What is it and how does it work?

Alli is not a stimulant or an appetite suppressant, but instead it stops some of the fat you eat from being digested and absorbed. The active ingredient, orlistat, attaches itself to some of the body's enzymes that break down fat. Adding Alli to a reduced calorie, lower fat diet can help boost weight loss by up to 50 per cent.

Who is it suitable for and how do I get it?

Alli is meant for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or above, and those who are aged 18 or older. You must also be committed to having a healthier lifestyle. Alli is available from pharmacists, who can help assess if you are a suitable candidate.

Do you still need to diet and exercise while on Alli?

Yes. Alli is not a miracle weight loss pill, it only works to help you lose weight if you are losing it already. A commitment to a healthier lifestyle is essential, which includes a lower fat, reduced calorie diet. It is recommended that five days before taking Alli that you make changes to your eating and activity habits, and make calorie and fat targets.

Does it work?

The Alli approach is gradual, healthy weight loss as opposed to a miracle fix. For every 2lb (1kg) you lose through healthier eating, Alli can help you lose up to 1lb (1/2kg) more. Unlike other over the counter weight-loss pills, Alli has been clinically proven to work and has a medicinal licence, the first pharmacy-only weight-loss aid licensed throughout Europe. Alli has also been approved by the FDA (US Food And Drug Administration).

As undigested fat can't be absorbed, it passes naturally out of the body in your stools. If you stick to a low fat eating plan, this change in your bowel movements should be manageable. Each Alli capsule works on one meal at a time. If you eat too much fat, you increase your chances of diet-related treatment effects, including wind (sometimes with oily spotting), sudden bowel motions, fat or oily stools and loose stools.

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