Alli is the over‑the‑counter version of orlistat (60 mg). It helps weight loss by blocking about a quarter of the fat you eat from being absorbed. That fat leaves your body with bowel movements instead of turning into stored calories. If you want a realistic tool to help with dieting, Alli can help—but only when you use it the right way.
Take one 60 mg capsule with each main meal that contains fat, up to three times a day. If a meal has no fat, you can skip the pill for that meal. Stick to a reduced‑calorie, low‑fat diet when using Alli. Eating too much fat at once raises the chance of unpleasant oily stools and urgency. Plan meals with modest healthy fats—small portions of olive oil, nuts, or avocado rather than heavy fried foods.
Alli can reduce absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and beta‑carotene. Take a daily multivitamin containing those vitamins at least 2 hours before or after Alli, or at bedtime. Expect weight loss rates similar to modest diet/exercise efforts—Alli helps, it’s not a miracle pill. Use it alongside diet and activity for best results.
Most side effects are digestive: oily spotting, loose stools, flatulence with discharge, and sudden bowel urgency. These usually show up when you eat more fat than your body can handle while on Alli. If symptoms are severe or don’t improve after a few weeks of adjusting your diet, stop and talk to a clinician.
Don’t use Alli if you have chronic malabsorption (like chronic pancreatitis) or cholestasis, and avoid it in pregnancy. Some medicines interact with orlistat: cyclosporine levels can fall, and warfarin users may need closer INR checks because vitamin K absorption can change. If you use levothyroxine, separate doses by several hours and watch thyroid labs. Rare liver injury has been reported—seek medical care if you notice yellowing skin, dark urine, or persistent fatigue.
Buying tips: choose licensed pharmacies with clear contact info and good reviews. Avoid sites that sell unbranded pills at very low prices or don’t list an address. Look for proper packaging, batch numbers, and expiry dates. If ordering online, check return and privacy policies and confirm the product is the 60 mg Alli formulation (not a different orlistat strength). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist.
Want to try Alli? Talk with a healthcare pro first—especially if you take other meds, have digestive issues, or are pregnant. Used sensibly, Alli can be a helpful addition to a low‑fat eating plan and regular exercise.
Alli is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss pill. Learn how Alli works, what real people experience, proven tips, and whether it's the right fit for you.
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