Youve probably been hearing a lot of buzz about alli, the first over-the-counter, FDA approved weight loss pill. So whats the real deal with alli? alli is a weight loss aid that blocks the absorption of up to 25 percent of the fat you consume. Although its only been on the market since June of 2007, alli is not new. In fact, alli is actually a lower dose of the prescription drug orlistat, which has been marketed under the name Xenical since 1999. Although Xenical is available in 120 milligram capsules and alli is sold in 60 milligram doses, the method of action of these lipase inhibitors is the same. But to understand how the drug works, lets first take a look at the digestive process. When you eat, enzymes in your intestines break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Fat calories are then stored in the body to be used as energy. When you eat more calories than you need, you hold on to this extra fat, resulting in weight gain. alli promotes weight loss by attaching to the enzymes that break down fat, preventing up to a quarter of the fat consumed from being digested. Because undigested fat cant be absorbed and stored, it passes out of the body in your bowel movement. Although alli is sold as an over-the-counter medication, it is only approved for use by overweight individuals who are over the age of 18. GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturers of alli, call the pill a comprehensive program, and recommend that it be combined with a low-fat, low-calorie diet and a healthy exercise plan. When you purchase alliusually for about $50 a monthyou have the option of visiting the companys website. There, you can register as a user and receive a customized exercise and eating plan. A big part of the eating plan is keeping fat to less than 15 grams per meal. Although alli does block some fat, eating too much while on the program can result in side effects. alli sounds great, but people experience negative effects, like hard to control or loose stools and gas with oily spotting. This medication can reduce the absorption of some important vitamins, resulting in deficiencies in the long run. For this reason, it is recommended to take a multivitamin once a day at bedtime while using alli. In addition, women who are pregnant or breast feeding, people who have had organ transplants, those who have trouble absorbing food and people taking cyclosporine should all avoid alli. People who arent overweight or obese should also avoid this medication. Although alli can increase weight loss by up to 50 percent more than dieting alone, it should always be combined with a healthy diet and a regular exercise plan. As the first weight-loss medication to be approved for over-the-counter use, alli has received more than just 15 minutes of fame! Still, its very important to talk to your doctor before taking this medication, or beginning any diet or exercise program.