Alli

   Many folks by now have heard of Alli, or Orlistat, the first weight loss med to be sold over the counter that has been approved by the FDA.  I work for an internist, who does not recommend very many over the counter meds or supplements, but he seems ok with this one!  It's expensive though, and since the product is so new to the market, that is not likely to change.  Perhaps in the future, like so many drugs, there will be a generic equivalent available.  The advertising campaign for Alli also touts the need for a regimen of a healthy diet and exercise to acheive weight loss.

   So have you tried Alli yourself?  Would you go out and buy it?  Do you think it's safe, or worry about what side effects might occur?  I do know that it tries to process the fat you eat through your body and excrete it before it has time to adhere to your hips and other pudgy places.  The downfall here is that it can also suck out the minerals and vitamins inherent in the foods you eat, so a multivitamin is suggested to ensure you get those in your system.  I have heard it said that there are bowel side effects, including greasy stools.  Sounds logical, considering what the product is meant to do.  I have to wonder, with my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) would this aggravate my already annoying symptoms too much?  It would be interesting to hear from others who may be trying Alli, who also have IBS, Crohn's or similar issues with digestion or bowels.

   I am not a doctor or a nurse.  I do work in the medical field, but in a clerical position.  Please do not start Alli or any other medication or supplement without checking with your doctor first, to avoid drug interactions or serious side effects that may occur.