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While there are many different types of treatment for obesity, there are very few which are as effective as Alli (the diluted form of Orlistat). Even though Alli is proving very popular, having been the first obesity drug to be approved the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) for non-prescription use in the US, the physical process of reducing the bodies fat can cause slight side effects for users. However, the benefits of the treatment far out way any side effects, and will have an immediate impact upon the users body mass.

Pros

The original drug upon which Alli is formulated, Orlistat, works by physically reducing the amount of fat which the body retains. In basic terms, when we digest food the body uses an enzyme (pancreatic lipase), which is present in the intestine, to break down the food. When the production of this enzyme is reduced (by Alli), then less of the dietary intake can be converted into fatty acids, thereby instantly reducing the caloric intake.

It is therefore possible to control the amount of fatty acids retained by the body by adjusting the dosage of Alli used by the patient. By controlling the amount of fatty acid absorbed by the body, there is less caloric intake, requiring less exercise to burn of the calories, thereby resulting in a controlled weight loss.

In tests the drug has proved to be both stable and very effective, resulting in a significant reduction in fatty acid absorption and significant weight loss. The clinical trials also highlighted the fact that once patients had stopped using Alli there was a significant weight gain.

Cons

While the pros far out way the cons for Alli users, the basic process of reducing the body's intake of fatty acids means that additional unused fat content from the user's diet needs to be removed from the body. The fat is therefore excreted from the body which can result in a number of mild side effects including :-

' 'loose' or 'oily' stools, with a distinctive aroma.

' Increased flatulence, which can obviously cause discomfort.

' Frequent and unpredictable bowels movements, which may sometimes be out of the patient's control, if they persist with a high fat content diet.

' A reduction in the body's absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. This slight side effect can be resolved by a regular intake of vitamin tablets to make good any deficiency.

Even though these side effects may be a little uncomfortable in the early stages of using the Alli pills, the effect can be controlled by avoiding too much fat content in the diet. If the body has less fatty content to attempt to absorb, then there will be less left over after the intake has been reduced by the enzyme inhibitor process.

While the effects of Orlistat in the original dosage was found to increase the amount of weight loss, as well as increasing the side effects, the reduced strength of Alli is proving more manageable and safer. This is the main reason why, after extensive trials, the drug has been cleared by the FDA and you can now buy Alli over the counter.