Orlistat (ALLI): Weight Loss or Financial Loss?
A recently reprinted investigation ( DBT. 2009 ) into the effectiveness of the over-the-counter weight-loss pill Orlistat , comes to the (surprising) conclusion: OTC orlistat provides a reasonable choice for motivated individuals who can afford the drug (around £55 per month plus the cost of multivitamins). People who want to buy it should receive full counselling about the unwanted gastrointestinal effects and how these relate to diet. Weight regain is likely to be a problem when the drug is stopped and individuals should be advised to discuss long-term weight management options with a healthcare professional at an early stage. ( DBT. 2009 ) The OTC version of orlistat, also marketed as Alli, might in fact be a beneficial addition to a clean diet and a decent exercise program. The mechanism of action, i.e. the prevention of gastrointestinal lipase ac...