While Alli (Orlistat) continues to grow in popularity in the slimming world, with many predicting a worldwide surge in demand, many potential users are beginning to ask detailed questions such as how often the weight loss pills should be taken, etc. There are a number of issues which should be clarified, prior to a person beginning the treatment. These include :-

Age Limit

The FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) have approved Alli for use by people 18 years and older, and is targeted at the obese / overweight market. Under no circumstances should the pills be administered to people under 18 years of age.

Dosage

While Alli is in effect a reduced level dosage of the successful prescription weight loss pill Orlistat, it is essential that users stick to the recommended measurements. Sold in 60 mg capsules, it is advised that one capsule be taken 3 times a day with meals containing a fat content. The specificed dosage figures should not be abused.

Dietary Requirements

It is essential that Alli is not used in conjunction with a non-fat diet, as their will be no benefit to the user, and should instead be used in tandem with a reduced fat diet. The drug is essentially used to reduce the fatty acid intake of the body, by controlling the production of enzymes in the intestine.

Side Effects

While there may be some side effects to Alli, where users persist in continuing with a high fat diet, these effects are easy to control. The drug is shown to reduce fat intake by some 25%, although due to the fact that some of the fatty content is not processed and remains untreated in the body, it will be excreted by the user.

In low or reduced fat diets this is not a major concern, however if a high fat diet is followed then the increased "wastage" fatty content may cause irregular bowel movement, and unusual stools - all harmless, but potentially uncomfortable. It is recommended that users reduce their dietary fatty content to no more that 15 grams per meal.

Vitamin Deficiency

While Alli has been specially formulated to only act against fat related dietary elements, there are some fatty based vitamins which may not be absorbed by the body due to restricted enzyme production. These vitamins are still essential to any balanced diet, and it is recommend that a daily intake of vitamins is followed in conjunction with the Alli pills.

Additional Assistance To Alli

Even though the Alli weight loss pills are structured in such a way as to ensure that weight loss is effective from day one, it is also recommended that users also take on board a more active exercise regime, as well as a more appropriate diet. It is not worth taking the drug for a period of time, not changing your dietary habits, and increasing in weight after finishing the drug.

While there is no strict time limit for use of Alli, any treatment for similar situations is not a long term fix, and requires a change of lifestyle to ensure long term success. Alli is more than capable of inducing a dramatic weight loss, and while it is a major part, it is only one part of a long term dietary goal.

Conclusion

Alli is very easy to use, and the dosage, advice, etc are all clearly marked on the container. Even though the drug is not under prescription, it is essential that users adhere to the guidelines and advice, to ensure the best results.