New Weight Loss Pill ‘Alli’ Hits Pharmacies

By: Dr. Anil Maheshwari

The official word seems to be that the weight loss pill ‘Alli’ will be on pharmacy shelves by Friday, June 15, 2007. As you may have read in my previous blog entry, Alli is the over the counter version of Xenical, a prescription pill which blocks your body’s absorption of fat. The side effects should be less but can still be a doozy. A book distributed by the manufacturer recommends first trying the pill at home and taking a change of clothes with you when you go out. That’s right, a change of clothes! Unfortunately, Alli can cause diarrhea and/or ‘anal discharge’ in some patients.

So if you want to try this pill, be careful! And make sure that you take it a multi-vitamin at least one hour before or 2 hours after taking this medication to make sure you get enough of the fat soluble vitamins. Also remember that without a proper diet and exercise, you are not likely to lose much weight with this medication. Ask your doctor if this pill is right for you. For more serious weight loss, consider joining a structured weight loss program.

Dr. Anil Maheshwari is a board certified family physician specializing in nutrition, weight loss and stand-up comedy. He presents humorous keynotes and seminars discussing wellness and has been featured in the NY Daily News, American Medical Association News and has been a guest on the Early Today Show. Learn more about having Dr. Maheshwari speak at your corporation, association or event at www.StandUpDoctor.com.