official website, with people leaving nothing but positive weight loss results.
As far as breaking open the capsule since you cannot swallow the pill, i dont see why not. I am a med technician at a senior living home, and generally the only pills you cant crush/break open are the ones that say "extended release" and also potassium. so you should be fine just mix it with a spoonful of applesauce/ low fat pudding or something like that. i would suggest trying it a few times and see if you notice the normal effects of the drug. hope i helped.
Anonymous
i started takiong alli in nobember 2007at a weight of 214 lbs (5'7 female here) and today i weigh 212 lbs. i did not cheat, i followed a lowfat, low calorie diet. i stuck with it because my two best friends started at the same time and one have lost 30 lbs and the other have lost 17 lbs. i am recovering from a severe back injury and have had 6 shots of steroids and take muscle relaxers daily. my doc says that the shots and the muscle relaxers should not be a deterrent for me losiong weight throught the alli program. if anyone out there know if it is, let me know...please. i am almost finish with my three month supply and i kinda don't won't to waste my $$ on somethng that's not going to work 4 me right now.
Darren
I am a guy, andI have lost over 70 pounds since August by following the Alli diet. I did not actually start taking the pills until October and I only take them when I am going to eat a meal with over 5 grams of fat. I also exercise a bit. I "cheat" 2-3 times per week (usually at lunch) and end up with gas and...striking oil...Christmas meals created nightmarish treatment effects. As I write this, we are getting ready to go eat mexican...I know that I will need to stay close to the bathroom tomorrow!
Anonymous
IDK if ninjagirl is talking about super dieters tea, but I've tried it and I like it, cinnamon spice flavor smells and tastes pretty good, but I also add a little bit of splenda- I don't know if it defeats the purpose of cleansing your body or not but I drank some last night and it did clean me out this morning...LOL! It is supposed to work as a detox, so you drink it after your last meal of the day.
Anonymous
Just took my first alli pill with breakfast this morning, stomach feels a little quesy but not too bad. I have been on south beach for about 2 weeks and lost 7 lbs (with exercise) and i'm hoping by cont. low fat and low carb plus alli I can lose 10-15 more lbs. before my wedding in April. That gives me about 3.5 months.... hopefully everything will work out!!!
Anonymous
I can't imagine why anyone would want to subject themselves to such laxative misery. Don't you see that what you're losing is your body's water weight. Once you are off the pill, you'll gain it all right back. All you need for healthy weight loss is portion control and moderate exercise.
sandy
I've been on Alli for almost 2 weeks now. I'm combining it with Weight Watchers. I have about 10-15lbs I'd like to lose. After almost 2 weeks my clothes don't feel as tight! =] I've been drinking a ton of water and really trying to stick to the diet! Its hard, but I keep telling myself it will be worth it in the end! Be sure to read all the little books, and don't cheat!! Good luck to everyone!! =]
Anonymous
has anyone taken alli by opening it up first?I cannot swallow pills and wrote the company and they said it has not been studied that way..nice trials there
Ames
I am currently taking Alli and they are not lying when they want you to follow the guidelines. The side effects are REAL! I have lost 9 lbs so far. I would hate for them to take it off the shelves for prescription only. I am doing so well!
Lisa
Started alli last week. None of the side effects expected last week. Lost three ounds last week but gained back 2 this week and did not change a thing. I havd the opssite problem then the frequent stools. Might be due to the big fiber increase? I am bloated tonite so might have something to do with weight gain. I will keep at it...
ninjagirl
there's a herbal tea that is very very similar to Alli (just that the tea has a totally aweful smell and taste), which makes you poop when you eat too much fats. those kind of tea are called "extra strength" and has it engraved on the outside and should state somewhere in the instructions: may cause bowel movements. BUT..i'm considering buying Alli..since I hate that aweful smell! i haven't used the tea constantly/regularly to see any results. but yeah.. I will keep you guys updated!
Anonymous
ninjagirl.. what is the tea called?
sandy
I just purchased the starter package, taking my first capsule in the morning. Now I've read all the good and bad comments posted and have decided that it is worth at least trying the product to see what effect it has for me. I've been on a low calorie diet for about a week and a half and have lost 3.4 pounds with that alone, but I really want to see what Alli can help me accomplish.
Nathan
Hello everyone,
I?m a male, 5?7? beginning weight of 170. I have been taking the Alli pill for almost 2 weeks now. I have tried many diets before and they haven't shown results as fast as Alli has shown me. I have lost 9.5 pounds since I started. I only had one encounter with the infamous side effect, but that was because I cheated and had a high fat breakfast sandwich from one of our favorite American FAT food chains. Also about the 2nd day in, I urinated a lot! But that is probably because I also lowered my sodium and I began drinking lots of water. I was so amazed by the hasty results that I recommended the diet to a friend who is morbidly obese and has tried many other diets to no success, so far she is pleased with her results. Some people are mentioning that they are concerned that when they stop taking the pills they might gain the weight back. I feel that Alli is more than just a pill. It teaches us how to mold our current eating habits into a much healthier plan, and as long as you have the will power, you should be able to successfully keep the pounds off. I?m only 21 and there are so many things that I want to do with my life. I want to finish college, advance into my career, enjoy life, and I want to do that without the extra baggage. I hope for all of you that share a personal dream of having a good life without the weight the best of luck and continued success with your diet.
Sincerely,
Nathan
Anonymous
you all need to be careful. i stopped taking (zenical-double strength of alli) alli 2-3 years ago.
i am still having effects from the drug. just got back from dinner out. salad with ranch drsg on the side. 1hour later-bowel rumbling. just made it home in time. sour cream -forget it ranch-forget it and this is 2-3 years later.
it screws up the recepters in the colon.
Michele
I've been on Alli for 9wks. I've lost 12lbs. I keep each meal under 400cal and 15g of fat. I've not had any unpleasant side effects (unless I've cheated). I also make sure to do 20-30min of exercise a day (a mile walk is 20min)
Anonymous
I started in July and have lost 26 pounds. Just the idea of the treatment effects keeps me honest when eating. Overeating once you start can really put on the pounds, but you don't want the side effects, so you stop.
Claudia
I have been on this product for about 2 1/2 weeks. I have lost 3 pounds. I get an upset stomach several times a week - which I can deal with, because it actually lowers my appetite. So far - better than I have expected. Side affects are minimal.
Woo-hoo
I've taken alli for ~3 months & I have lost 25 lbs. I try to exercise a couple times a week & watch what I eat, but by no means am I completely cutting out the food I like (I love pizza). Just be careful... if you eat a lot of fatty foods, the fat has to come out somewhere... and it can be icky.
rob
been on alli since july 18, went from 270 to 235 and still losing follow the plan it works, dont cheat, not pleasant
The anticipation for a new diet pill is over as the FDA recently approved Alli (pronounced Al-eye). It's the weight loss newcomer that is quickly finding its place on drug store shelves. Alli is the first FDA-approved diet pill available without a prescription. Alli is actually a low-dose version of Xenical, a prescription drug that successfully assists obese individuals losing weight. Xenical is taken under a doctor's care while following a low-calorie, low-fat diet. Alli has the same active ingredient (Orlistat), but in a much lower dosage, and is available without the prescription.
Alli can help you lose a few pounds more than just dieting and exercise alone. It works by suppressing the body's ability to absorb fat in the intestines. By reducing fat, you reduce calories. When the body is unable to absorb these fats they become undigested waste.
Alli works best when it is used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and a regular exercise program. But since sticking to a reduced-calorie diet is tough and since certain foods need to be avoided while using the diet pill, Alli has partnered with eDiets, a meal delivery service that delivers Alli-specific meals to your door every week.
While some may view Alli as a controversial solution to weight loss, the manufacturers of this product have gone to great lengths to offer a comprehensive program to its users in order to make weight loss as easy and approachable as possible.
Although studies on the amount of weight loss you can lose with Alli are limited, you can expect to lose three to five pounds more than just relying on diet and exercise alone.
Comprehensive website that offers support, food journals, calorie counters, meal plans and shopping lists
Partnership with eDiets makes eating and meal planning simple and convenient
The only over-the-counter diet pill with FDA approval
Low-dose version of effective prescription diet pill
CON
Some think it shouldn’t be sold without a prescription
Not a long-term solution to weight loss
Uncomfortable side effects
Must be very careful to not exceed the maximum fat gram requirement with each meal
Weight loss affects are modest
Meal delivery services don't teach you how to consume and prepare your own calorie and portion-controlled meals
INGREDIENTS
Alli contains 60 mg of Orlistat.
ADMINISTRATION
Alli is a 60 mg tablet taken three times a day with meals that should not exceed 15 mg of fat.
DIET and EXERCISE
A low-fat and low-calorie diet must be followed while taking Alli. Since the success of Alli depends so largely on what you eat, how much you eat and when you eat, you have two choices for designing the most effective meal plan for your weight loss needs:
You could consult with your physician or a registered dietitian to design a well-laid out diet and exercise plan.
You could sign up for Alli's partner eDiets, a meal delivery service that creates special Alli-approved meals and delivers them to your door each week.
With the eDiets plan, you eat three meals a day plus snack and desserts. Menus can be personalized to reflect your tastes and preferences and you also have access to a registered dietitian, an online community of other Alli dieters and fitness and exercise support.
Since the fat content of each meal must be closely monitored while using Alli (no more than 15 mg each day), eDiets special Alli-approved meals meet these requirements so that your risk of side effects is kept to a minimum.
The eDiets menu includes a wide variety of delicious meals, including:
Maple Apple Oatmeal
Denver Style Potato Skillet with Turkey Ham
Rosemary Pork with Brown Rice
Oven Roasted Turkey with Savory Sweet Potatoes and Mixed Garden Vegetables
Blackened Chicken served with Seasoned Spicy Brown Rice
Peach Cobbler
Sugar-free Pudding
Irrespective of which meal plan you follow, since Alli inhibits the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, it is important to take a daily supplement that includes Vitamins A, D and E.
In addition, for the best results, a regular exercise program should also be followed that includes 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. If you decide to sign-up with eDiets meal delivery service, you have access to a live fitness trainer to help you customize an exercise plan to compliment your weight loss needs.
CONCLUSION
Many people have seen positive results with Alli. However, those considering taking Alli should note that side effects can include gas, and uncontrolled urination and bowel movements, especially when not following the guidelines prescribed by Alli.
Alli is not a magic pill to lose weight, but its special partnership with eDiets, a meal delivery service, makes eating and meal planning simple and convenient.
Do keep in mind that the effects of taking Alli in comparison to just dieting and exercising alone are just the difference of a few pounds. It is necessary that you consult with your medical practitioner before taking Alli.
User Feedback
(Page 18 of 20, 389 total comments)Anonymous
As far as breaking open the capsule since you cannot swallow the pill, i dont see why not. I am a med technician at a senior living home, and generally the only pills you cant crush/break open are the ones that say "extended release" and also potassium. so you should be fine just mix it with a spoonful of applesauce/ low fat pudding or something like that. i would suggest trying it a few times and see if you notice the normal effects of the drug. hope i helped.
Anonymous
i started takiong alli in nobember 2007at a weight of 214 lbs (5'7 female here) and today i weigh 212 lbs. i did not cheat, i followed a lowfat, low calorie diet. i stuck with it because my two best friends started at the same time and one have lost 30 lbs and the other have lost 17 lbs. i am recovering from a severe back injury and have had 6 shots of steroids and take muscle relaxers daily. my doc says that the shots and the muscle relaxers should not be a deterrent for me losiong weight throught the alli program. if anyone out there know if it is, let me know...please. i am almost finish with my three month supply and i kinda don't won't to waste my $$ on somethng that's not going to work 4 me right now.
Darren
I am a guy, andI have lost over 70 pounds since August by following the Alli diet. I did not actually start taking the pills until October and I only take them when I am going to eat a meal with over 5 grams of fat. I also exercise a bit. I "cheat" 2-3 times per week (usually at lunch) and end up with gas and...striking oil...Christmas meals created nightmarish treatment effects. As I write this, we are getting ready to go eat mexican...I know that I will need to stay close to the bathroom tomorrow!
Anonymous
IDK if ninjagirl is talking about super dieters tea, but I've tried it and I like it, cinnamon spice flavor smells and tastes pretty good, but I also add a little bit of splenda- I don't know if it defeats the purpose of cleansing your body or not but I drank some last night and it did clean me out this morning...LOL! It is supposed to work as a detox, so you drink it after your last meal of the day.
Anonymous
Just took my first alli pill with breakfast this morning, stomach feels a little quesy but not too bad. I have been on south beach for about 2 weeks and lost 7 lbs (with exercise) and i'm hoping by cont. low fat and low carb plus alli I can lose 10-15 more lbs. before my wedding in April. That gives me about 3.5 months.... hopefully everything will work out!!!
Anonymous
I can't imagine why anyone would want to subject themselves to such laxative misery. Don't you see that what you're losing is your body's water weight. Once you are off the pill, you'll gain it all right back. All you need for healthy weight loss is portion control and moderate exercise.
sandy
I've been on Alli for almost 2 weeks now. I'm combining it with Weight Watchers. I have about 10-15lbs I'd like to lose. After almost 2 weeks my clothes don't feel as tight! =] I've been drinking a ton of water and really trying to stick to the diet! Its hard, but I keep telling myself it will be worth it in the end! Be sure to read all the little books, and don't cheat!! Good luck to everyone!! =]
Anonymous
has anyone taken alli by opening it up first?I cannot swallow pills and wrote the company and they said it has not been studied that way..nice trials there
Ames
I am currently taking Alli and they are not lying when they want you to follow the guidelines. The side effects are REAL! I have lost 9 lbs so far. I would hate for them to take it off the shelves for prescription only. I am doing so well!
Lisa
Started alli last week. None of the side effects expected last week. Lost three ounds last week but gained back 2 this week and did not change a thing. I havd the opssite problem then the frequent stools. Might be due to the big fiber increase? I am bloated tonite so might have something to do with weight gain. I will keep at it...
ninjagirl
there's a herbal tea that is very very similar to Alli (just that the tea has a totally aweful smell and taste), which makes you poop when you eat too much fats. those kind of tea are called "extra strength" and has it engraved on the outside and should state somewhere in the instructions: may cause bowel movements. BUT..i'm considering buying Alli..since I hate that aweful smell! i haven't used the tea constantly/regularly to see any results. but yeah.. I will keep you guys updated!
Anonymous
ninjagirl.. what is the tea called?
sandy
I just purchased the starter package, taking my first capsule in the morning. Now I've read all the good and bad comments posted and have decided that it is worth at least trying the product to see what effect it has for me. I've been on a low calorie diet for about a week and a half and have lost 3.4 pounds with that alone, but I really want to see what Alli can help me accomplish.
Nathan
Hello everyone, I?m a male, 5?7? beginning weight of 170. I have been taking the Alli pill for almost 2 weeks now. I have tried many diets before and they haven't shown results as fast as Alli has shown me. I have lost 9.5 pounds since I started. I only had one encounter with the infamous side effect, but that was because I cheated and had a high fat breakfast sandwich from one of our favorite American FAT food chains. Also about the 2nd day in, I urinated a lot! But that is probably because I also lowered my sodium and I began drinking lots of water. I was so amazed by the hasty results that I recommended the diet to a friend who is morbidly obese and has tried many other diets to no success, so far she is pleased with her results. Some people are mentioning that they are concerned that when they stop taking the pills they might gain the weight back. I feel that Alli is more than just a pill. It teaches us how to mold our current eating habits into a much healthier plan, and as long as you have the will power, you should be able to successfully keep the pounds off. I?m only 21 and there are so many things that I want to do with my life. I want to finish college, advance into my career, enjoy life, and I want to do that without the extra baggage. I hope for all of you that share a personal dream of having a good life without the weight the best of luck and continued success with your diet. Sincerely, Nathan
Anonymous
you all need to be careful. i stopped taking (zenical-double strength of alli) alli 2-3 years ago. i am still having effects from the drug. just got back from dinner out. salad with ranch drsg on the side. 1hour later-bowel rumbling. just made it home in time. sour cream -forget it ranch-forget it and this is 2-3 years later. it screws up the recepters in the colon.
Michele
I've been on Alli for 9wks. I've lost 12lbs. I keep each meal under 400cal and 15g of fat. I've not had any unpleasant side effects (unless I've cheated). I also make sure to do 20-30min of exercise a day (a mile walk is 20min)
Anonymous
I started in July and have lost 26 pounds. Just the idea of the treatment effects keeps me honest when eating. Overeating once you start can really put on the pounds, but you don't want the side effects, so you stop.
Claudia
I have been on this product for about 2 1/2 weeks. I have lost 3 pounds. I get an upset stomach several times a week - which I can deal with, because it actually lowers my appetite. So far - better than I have expected. Side affects are minimal.
Woo-hoo
I've taken alli for ~3 months & I have lost 25 lbs. I try to exercise a couple times a week & watch what I eat, but by no means am I completely cutting out the food I like (I love pizza). Just be careful... if you eat a lot of fatty foods, the fat has to come out somewhere... and it can be icky.
rob
been on alli since july 18, went from 270 to 235 and still losing follow the plan it works, dont cheat, not pleasant