Alli: How to take, how it works and who should avoid?

Alli is available in capsule form and you can take one capsule three times a day at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You should take Alli just before, during, or up to one hour after meals. If you miss a meal or your meal doesn’t contain any fat, you should not take Alli. Make sure you swallow the capsule whole, with a glass of water.

The medication orlistat found in Alli can decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (namely vitamins A, D, E, and K). This means you should also take a multivitamin supplement containing these vitamins and it’s best to take this supplement in the evening before you go to bed, so that orlistat doesn’t stop the fat-soluble vitamins from being absorbed into your body.

Don’t take Alli for longer than six months without consulting your doctor. If you haven’t lost weight (at least a 5% reduction) after taking Alli for 12 weeks, you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist as they may not want you to continue treatment.

Alli (orlistat) is an over-the-counter weight loss aid designed to help reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs from food. Unlike appetite suppressants or stimulants, Alli works specifically in your digestive system. It targets the enzymes that break down dietary fat, making it easier to manage calorie intake when combined with a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet.

The active ingredient in Alli, orlistat, blocks the function of lipase enzymes in your stomach and small intestine. These enzymes are essential for breaking down fat into smaller molecules that your body can absorb. By inhibiting their activity, Alli prevents around 25% of the fat you consume from being digested. Instead, the unabsorbed fat is passed through your system and excreted. This targeted approach makes Alli an effective tool for weight loss, especially for those who struggle with managing fat intake in their diet.

Do not take Alli if you’re allergic to orlistat or another ingredient listed in the medicine. Alli is not suitable for anyone under 18 or with a BMI lower than 28 kg/m2. You should also not take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have problems absorbing food, have a medical condition called cholestasis, take the medication ciclosporin, or take warfarin or any other medicine to thin your blood.

Speak with your doctor before taking Alli if you have kidney disease or take amiodarone, levothyroxine, or other medications for diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or HIV. If you would usually check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking new medications, it may be best to speak to them first to ensure Alli is a safe option for you.

As with all medications, some people may experience side effects. Some common ones include flatulence, fatty or oily stools, oily spotting on your underwear, an urgency to have a bowel movement, and abdominal pain - eating lower-fat meals can help to reduce these side effects. You should speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about any side effects.

Remember that Alli isn’t a ‘magic bullet’ that will instantly get you to your ideal weight. It’s only part of a general weight loss package that includes a healthy calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise.