Taking Alli Diet Pills is a Risky Way To Lose Weight

Alli diet pills are currently the only FDA approved OTC weight loss medications available, and as a result are very popular these days, bringing in millions of dollars each year for manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline.

However, it's important to realize that just because something is FDA approved, and available over the counter, doesn't mean it's safe.  Along with the statistics proving its efficacy, there are those that show its many potential side effects.

Let's take a closer look....

What is Alli and how does it work?

Alli is a weight loss pill that is sold online as well as in drug stores like CVS and retailers like Target.  It contains a medication called orlistat, which  reduces the absorption of fat into your intestines by as much as 30%.

You may be aware of another medication called Xenical, which also contains orlistat, but in much higher concentrations.  As such it is only available by prescription.

Alli was approved by the FDA back in February of 2007, and has wavered in popularity over the years.  There have been many issues with the drug, including questions regarding its safety as well as recalls for product tampering.

In early 2010 customers were alerted that there were a number of fake products sold online.  Later in 2010 the company announced that it was updating labels to inform consumers of the risk of severe liver injury in those taking orlistat.  Although rare, it was obviously concerning enough that the company was forced to change their labels.

Another scandal broke in 2014, with reports of some bottles of Alli sold in 7 different states were tampered with.

So you have a major health risk as well as the possibility of purchasing fake Alli online and offline.  That's a bit scary.  But let's give the company the benefit of the doubt and assume that all of these things are quite rare.  Let's take a look at the common side effects of Alli diet pills.

Common Side Effects of Alli Weight Loss Pills

In both over the counter and prescription forms, orlistat can be quite dangerous, and as such it may not be your best option...especially if there are safer alternatives.

Taking a look at the Alli diet pill label, some common side effects can include gas with oily spotting, loose stools, and more frequent stools.  This is because orlistat prevents the absorption of some dietary fat, passing it right out of the body.

The label goes on to warn that you should stop using Alli if you develop "itching, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine or loss of appetite" all of which can result from liver injury brought on by the medication.  It also warns of "sever or continuous abdominal pain" which could be quite serious.

It's important to note that any time you are disrupting a natural process in the body with a pill, you are going to experience side effects.  In the case of Alli, you are using a pill to stop the normal absorption of fat that takes place in your body.  Therefore, that excess fat is now being excreted from your system unnaturally, causing gastrointestinal and other issues.

At the same time, Alli also prevents the absorption of important nutrients, so you'll need to take a multivitamin every day if you're not already doing that.

There are also many drug interactions that you need to be aware of, including seizure  liver and thyroid medications, among others.

So what's the bottom line on alli?

Despite the fact that alli diet pills are FDA approved and readily available, there are many safety concerns and potential side effects to contend with, as there are with most medications.

Even if you do decide that alli is right for you, it's not a magic pill.  You still have to eat right and exercise regularly to see any results at all.  If you can't commit to a healthy diet and steady exercise regimen, then you're doing more harm than good.

There are also many natural options that can help with weight loss as well, without the potential side effects of orlistat.  Herbs such as green tea, garcinia cambogia, green coffee bean and other can help you achieve the same results safely and effectively.

If you find you can't lose weight with just exercise and diet alone, you're much better off trying a natural option first before resorting to potentially harmful drugs to treat your weight issue.

Oily spotting and loose, frequent stools are a high price to pay just to lose a few extra pounds...plus, once you stop taking alli diet pills, the weight will just pile back on if you don't stick to a healthy eating plan.

Make prescription drugs for weight loss a last resort...your body will thank you for it.

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