Alli

Containing the active ingredient Orlistat, Alli has been medically designed to assist those looking to lose weight. When combined with a low-calorie, reduced-fat diet, this medication provides an effective weight loss solution for those struggling with obesity by targeting the fat in your digestive system.

It is recommended that you begin by trying to lose weight through a regular healthy eating plan and exercise program, but if you have found that this is not effective enough, then the use of Alli can support you in taking the next step.

Alli is an effective way of managing and controlling your weight. As a licensed drug rather than a complementary medicine or a supplement, it contains an ingredient which has been scientifically tested and proven to be highly effective in helping people to reach their weight loss goals when used as directed. In fact, its efficiency has been studied and proven in over 100 clinical trials.

Alli does not require a prescription, although you are very welcome to book an appointment with a health expert at Click Pharmacy to discuss how best to use this product. It can be purchased online in a 1, 2 or 3-month pack and will be sent direct to you by Next Day Delivery.

Alli comes in packs of 84 tablets, each of which contains 60mg of the active ingredient orlistat. It is suitable for adults aged 18 years or over with a BMI of 28 or higher, and it is recommended that it is taken three times a day.

Orlistat, the active ingredient in Alli, works by preventing your body from absorbing the fat you’ve ingested during meals by attaching itself to the enzymes which break down fat for absorption.

In this way, the medication stops the intestines taking in up to 25% of the fat that you eat, meaning that for every 2lb of fat you lose with a low-calorie diet, Alli will help you naturally lose 1lb extra.

This excess fat is passed from your body via your bowel movements, ultimately helping you to lose weight.

Apart from being part of a healthy, balance lifestyle, Alli should be taken three times a day immediately before, during or within an hour of a meal containing between 12 and 18 grams of fat, depending on your weight loss target. If a meal containing no fat is consumed, then a dose of this medication will not be required. If you miss a tablet, there is no need to take take one outside of this window of time - simply take the next one with food as directed.

You can take Alli for as long as it takes to reach your weight goals, but Alli suggests that this usually takes anywhere up to 6 months, depending on your starting weight and ultimate goal. If, after you stop taking them, you begin to put weight on again, then you are able to begin using the tablets once again, though it is sensible to speak to a doctor before starting any weight loss plan. It is also important that you incorporate exercise as part of your weight loss regime.

Due to the active ingredient’s ability to block fat, your body may find it harder to absorb certain vitamins. As such, your doctor may recommend that whilst taking Alli, you should also take a multivitamin daily containing the vitamins A, D, E, K and beta carotene. (Do not take this at the same time as Alli/food, as the drug will still block some of these vitamins.)

When used consistently alongside a lower-calorie diet and exercise, you should start to notice a difference within two weeks. If you do not notice any considerable differences by 12 weeks, book an appointment with your GP or a doctor at Click Pharmacy, and you can be assessed for taking the higher-dose prescription version of Alli.

The main side effect of using this medication can be changes to your bowel movement. Usually, this occurs when you first begin taking the tablets as your body takes a while to get used to the effects of them. As such, you may notice your stools become oily, fatty and loose, and you may suffer from abdominal bloating. It is also common to experience the urgent need for a bowel movement.

Other side effects may include lower back or side pain, muscle aches and pains, unusual tiredness or weakness, nausea, loss of appetite and headaches. Speak to your doctor or consult our specialists at Click Pharmacy should you require any further advice.

Do not begin this treatment if you are on blood thinner tablets such as warfarin, any thyroid medication or cyclosporine. It is also unsuitable for those suffering from diabetes, anyone not overweight, if you are taking any other weight loss medication or else if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Orlistat is the active ingredient in each of the three products. The difference is that Alli is a non-prescription version of the other two and contains 60mg, whereas Xenical and orlistat contain 120mg.

Secondly, Xenical is the branded version of Orlistat which is the generic product and as such, Xenical costs a little more due to it’s known brand name.

Several alternatives for Alli are available, with each medication having a different mechanism of action, a different degree of effectiveness and varying suitability for different individuals.

Below are some of these alternatives and their comparison with Allie:

• Xenical

Xenical, much like Alli, works by preventing your body from absorbing some of the fat from your meal. Xenical is a prescription-only medication with a dose of 120mg, which can stop your body from absorbing about one-third of the fat from each meal. On the other hand, Alli is available over the counter and has a dose of 60mg, which stops your body from absorbing about one-quarter of the fat from being digested. It's important to note that Xenical is only available with a prescription because you must meet specific criteria for it to be safe and suitable.

• Saxenda

Saxenda is a prescription-only injectable medication you use once per day. It acts on certain brain areas to reduce hunger and slow digestion, making you feel sated for longer, whereas Alli works by decreasing the fat your body absorbs from your food.

• Orlistat

Orlistat and Alli have the same active ingredient, with Orlistat being the generic form. Therefore, they work precisely the same way by preventing your body from absorbing fat from your meals. However, Orlistat is only available by prescription and comes in a higher dose. It can block the absorption of up to one-third of the fat from your meals. On the other hand, Alli is available over the counter and can prevent your body from absorbing about one-quarter of the fat from your meals.

• Mysimba

Mysimba is a prescription-only medication containing the active ingredients naltrexone and bupropion. You take the tablet once or twice per day. It acts on particular brain regions, depressing your appetite and making you feel fuller for longer periods. This makes you want to eat less, helping you lose weight.