The weight loss drug entitled Alli, is expected to be available to consumers in the summer and it is the only government-approved alternative to unproven over-the counter weight loss remedies.
Alli is the same weight-loss medication called Xenical that has been available by prescription in the United States since 1999 and drug analysts believe that it will be widely used as an over-the- counter product. Xenixal is prescribed in 120-milligram doses, though Alli will be sold in 60-milligram capsules. Because of the nutritional value in the medication, it did not require F.D.A. approval.
Though the dose is lower than the prescribed Xanical the 60-milligram does provides about 85 percent of the weight loss than the higher dose. Alli works by blocking the breakdown and absorption of fat in the intestine, while blocking absorption of calories from that fat. Side effects include flatulence, oily stool and occasional loss of bowel control.
Dr. Frank, medical director of George Washington University, explains how Alli works, "Say you have a big fatty meal, it blocks the absorption of a lot of fat, which is good, except that when you get a lot of fat way down in your colon, you have chance of diarrhea, loose stools and unpleasant intestinal symptoms," says Dr. Frank as reported to the New York Times.
The company will package Alli with seven pocket reference guides that provide educational advice on meal planning, on what to order when eating out and a fat and calories counter, and a journal for recoding daily food intake.
Alli was approved by the federal advisory panel last year that favored its over-the counter sale by a vote of 11 -3.
