In what for many was a surprise, but welcome relief, the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) have formally endorsed the first weight loss drug to be available over the counter without prescription, named "alli". The release of this anti-obesity wonder drug may well have come at the right time with recent reports showing a growing problem in both the European and US markets (with Europe particularly disappointing of late).

While the US has been troubled by obesity for some time, with some 65 percent of adults overweight or obese, the problem is starting to take hold in Europe. While weight loss pills have attracted some negative comment in the past, the fact the FDA have approved the product offers a great deal of support to many.

The drug itself is a reduced strength version of the prescription weight loss drug Xenical (also known as Orlistat) which has an impressive safety record, and encouraging clinical trial results. In the original trials of Xenical it was shown that when used in conjunction with a traditional weight loss program, the treatment resulted in an average loss of 12.4 pounds over 6 months (the placebo patients only losing half that amount).

Even though many potential customers may see the alli pill as a quick path to weight loss, it works better along side traditional weight loss programs such as light exercise, and careful dieting. There can be some slightly uncomfortable side effects if the customer continues with a high fat diet while using alli, with increased flatulence and rectal discharge (very soft stools) as the drug acts to reduce the amount of fat absorbed by the body.

While Xenical was originally formulated by Roche, worldwide pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithkline acquired the US rights some 12 months ago, and are behind the release of "alli". They have a massive marketing machine behind them, and alli is expected to become one of the latest wonder drugs in the US market. As the market for weight control and weight loss products continues to grow, the fact that customers will not need to arrange a potentially embarrassing visit to the Doctor prior to receiving the drug may prove a big attraction for many.

While it is still early days for alli, the signs are encouraging and it has prompted a lot of comment on and off the internet. Obesity and overweight problems are for many a personal issue, and the fact that you can buy alli pills over the counter is a great attraction.