Has anyone tried Alli? How was it for you?

[TooMuchCaffeine]

Alli is the diet aid that helps you to lose fat. It is on offer in Superdrug at the moment and I was wondering whether anyone has used it. I have heard it has some erm... unpleasant effects.

Alli is really only suitable if you have a BMI over 27. If you're just trying to lose a few vanity pounds then it's not really going to make much of an impact. Certainly not enough to warrant the possible side-effects

It helps people lose weight by limiting the absorption of fat from their diet. However, all this unabsorbed fat has to go somewhere and the big downside is therefore 'anal leakage' ... usually bright orange oil seeping out unannounced.

If the person taking Alli switches to a very low fat diet they shouldn't get the problem and ... of course... they are more likely to lose some weight. Hopefully, the low-fat habit would stay with them as well. But if the person taking it still fancies tucking into some greasy pizza or a bag of chips... they'd better have plenty of spare knickers in their handbag!

The trouble with all diet aids is that there comes a point where you stop taking them. If you haven't learned how to get a better diet, control portions and get regular exercise at that point all that happens is that you yo-yo back to your old weight in due course. Which is why an old-fashioned calorie-controlled, high-nutrition diet with exercise is still recommended by doctors.

Good luck

well thats me put off it then!!

Eww me too - anal seepage!

My BMI is 31. I am watching what I eat and have taken up a martial art (taekwondo) twice a week. Just thought I would give myself a boost.

I have heard about the seepage thing, just wondered how bad it was. I don't think I fancy orange goo seeping out of my bum though

Regular exercise is going to do you so much more good than taking Alli. If, in between your twice a week taekwondo you can find the time to get a brisk half hour walk each day you'll burn far more extra calories than Alli would ever block from your diet. That's the way to look at it.

Combine that with a better diet based around vegetables, and either calorie count or use some other method of portion-control to limit your intake of other foods a little and you'll be in great shape and no need for Pampers

I've been taking Orlistat which the doctor has prescribed. It's the same stuff as Alli but double the strength. Yes, there is the side effect that has been mentioned, but only if I eat a meal with a high fat conent.

It can also mean I have constipation, bloating and wind but it is helping.

I'm surprised this stuff is available without prescription, not even over the counter!

I thought it was over the counter.

toomuchcaffeine....you havent got any probs or ever had any problems with gallstones have you

DH has said that I absolutely should not take it. I have a mini trampoline that I intend to bounce around on for half an hour on my non taekwondo days, and I also have to walk three times a week for half a mile from where I park my car, to my workplace. So fingers crossed. I need to lose 3 stone as we are going to the Carribean in August for a long family holiday.