Introduction
One of the longest standing weight loss products on the market, Alli has seen significant hype over the years. Does this little blue weight loss pill really have what it takes to deliver you tangible weight loss results? In this Alli review, we’re taking a look at what the science says.
Readers please note that statements on this page are fair comment based on observation. This content is produced on a matter of public interest.
What Is Alli?
Alli is a weight loss pill created by a pharmaceutical company named GlaxoSmithKlein. Currently, GlaxoSmithKlein (also known as GSK) have a rating of B- on the Better Business Bureau – there are 7 customer complaints filed against the company, all of which have been resolved.
This product is available from the official website (www.alli.co.uk) and Amazon. It is also available in various pharmacies and supplement retailers.
What makes Alli a unique product is that it is an FDA-approved weight loss aid with lots of supporting clinical evidence that shows it’s effective for the purposes of weight lose. This product is targeted towards those who are looking to lose weight. While it’s not billed as a miracle weight loss treatment, it is marketed to be a “helping hand” product that can produce better results than dieting alone.
Unlike most other diet pills on the market that are based on stimulants and appetite reducing ingredients, Alli contains just one ingredient named Orlistat – a medical device that can help reduce the amount of fat your absorb from your food.
While Orlistat is typically a prescription-only drug, Alli only contains 60mg of the ingredient, meaning it can legally be sold over-the-counter (typically prescription-only Orlistat contains 120mg).
One pack of Alli costs around $40-60 and can last between 1-2 months depending on the pack size.
Does Alli Work For Weight Loss?
When asking if Alli works for weight loss, you’re essentially asking if Orlistat works as this is the only active ingredient inside the product – Alli contains 60mg of Orlistat per serving.
Orlistat is a anti-obesity drug developed by GlaxoSmithKlein in 1999. It was the first OTC to be officially approve by the US Food & Drug Administration to be sold over-the-counter for the purposes of weight loss. There have been numerous clinical studies conducted on Orlistat which have pretty consistently showed the drug is effective for weight loss when used over the long-term.
Alli is what is technically known as a lipase inhibitor, which essentially means it has the ability to stop your body from absorbing the fats in your daily foods – studies have shown Alli can help reduce fat absorption by 25%. This reduction in fat basically means you’ll be getting less calories from your foods, which can result in gradual weight loss provided you’re actively monitoring your daily caloric intake.
The Pros & Cons Of Alli
Let’s take a look at the top level pros and cons of this product:
The Pros
- Clinically proven to cause weight loss in the context of an energy-restricted diet.
- Reasonably easy to obtain (no prescription required).
The Cons
- Requires users to be on a calorie controlled diet to be fully effective.
- Will not boost energy levels or suppress user appetite levels.
- Will not boost metabolic rates.
- Potentially negative side effects.
What Are The Alli Ingredients?
We have found the following Alli supplement facts via the official website:
One Serving Contains: Orlistat 60mg, FD&C Blue No.2, Edible Ink, Gelatin, Iron Oxide, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Povidone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Talc and Titanium Oxide.
Is Alli Suitable For Everyone?
This product should be fine for most consumers, however it shouldn’t be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or persons under the age of 18. It may also worsen symptoms of IBS.
Is Alli Safe?
Alli contained 100% approved ingredients; we believe it is completely safe, provided the directions of usage are adhered to.
What Are The Alli Side Effects?
We’ve compiled the following potential side effects based on the ingredients inside this formula:
- Oily spotting on underwear
- Flatulence
- Urgent bowel movements
- Fatty or oily stools
- Increased number of bowel movements
- Inability to control bowel movements
- Gas with discharge
- Loose stools
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rectal pain
- Weakness
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Headache
- Back pain
- Skin rash [1]
Note: these side effects are possible but may not be the typical user experience.
Are There Any Alli Reviews From Customers?
We have found the following Alli review testimonials via customers online:
Alli is not a magic bullet, but with the proper diet and exercise, it has helped me lose 88 pounds. Yes, there are unwanted side effects if you eat too much fat (gas and oily stools mainly). But knowing those side effects would happen if I ate too much fat kept me away from really fatty meals. I will continue to take this as I try to lose my last 20 pounds or so.
So this stuff works, there is no doubt that it is not letting your body absorb all the fats and oils you eat. This becomes very evident due to the potentially embarrassing effects. I want to love this product, it clearly works….but I just got to the point where the side effects are not worth it.
Our Final Verdict On Alli
To conclude our Alli review, we believe that the science doesn’t lie – there are studies that show Alli (orlistat) can be effective when used in conjunction with a low calorie diet.
GlaxoSmithKlein have demonstrated clear clinical proof that this product is effective for causing gradual weight loss with long-term usage.
While this product is clinically proven and widely available, the Alli slimming pills do have their downsides – it will not really boost user metabolism levels (if you have a slow metabolism this may be a problem), it won’t suppress appetite your levels and some of the potential side effects can be a little unpleasant.