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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.
Canadian prep schools offer high school students a unique experience. Approximately six percent of all students in Canada attend prep school. In prep school, your child will get exposure to a wide variety of programs designed to make him or her a well rounded person. Prep schools traditionally have a strong academic and athletic focus, as well as providing opportunities for cultural and leadership activities. If you are considering prep school for your child, you should carefully evaluate the pros and cons of your decision.
Private School Advantages
Academics - Private schools are sought out by parents because of their rigorous academic programs. Statistically speaking, more students from prep schools attend college and earn high marks on their college entrance exams than those from private school. There are a wide range of choices including International and French Baccalaureates, Advanced Placement and British O and A levels. There are traditional British style prep schools, Christian schools, Montessori schools and Waldorf schools, as well as liberal education schools with specific educational philosophies.
Athletics – Most prep schools require participation on an athletic team in order to attend the school. Prep schools give a lot of support to their athletic teams and they often have a wider variety of sports than public schools, like diving or golf.
Language development – Most Canadian prep schools offer extensive training in English, French and other languages. Some require that students be proficient in at least two languages in order to graduate. The language training at prep school goes above and beyond what is experienced at public schools.
Low student to teacher ratio – Small class sizes mean that your child gets more attention from his or her teachers. Teacher and student interaction is a vital part of the learning experience. In prep school, your child's teachers will know him or her very well and are able to keep students on track with their studies.
Parental involvement – Since parents are the “customers” of prep school, they are highly involved in the lives of their children and the school. Parents participate in school wide events and other activities. Unlike in public school, where vocal parents are sometimes seen as a nuisance, private school administrators welcome parent feedback.
Private School Disadvantages
Cost- This is by far the biggest deterrent to private prep school. Prep school can cost $10,000 to $28,000 per year. This cost can be increased if you choose a private boarding school. These schools are a major financial commitment and this should be the biggest factor in your decision.
High pressure – The academic pressures of prep school can be a lot for a teenager to handle. The increased homework load and high expectations from students can create a high pressure environment. If your student isn't used to college preparatory classes, he or she may have trouble adapting to the more rigorous curriculum.
Keeping up with classmates – In prep school, your student may be exposed to a completely different social class than the one they are used to. The spending limits and lifestyles of their extremely wealthy classmates may provide extra pressure on them to fit in. Your student may want to spend extra money on clothes and activities to keep up with the rest of the class.
Fundraising – Even though private schools are funded by parents, there's no shortage of fundraisers to sponsor various extracurricular activities or new building projects at the school. Expect to be invited to many dinners and events where are expected to fork over donations.