Saturday, June 30, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Nutritionists weigh in on new weight loss aid, Alli
Christina Cesario works out five times a week. She says she'd try the new FDA approved diet pill, Alli. "I would definitely be interested in trying it and see if it helps me loose a few more pounds and how it makes me feel,” said Cesario
The makers of Alli claim it can help its users lose 50-percent more weight than dieting alone. An example they use is, if you loose 10 lbs on your own, you'll loose 15 with Alli.
Nutritionist Kelly Waters says, “I'm afraid that they’re gonna say well this pill is great. I'm just going to take this pill and be okay, when really that's not how it is."
Alli creators say the pill works on the digestive system. Officials say the Alli prevents enzymes in the intestines from digesting about a quarter of the fat a person eats. But if you don't stick to the recommended diet plan Alli officials say there could be "treatment effects." “If people take this pill and they continue to eat fried foods, trans fats, that's when they're definitely going to have the gastrointestinal distress. It will not agree with their body," said Waters.
For some that's enough to stay away from the pill.
Eric Patrick says he’ll never use diet pills. "I probably wouldn't use it. No I think that I would just go ahead with the vegetables and fiber,” said Patrick.
Nutritionists say just because the pill is FDA approved, doesn't mean it will perform miracles.
Nutritionists say some of the fat Alli passes out of the body is fat the body needs. Like Vitamin A, D, E and K.
Alli is only for people age 18 and over.
The makers of Alli say most weight loss occurs in the first six months of use.
A starting package costs $60 for 90 capsules at most stores. The refill packages are $70 for 120 capsules.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Side effects not slowing Alli diet-pill boom
A new over-the-counter weight-loss pill, which has been disappearing quickly from store shelves across Houston since it became available a week ago, is likely to cause undesirable side effects if dieters don't also abide by the low-fat diet that the drugmaker recommends.
That hasn't stopped thousands of people from flocking to pharmacies to buy Alli, the first FDA-approved nonprescription diet drug. For the past week, pharmacy employees have stocked and restocked their shelves with the pills.
"We can't keep up with it," said Hisham Ghali, executive assistant manager of a Walgreens in River Oaks.
The store had sold out of the largest available bottle of Alli on Thursday, but he expected another shipment within a few days.
Alli, pronounced "AL-eye" and manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, prevents the body from absorbing fat by blocking enzymes in the digestive system. Made using orlistat, which has been available for several years in a higher-dose prescription form called Xenical, Alli blocks about a quarter of the fat eaten during a meal when users pop a pill beforehand. It can be taken up to three times daily.
Users of Alli can lose about 50 percent more weight than they would through dieting alone, according to GlaxoSmithKline. For example, someone who loses 10 pounds through dieting could lose 15 pounds with Alli, the company says.
The drug can cause nasty side effects, however, particularly for dieters whose fat intake per meal is higher than the recommended 15 grams. (A fast-food hamburger can contain 30 grams.) GlaxoSmithKline warns of the potential for "gas with oily spotting, loose stools or more frequent stools that may be hard to control." The company suggests not taking the pill before meals with high fat content.
Users attest to this on Alli's online message board through posts called "accident support group." Some complain of the bowel changes and leaks consistent with GlaxoSmithKline's warnings, while others say they have constipation or cramping. Meanwhile, dieters considering using the drug ask questions such as, "adult diapers mandatory during first week?"
For at least one Alli dieter, the unpleasant side effects are part of the drug's appeal.
"It forces me to diet and exercise to avoid any bad side effects," a dieter who signed in as Sheree wrote on Alli's message boards. "Trust me, on my own I would have already cheated!"
Low-fat diet is crucial
Two local diet specialists said orlistat can be effective, so long as the user is dedicated to a low-fat diet.
"For the person who's committed to eating right and exercising and doing the right things, then staying on Alli will serve them well over time," said Dr. Tom Lux, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, who has prescribed Xenical for weight-loss patients. "For a person who likes to eat a lot of steak and heavy food and fried food, it's not going to be a good choice."
After a Walgreens in the Memorial area got its first shipment on June 14, buyers bought all 36 packs of 90 pills, at a price of $59.99, that day. The store got a shipment of 60- and 120-pill packs the following day and quickly sold those, too, said store manager Bill Coligan.
"It was a little busy," he said. "Every couple of minutes, we were over here unlocking the case."
'Not a magic pill'
Stores are keeping the product locked because it's so popular, and pricey, that it's a major target for shoplifters who want to sell it on the street. A 60-pill "starter pack" sells for $49.99, while one with 120 pills goes for $69.99.
The drug also is selling well at other local pharmacies, including CVS and Kroger.
Rebecca Reeves, a dietician and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine who has conducted research on orlistat, said having the drug available over the counter provides a great opportunity for people looking to lose weight.
"It's not a magic pill," she said. "It will help you along when you are involved in a good, healthy lifestyle."
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4914080.html
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Examining Alli Diet Pills
Examining Alli
The first FDA approved over the counter diet drug is now on store shelves.
Alli used to be prescribed under the name Xenical
It works by stopping the body from absorbing 25 percent of the fat injected.
If used in combination with a reduced calorie diet and exercise, it can help a person lose and extra 10 pounds over a six month period.
"The ingredients are in safe amounts and it does what it says it going to do. Whereas a lot of the other weight loss medications they have ingredients in there in unknown amounts and it may not do what it says its going to do," said Ashley Simper a dietician.
The pill isn't cheap, one month's supply is about $60.
Experts say in tests, the pill only worked for the overweight, not the obese
The first FDA approved over the counter diet drug is now on store shelves.
Alli used to be prescribed under the name Xenical
It works by stopping the body from absorbing 25 percent of the fat injected.
If used in combination with a reduced calorie diet and exercise, it can help a person lose and extra 10 pounds over a six month period.
"The ingredients are in safe amounts and it does what it says it going to do. Whereas a lot of the other weight loss medications they have ingredients in there in unknown amounts and it may not do what it says its going to do," said Ashley Simper a dietician.
The pill isn't cheap, one month's supply is about $60.
Experts say in tests, the pill only worked for the overweight, not the obese
Impatient patients expect quick fixes from pills, patches
As soon as she was diagnosed with high cholesterol, Maritza Cuestas got a prescription for medication from her doctor.
The 50-year-old Palmdale resident took the pills for a while but stopped because they gave her headaches. "I don't like taking pills," Cuestas said. "Doctors give you something to try, but they don't really know if it's something you need."
Cuestas is now drinking celery juice, a tonic that her mother in El Salvador swears will help reduce cholesterol. Cuestas' co-worker, Josie Carrasco of Sylmar, stands by garlic as a remedy for high cholesterol.
But in general, many Americans simply take a pill for high cholesterol and almost any other affliction - something Cuestas and Carrasco find frightening. "It's not that there are too many pills; it's that people abuse them out of ignorance," Cuestas said as the two recently ate lunch in Woodland Hills.
"A lot of people prefer pills instead of eating right, instead of exercising." Some health experts blame America's obsession with instant cures - an overeagerness to be "pilled" and patched - on time constraints in an overworked society impatient to wait for results of lifestyle changes to kick
Advertisement
in.
It's the American way. "If you think about American culture, some people would say, `Why take a pill?' Others will say, `Why not?' Americans have a very can-do attitude, and we're not very patient," said Carol Scott, professor of marketing at UCLA.
In its first week available without a prescription, the new diet pill Alli was reportedly selling briskly despite widely reported side effects such as involuntary bowel movements and other intestinal discomforts.
GlaxoSmithKline, which makes Alli, declined to give overall sales figures so far. "We do know sales were ahead of expectations," said Malesia Dunn, spokeswoman for the company.
In 2002, the last year for which data were available, 45 percent of all Americans were taking at least one prescription drug, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pharmaceutical companies and many doctors praise the promising research to develop drugs that will cure deadly diseases like cancer, or allow people with some mental illnesses to carry on relatively normal lives.
But critics say Americans are becoming too dependent overall - especially on feel-good, lifestyle drugs.
"If you go to a doctor and he or she doesn't suggest a prescription, you feel like you're not getting treatment," said Louis Rubino, the Health Sciences Department director at Cal State Northridge.
"It's wonderful we have the research and new discoveries, but look what we're doing. We're using pills for erections, to elevate our moods, to sleep."
Heavy use of prescription drugs has created its own problems, some doctors say. Rubino pointed to the overuse of antibiotics, which some worried moms seek whenever little Joey sniffles.
"Antibiotics aren't working any longer because there are different strains of illnesses that have become resistant," Rubino said.
The California Medical Association Foundation launched an educational campaign almost 10 years ago to warn against overusing antibiotics. By 2000, foundation officials say, 30 percent of infections in California were resistant.
In Los Angeles' predominantly Latino neighborhoods, prescription drugs tend to be viewed with some suspicion among newcomers, though attitudes begin to change as American values seep into households.
"When I was growing up, my grandmother believed in herbs," said Maria Sierra, 47, whose family has lived in the city of San Fernando for several generations.
"My grandmother didn't have a normal backyard like everyone else," Sierra said. "Her backyard was filled with flowers and herbs for teas. Strangers would show up ... [on] her doorstep to ask for remedies."
Sierra said once, when she was uninsured, her mother gave her a tea to alleviate pain in her kidneys.
"Now that I work [and am insured], now that I'm older, I'll take the pills," she said.
The number of prescriptions dispensed to U.S. patients increased by 4.6 percent in 2006, after a 3.2 percent increase in 2005. The increase was fueled by the Medicare Part D benefit, more use of generic drugs and the introduction of new drugs targeted to specific diseases such as cancer and diabetes, according to IMS Health, a consulting firm.
"This growth was driven by factors that include an aging population and the Medicare prescription drug benefit," an IMS report says.
The 50-year-old Palmdale resident took the pills for a while but stopped because they gave her headaches. "I don't like taking pills," Cuestas said. "Doctors give you something to try, but they don't really know if it's something you need."
Cuestas is now drinking celery juice, a tonic that her mother in El Salvador swears will help reduce cholesterol. Cuestas' co-worker, Josie Carrasco of Sylmar, stands by garlic as a remedy for high cholesterol.
But in general, many Americans simply take a pill for high cholesterol and almost any other affliction - something Cuestas and Carrasco find frightening. "It's not that there are too many pills; it's that people abuse them out of ignorance," Cuestas said as the two recently ate lunch in Woodland Hills.
"A lot of people prefer pills instead of eating right, instead of exercising." Some health experts blame America's obsession with instant cures - an overeagerness to be "pilled" and patched - on time constraints in an overworked society impatient to wait for results of lifestyle changes to kick
Advertisement
in.
It's the American way. "If you think about American culture, some people would say, `Why take a pill?' Others will say, `Why not?' Americans have a very can-do attitude, and we're not very patient," said Carol Scott, professor of marketing at UCLA.
In its first week available without a prescription, the new diet pill Alli was reportedly selling briskly despite widely reported side effects such as involuntary bowel movements and other intestinal discomforts.
GlaxoSmithKline, which makes Alli, declined to give overall sales figures so far. "We do know sales were ahead of expectations," said Malesia Dunn, spokeswoman for the company.
In 2002, the last year for which data were available, 45 percent of all Americans were taking at least one prescription drug, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pharmaceutical companies and many doctors praise the promising research to develop drugs that will cure deadly diseases like cancer, or allow people with some mental illnesses to carry on relatively normal lives.
But critics say Americans are becoming too dependent overall - especially on feel-good, lifestyle drugs.
"If you go to a doctor and he or she doesn't suggest a prescription, you feel like you're not getting treatment," said Louis Rubino, the Health Sciences Department director at Cal State Northridge.
"It's wonderful we have the research and new discoveries, but look what we're doing. We're using pills for erections, to elevate our moods, to sleep."
Heavy use of prescription drugs has created its own problems, some doctors say. Rubino pointed to the overuse of antibiotics, which some worried moms seek whenever little Joey sniffles.
"Antibiotics aren't working any longer because there are different strains of illnesses that have become resistant," Rubino said.
The California Medical Association Foundation launched an educational campaign almost 10 years ago to warn against overusing antibiotics. By 2000, foundation officials say, 30 percent of infections in California were resistant.
In Los Angeles' predominantly Latino neighborhoods, prescription drugs tend to be viewed with some suspicion among newcomers, though attitudes begin to change as American values seep into households.
"When I was growing up, my grandmother believed in herbs," said Maria Sierra, 47, whose family has lived in the city of San Fernando for several generations.
"My grandmother didn't have a normal backyard like everyone else," Sierra said. "Her backyard was filled with flowers and herbs for teas. Strangers would show up ... [on] her doorstep to ask for remedies."
Sierra said once, when she was uninsured, her mother gave her a tea to alleviate pain in her kidneys.
"Now that I work [and am insured], now that I'm older, I'll take the pills," she said.
The number of prescriptions dispensed to U.S. patients increased by 4.6 percent in 2006, after a 3.2 percent increase in 2005. The increase was fueled by the Medicare Part D benefit, more use of generic drugs and the introduction of new drugs targeted to specific diseases such as cancer and diabetes, according to IMS Health, a consulting firm.
"This growth was driven by factors that include an aging population and the Medicare prescription drug benefit," an IMS report says.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Who's buying Alli?
The first FDA-approved diet pill is selling quickly at local stores. It's called Alli, and stores began selling the diet pill on Friday. It's designed to help people lose about one or two pounds a week by blocking the amount of fat the body absorbs. Manufacturers say it can block about 25 percent of the fat you eat.
Many customers are buying it despite its embarrassing side effects. "I'm a sucker for advertising. I'll buy anything," said Alex Franco, also known as "Digitz" on the "J.B. and Sandy Morning Show." He starting taking Alli on Tuesday, but it's not his first time using the drug. Franco used Xenical, the prescription version of Alli, about seven years ago.
"I said, 'I'm going to try it again,'" said Franco. The prescription drug did help him lose some weight, but the down side of the drug was its embarrassing side effects. "I couldn't do anything. I couldn't go to school. Thank God I didn't have a girlfriend at the time. It was a mess. Seriously," said Franco.
The fat that the body does not absorb simply passes through the body. The makers of Alli warn eating a fatty diet can cause stomach discomfort, from frequent bathroom visits to gas.
"Bring a change of clothing with you. Are you serious? You're going to put this in your mouth," said Sandy McIlree, while reading the lists of possible side effects on the box. Despite discouragement from co-workers, Franco is trying Alli.
"I know that's worked for him. He just started and day one, took the pill and didn't eat any foods with fat in them because you don't want the mess," said J.B. Hager.
Workers at Walgreens say Franco isn't the only one buying Alli. The first day it hit the shelves, all 12 starter kits sold out within the first few hours. One Target location is selling about 10 a day.
Retailers say the hefty price of the new diet pill doesn't seem to be deterring customers either. Alli costs about $60 for a month's supply. The manufacturer points out that it works best along with exercise and a low fat diet.
src: http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/062007kvuedietpillfolo-cb.21f2a533.html
Many customers are buying it despite its embarrassing side effects. "I'm a sucker for advertising. I'll buy anything," said Alex Franco, also known as "Digitz" on the "J.B. and Sandy Morning Show." He starting taking Alli on Tuesday, but it's not his first time using the drug. Franco used Xenical, the prescription version of Alli, about seven years ago.
"I said, 'I'm going to try it again,'" said Franco. The prescription drug did help him lose some weight, but the down side of the drug was its embarrassing side effects. "I couldn't do anything. I couldn't go to school. Thank God I didn't have a girlfriend at the time. It was a mess. Seriously," said Franco.
The fat that the body does not absorb simply passes through the body. The makers of Alli warn eating a fatty diet can cause stomach discomfort, from frequent bathroom visits to gas.
"Bring a change of clothing with you. Are you serious? You're going to put this in your mouth," said Sandy McIlree, while reading the lists of possible side effects on the box. Despite discouragement from co-workers, Franco is trying Alli.
"I know that's worked for him. He just started and day one, took the pill and didn't eat any foods with fat in them because you don't want the mess," said J.B. Hager.
Workers at Walgreens say Franco isn't the only one buying Alli. The first day it hit the shelves, all 12 starter kits sold out within the first few hours. One Target location is selling about 10 a day.
Retailers say the hefty price of the new diet pill doesn't seem to be deterring customers either. Alli costs about $60 for a month's supply. The manufacturer points out that it works best along with exercise and a low fat diet.
src: http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/062007kvuedietpillfolo-cb.21f2a533.html
FDA Approved Over the Counter Diet Drug Alli Flying Off Store
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the new Alli weight loss drug is flying off store shelves. The new Alli drug was just released last week. This new diet drug is the first over the counter diet drug to get FDA approval.
Xenical, as pictured here, has the same weight loss component as Alli.
One Columbus pharmacy sold out of its complete stock of the new drug, and swift sales have been reported all across the United States.
This new diet aid will cost a buyer $50 for a 60-day supply. Or you can have the option to buy a 90-day supply for about $60. Even though this over the counter drug has received FDA approval, they still caution that the drug should be used with a reduced calorie and low fat diet.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, if a person who eats a 2,000 calorie diet and eats about 30 percent fat per day, will lose about 150 calories taking the pill. Based on this information, a person should lose 1,050 calories per week. A pound of fat in the human body is equivalent to 3,500 calories.
As with most prescription drugs, this drug also has possible side effects. It's possible this extra fat coming out of the body, will be removed in an unpleasant way. The maker of the drug say, Alli can "cause gas with oily discharge and frequent loose stools". GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of the drug, recommends that a smart idea would be for a user of the pill to wear dark pants, and take a change of clothes with you where you go. To help avoid these side effects, Glaxo says you should limit your fat gram intake to 15 grams per meal.
According to Wikipedia, Alli is also called Orlistat and Xenical. This drug has been created to help treat obesity. What the drug does, is help prevent a portion of fat absorption into the human body. The drug is supposed to be used with doctor supervision, along with a calorie restricted diet. The way the fat is eliminated is through a bowel movement.
In one year clinical trials using Orlistat, 35.5% to 54.8% of test subjects saw a 5% decrease in overall total body mass. Although not all of the mass lost was necessarily body fat. About 16.4% to 24.8% saw a 10% loss in overall body mass. When the consumption of the drug was halted, a significant number of test subjects gained weight back. They gained back about 35% of the weight they had lost. Alli has about half the dose of Orlistat, and is sold at 60mg per capsule.
People who take Alli can expect the following two things. One in five people will lose 10 percent or more of total body weight, and half of the people who take the drug will lose less than 5 percent of total body weight.
Xenical, as pictured here, has the same weight loss component as Alli.
One Columbus pharmacy sold out of its complete stock of the new drug, and swift sales have been reported all across the United States.
This new diet aid will cost a buyer $50 for a 60-day supply. Or you can have the option to buy a 90-day supply for about $60. Even though this over the counter drug has received FDA approval, they still caution that the drug should be used with a reduced calorie and low fat diet.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, if a person who eats a 2,000 calorie diet and eats about 30 percent fat per day, will lose about 150 calories taking the pill. Based on this information, a person should lose 1,050 calories per week. A pound of fat in the human body is equivalent to 3,500 calories.
As with most prescription drugs, this drug also has possible side effects. It's possible this extra fat coming out of the body, will be removed in an unpleasant way. The maker of the drug say, Alli can "cause gas with oily discharge and frequent loose stools". GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of the drug, recommends that a smart idea would be for a user of the pill to wear dark pants, and take a change of clothes with you where you go. To help avoid these side effects, Glaxo says you should limit your fat gram intake to 15 grams per meal.
According to Wikipedia, Alli is also called Orlistat and Xenical. This drug has been created to help treat obesity. What the drug does, is help prevent a portion of fat absorption into the human body. The drug is supposed to be used with doctor supervision, along with a calorie restricted diet. The way the fat is eliminated is through a bowel movement.
In one year clinical trials using Orlistat, 35.5% to 54.8% of test subjects saw a 5% decrease in overall total body mass. Although not all of the mass lost was necessarily body fat. About 16.4% to 24.8% saw a 10% loss in overall body mass. When the consumption of the drug was halted, a significant number of test subjects gained weight back. They gained back about 35% of the weight they had lost. Alli has about half the dose of Orlistat, and is sold at 60mg per capsule.
People who take Alli can expect the following two things. One in five people will lose 10 percent or more of total body weight, and half of the people who take the drug will lose less than 5 percent of total body weight.
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the new Alli weight loss drug is flying off store shelves. The new Alli drug was just released last week. This new diet drug is the first over the counter diet drug to get FDA approval.
Xenical, as pictured here, has the same weight loss component as Alli.
One Columbus pharmacy sold out of its complete stock of the new drug, and swift sales have been reported all across the United States.
This new diet aid will cost a buyer $50 for a 60-day supply. Or you can have the option to buy a 90-day supply for about $60. Even though this over the counter drug has received FDA approval, they still caution that the drug should be used with a reduced calorie and low fat diet.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, if a person who eats a 2,000 calorie diet and eats about 30 percent fat per day, will lose about 150 calories taking the pill. Based on this information, a person should lose 1,050 calories per week. A pound of fat in the human body is equivalent to 3,500 calories.
As with most prescription drugs, this drug also has possible side effects. It's possible this extra fat coming out of the body, will be removed in an unpleasant way. The maker of the drug say, Alli can "cause gas with oily discharge and frequent loose stools". GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of the drug, recommends that a smart idea would be for a user of the pill to wear dark pants, and take a change of clothes with you where you go. To help avoid these side effects, Glaxo says you should limit your fat gram intake to 15 grams per meal.
According to Wikipedia, Alli is also called Orlistat and Xenical. This drug has been created to help treat obesity. What the drug does, is help prevent a portion of fat absorption into the human body. The drug is supposed to be used with doctor supervision, along with a calorie restricted diet. The way the fat is eliminated is through a bowel movement.
In one year clinical trials using Orlistat, 35.5% to 54.8% of test subjects saw a 5% decrease in overall total body mass. Although not all of the mass lost was necessarily body fat. About 16.4% to 24.8% saw a 10% loss in overall body mass. When the consumption of the drug was halted, a significant number of test subjects gained weight back. They gained back about 35% of the weight they had lost. Alli has about half the dose of Orlistat, and is sold at 60mg per capsule.
People who take Alli can expect the following two things. One in five people will lose 10 percent or more of total body weight, and half of the people who take the drug will lose less than 5 percent of total body weight.
Xenical, as pictured here, has the same weight loss component as Alli.
One Columbus pharmacy sold out of its complete stock of the new drug, and swift sales have been reported all across the United States.
This new diet aid will cost a buyer $50 for a 60-day supply. Or you can have the option to buy a 90-day supply for about $60. Even though this over the counter drug has received FDA approval, they still caution that the drug should be used with a reduced calorie and low fat diet.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, if a person who eats a 2,000 calorie diet and eats about 30 percent fat per day, will lose about 150 calories taking the pill. Based on this information, a person should lose 1,050 calories per week. A pound of fat in the human body is equivalent to 3,500 calories.
As with most prescription drugs, this drug also has possible side effects. It's possible this extra fat coming out of the body, will be removed in an unpleasant way. The maker of the drug say, Alli can "cause gas with oily discharge and frequent loose stools". GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of the drug, recommends that a smart idea would be for a user of the pill to wear dark pants, and take a change of clothes with you where you go. To help avoid these side effects, Glaxo says you should limit your fat gram intake to 15 grams per meal.
According to Wikipedia, Alli is also called Orlistat and Xenical. This drug has been created to help treat obesity. What the drug does, is help prevent a portion of fat absorption into the human body. The drug is supposed to be used with doctor supervision, along with a calorie restricted diet. The way the fat is eliminated is through a bowel movement.
In one year clinical trials using Orlistat, 35.5% to 54.8% of test subjects saw a 5% decrease in overall total body mass. Although not all of the mass lost was necessarily body fat. About 16.4% to 24.8% saw a 10% loss in overall body mass. When the consumption of the drug was halted, a significant number of test subjects gained weight back. They gained back about 35% of the weight they had lost. Alli has about half the dose of Orlistat, and is sold at 60mg per capsule.
People who take Alli can expect the following two things. One in five people will lose 10 percent or more of total body weight, and half of the people who take the drug will lose less than 5 percent of total body weight.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
GSK's Alli safe weight loss OTC pill, does not affect heart or brain
Alli is the only FDA-approved weight-loss product available to overweight adults, 18 years or older, without a prescription. It combines a clinically-proven product with a comprehensive individualized action plan.
The alli program encourages modest, gradual weight loss, known by experts as the best way to lose weight. alli (60 mg orlistat capsules) is safe and effective when used as directed.
Orlistat (the active ingredient in alli) has been used by millions of people worldwide. Its safety and efficacy are well established.
According to Vidhu Bansal, Pharm.D., director, Medical Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, “With a raging overweight and obesity epidemic, alli offers consumers a proven, safe option to help them lose weight without a prescription. Unlike the herbal and dietary supplements for weight loss on the market, alli is an FDA-approved over the counter weight loss product.” Bansal adds, “alli works in the gut; it is non-systemic, which means it is not absorbed into the bloodstream. That means alli does not affect the heart or brain or cause sleeplessness, jitters or an increased heart rate.”
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare [NYSE: GSK] announced that alli™, the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss product will be on shelves of US pharmacies, grocery stores and mass merchandisers nationwide this week.
Src: http://www.spiritindia.com/health-care-news-articles-10725.html
The alli program encourages modest, gradual weight loss, known by experts as the best way to lose weight. alli (60 mg orlistat capsules) is safe and effective when used as directed.
Orlistat (the active ingredient in alli) has been used by millions of people worldwide. Its safety and efficacy are well established.
According to Vidhu Bansal, Pharm.D., director, Medical Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, “With a raging overweight and obesity epidemic, alli offers consumers a proven, safe option to help them lose weight without a prescription. Unlike the herbal and dietary supplements for weight loss on the market, alli is an FDA-approved over the counter weight loss product.” Bansal adds, “alli works in the gut; it is non-systemic, which means it is not absorbed into the bloodstream. That means alli does not affect the heart or brain or cause sleeplessness, jitters or an increased heart rate.”
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare [NYSE: GSK] announced that alli™, the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss product will be on shelves of US pharmacies, grocery stores and mass merchandisers nationwide this week.
Src: http://www.spiritindia.com/health-care-news-articles-10725.html
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Alli Weight Loss Pill May Lead To 'Unpleasant Toilet Experience'
The first FDA approved over the counter weight loss pill is on the market. The pill is supposed to help people lose 50 percent more weight than other diet supplements. But doctors said the new pill has some side effects that can keep you sidelined.
The new pill is called Alli. Taken three times a day with a low-calorie, low-fat diet, doctors said you'll lose weight. But if you eat food high in fat, you'll feel it.
"It's conditioning. It's like if you eat this stuff, you're going to have an unpleasant toilet experience," Dr. Konoy Mandal with Research Medical Center said. "It's not going to sound good, it's not going to look good and you're not going to be very popular in public."
Alli works by preventing fats from being absorbed in your body, but doctors said it can leave you with some very embarrassing bowel movements.
"Buy some extra underwear," Dr. Mandal said. "You're gonna have some events."
Under the drug facts on the back of the package, the manufacturer said gas with oily spotting and loose stools are part of the treatment effects. "Genius marketing," Dr. Mandal said. "Treatment effects...instead of like farting and pooping explosively."
Aside from the side effects, Dr. Mandal said the online support will help people lose weight.
"I think the power of it is going to be in the online community and the meal plan is going to be the power of it and not what Alli would do in and of itself," Dr. Mandal said.
It took Joan Gunter 11 years to lose 47 pounds with Weight Watchers, because Gunter said she didn't try the support groups. "I never stayed for any of the meetings," Gunter said. "I always thought I can do this on my own and I never really changed those habits and those behaviors."
Dr. Mandal said diet and exercise are key to losing weight, with or without Alli or other weight loss programs.
Alli is sold in major drug and grocery stores and it could affect your wallet too. 60 pills will set you back about $45.
The new pill is called Alli. Taken three times a day with a low-calorie, low-fat diet, doctors said you'll lose weight. But if you eat food high in fat, you'll feel it.
"It's conditioning. It's like if you eat this stuff, you're going to have an unpleasant toilet experience," Dr. Konoy Mandal with Research Medical Center said. "It's not going to sound good, it's not going to look good and you're not going to be very popular in public."
Alli works by preventing fats from being absorbed in your body, but doctors said it can leave you with some very embarrassing bowel movements.
"Buy some extra underwear," Dr. Mandal said. "You're gonna have some events."
Under the drug facts on the back of the package, the manufacturer said gas with oily spotting and loose stools are part of the treatment effects. "Genius marketing," Dr. Mandal said. "Treatment effects...instead of like farting and pooping explosively."
Aside from the side effects, Dr. Mandal said the online support will help people lose weight.
"I think the power of it is going to be in the online community and the meal plan is going to be the power of it and not what Alli would do in and of itself," Dr. Mandal said.
It took Joan Gunter 11 years to lose 47 pounds with Weight Watchers, because Gunter said she didn't try the support groups. "I never stayed for any of the meetings," Gunter said. "I always thought I can do this on my own and I never really changed those habits and those behaviors."
Dr. Mandal said diet and exercise are key to losing weight, with or without Alli or other weight loss programs.
Alli is sold in major drug and grocery stores and it could affect your wallet too. 60 pills will set you back about $45.
http://www.health100.org
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Friday, June 15, 2007
FDA-Approved Alli Hits The Shelves
With obesity an epidemic practically worldwide, drug companies have been in a race to find a diet pill that can be sold without a prescription. Glaxo Smith Klein won that race with a new drug called Alli. But, as Carol Pearson reports, it is no magic pill. Alli requires a commitment to a change in eating habits.
Americans alone spend more than a $1 billion a year on weight loss products. Imagine if the tens of millions of people worldwide had easy access to a diet pill.
“The market is so enormous and there are so many overweight people desperate for solutions,” says Professor Kelly Brownell is director of Yale University’s Center for Eating and Weight Disorders.
Alli is a non-prescription version of Xenical, a more potent, prescription-only weight loss drug. Both drugs are brand names for orlistat. They work by blocking fat in the digestive track. The manufacturer admits Alli is not a magic pill, and users need to make a commitment to lifestyle change.
“The typical pattern for people on weight loss drugs is to go into it with a lot of enthusiasm,” says Professor Brownell. “Many people don’t lose as much as they like. They get discouraged and go off the drug.”
Glaxo Smith Klein advises people to use Alli in combination with a low-fat diet and exercise. But there are some side effects. The pill can cause gas, painful stomach cramps and diarrhea.
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Alli, the FDA’s health advisory panel rejected another weight-loss drug - rimonabant - because studies show it increases the risk of suicidal thoughts in some patients. Rimonabant’s manufacturer suggested that physicians screen patients before they prescribe this drug. Rimonabant is available in Europe under the brand name Acomplia.
Experts say while weight-loss drugs can be helpful, they miss the larger point, which is more emphasis on preventing obesity in the first place.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Alli Diet Pills FAQs....
Alli Diet Pills Frequently Asked Questions by Foster:
How does Alli work? Alli is a fat blocker. It works by decreasing the amount of dietary fat that is digested. The 60-mg. orlistat capsules are meant to be taken with already low-fat, low-calorie meals, up to three times a day to prevent enzymes in the intestines from breaking down some of the fat calories you take in. If the fat is not broken down, your body cannot absorb it.
How does Alli work? Alli is a fat blocker. It works by decreasing the amount of dietary fat that is digested. The 60-mg. orlistat capsules are meant to be taken with already low-fat, low-calorie meals, up to three times a day to prevent enzymes in the intestines from breaking down some of the fat calories you take in. If the fat is not broken down, your body cannot absorb it.
Does Alli have side effects? Yes, Alli blocks the absorption of fat, and that fat is passed out of the body in stools, so it can cause some gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea and cramping, especially if you eat a large amount of fat at one meal. (In fact, you might want to start Alli while you're at home: The book warns that when you eat too much fat, effects may include loose or more frequent stools that may be hard to control or gas with an oily discharge.) But there is some good news, says Foster: The drug works only in the gastrointestinal tract so it does not cause sleeplessness, jitters or increased heart rate, as some weight-loss drugs do.
How much can I lose with Alli? It depends on your diet and exercise, but with Alli, Foster says, you will lose about 50 percent more than you would without it. That is, for every 10 pounds you would normally lose, Alli will help you lose five more. If you are on a diet to lose 10 pounds in one month without the medicine, you should lose 15 with it.
What can I do to maximize the benefits of Alli? Write down everything you eat, and calculate how many fat grams each meal contains. A low-fat meal should have 15 or fewer fat grams. Most of us vastly underestimate how much we eat.
Where can I learn more about it? On the Web at myalli.com.
How much does Alli cost? The capsules, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, cost 60 to 70 cents each or about $2 per day.
NOTE: Alli is only indicated for use in adults 18 and over.
Src: http://www.star-telegram.com/health/story/128223.html
Alli Success Depends On Picking The Right Diet
With over two-thirds of Americans now overweight, 70 million over fifty pounds and another 70 million over one to forty-nine pounds, it just may take a combined effort of a diet pill and a diet compatible with that pill.
In February 2007, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals announced the FDA approval of the weight loss Orlistat in the form of a lesser dosage, 60 mg capsule, sold over-the-counter starting summer 2007. It will cost 60 cents a capsule taken three times a day with each meal. The company recommends it not be used as a true stand-alone weight loss method, but only in combination with exercise and a diet that is reduced fat that contains about 15 grams of fat per meal.
It’s actually a pseudo-diet pill since its main function is to block absorption of 20-30% of the fat one consumes rather than decreasing the urge to eat. The fat passes out of the body is about 150 to 200 calories. Understanding this fact will determine the success of its usage by a dieter and whether the drug will fail being called the first fad diet pill in history.
If past history shows that controversy sells the most amounts of drugs, alli is getting it with pros and cons. On one end, critics restate the diet pill maker’s own admitted side effects found in clinical studies. While advocates of the much awaited pill feel anything that will help is needed as long as it’s free of severe side effects since the overweight problem in America is now an epidemic and out of control.
With alli one can lose 50 percent more weight than with a diet alone. Low fat diets on the market along with alli should give women 2-3 pounds loss per week and 4-5 pounds of weight loss for men, as long as the diet meets the low fat criteria of the new diet pill.
The diet pill has drawn less criticism than most newly released drugs. Nutritional counselors feel the drug will be abused and that more focus should be placed on change in dietary and exercise habits. Others feel that the drug will fall into the hands of teenagers and college students that will abuse the pill for quick fixes or ignore its fat blocker purpose and not adjust the fat content to their diet.
Critics tend to focus on unpleasant side effects of loose stools and flatulence that happens to be the same listed on food packages that contain Olestra or other reduced sugar candies. This should only occur in those not using the diet pill correctly by having too much fat in their intestines that is not getting absorbed and exits the body with the rest of their wastes. The real unknown at this time is many vitamins are fat based and may be blocked, which can be helped by taking a multivitamin daily.
GlaxoSmithKline has not joined forces with any diets on the market today mainly since it appears that many are not low fat. The Atkins Diet is high fat while the South Beach Diet on its own back cover states it’s not low fat or low carb and therefore will not meet the criteria of alli. The company has a website that is steering dieters to do weight-loss profiles and build customized meal plans and provide feedback on their progress.
Dieters have been the route their website is trying to take overweight people and this has failed in history. They are skeptical of special meals or recipes and need a diet that makes it easy to eat at restaurants. In a very busy society, they don’t want to count calories or carbs, or measure food portions.
It will be a shame if GlaxoSmithKline’s product fails since it appears public abuse of the product may be the only cause of it being pulled from the market one day other than dieters not using it along with the proper diet plan. The FDA recently set guidelines with one being that diet pills are ranked based on their ability to keep weight off for one year or more.
The key will be finding a non-fad diet that allows eating normal foods found in grocery stores and restaurants. The diet chosen to take with this new diet pill will also have to take the brunt of the responsibility in keeping the weight off and not allow a dieter to go back to eating wrong foods or in excess. The diet must change bad eating habits and get overweight people away from the addiction to wrong foods at the beginning of the diet. Alli will help do this by acting as a sort of diet police putting in discipline if one cheats on the correct diet that matches the pill’s criteria and might be what’s needed to put in some dieting ethics.
Other controversy, as exists for all drugs on the market today, is whether there is a contribution to colon cancer. A Brazilian study indicated that similar drugs as Xenical and Orlistat in the higher dosage obtained only by prescription could form cancer. The same occurred in the past when the Sweet-n-Low low calorie sweetener was inappropriately accused of causing cancer when later research article found it safe. Compared to mind altering drugs to lose fat, drugs based on physical blockers and not mental ones may be one of the waves of the future that won’t go away anytime soon.
Src: http://www.eontarionow.com/health/2007/06/16/alli-success-depends-on-picking-the-right-diet/
In February 2007, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals announced the FDA approval of the weight loss Orlistat in the form of a lesser dosage, 60 mg capsule, sold over-the-counter starting summer 2007. It will cost 60 cents a capsule taken three times a day with each meal. The company recommends it not be used as a true stand-alone weight loss method, but only in combination with exercise and a diet that is reduced fat that contains about 15 grams of fat per meal.
It’s actually a pseudo-diet pill since its main function is to block absorption of 20-30% of the fat one consumes rather than decreasing the urge to eat. The fat passes out of the body is about 150 to 200 calories. Understanding this fact will determine the success of its usage by a dieter and whether the drug will fail being called the first fad diet pill in history.
If past history shows that controversy sells the most amounts of drugs, alli is getting it with pros and cons. On one end, critics restate the diet pill maker’s own admitted side effects found in clinical studies. While advocates of the much awaited pill feel anything that will help is needed as long as it’s free of severe side effects since the overweight problem in America is now an epidemic and out of control.
With alli one can lose 50 percent more weight than with a diet alone. Low fat diets on the market along with alli should give women 2-3 pounds loss per week and 4-5 pounds of weight loss for men, as long as the diet meets the low fat criteria of the new diet pill.
The diet pill has drawn less criticism than most newly released drugs. Nutritional counselors feel the drug will be abused and that more focus should be placed on change in dietary and exercise habits. Others feel that the drug will fall into the hands of teenagers and college students that will abuse the pill for quick fixes or ignore its fat blocker purpose and not adjust the fat content to their diet.
Critics tend to focus on unpleasant side effects of loose stools and flatulence that happens to be the same listed on food packages that contain Olestra or other reduced sugar candies. This should only occur in those not using the diet pill correctly by having too much fat in their intestines that is not getting absorbed and exits the body with the rest of their wastes. The real unknown at this time is many vitamins are fat based and may be blocked, which can be helped by taking a multivitamin daily.
GlaxoSmithKline has not joined forces with any diets on the market today mainly since it appears that many are not low fat. The Atkins Diet is high fat while the South Beach Diet on its own back cover states it’s not low fat or low carb and therefore will not meet the criteria of alli. The company has a website that is steering dieters to do weight-loss profiles and build customized meal plans and provide feedback on their progress.
Dieters have been the route their website is trying to take overweight people and this has failed in history. They are skeptical of special meals or recipes and need a diet that makes it easy to eat at restaurants. In a very busy society, they don’t want to count calories or carbs, or measure food portions.
It will be a shame if GlaxoSmithKline’s product fails since it appears public abuse of the product may be the only cause of it being pulled from the market one day other than dieters not using it along with the proper diet plan. The FDA recently set guidelines with one being that diet pills are ranked based on their ability to keep weight off for one year or more.
The key will be finding a non-fad diet that allows eating normal foods found in grocery stores and restaurants. The diet chosen to take with this new diet pill will also have to take the brunt of the responsibility in keeping the weight off and not allow a dieter to go back to eating wrong foods or in excess. The diet must change bad eating habits and get overweight people away from the addiction to wrong foods at the beginning of the diet. Alli will help do this by acting as a sort of diet police putting in discipline if one cheats on the correct diet that matches the pill’s criteria and might be what’s needed to put in some dieting ethics.
Other controversy, as exists for all drugs on the market today, is whether there is a contribution to colon cancer. A Brazilian study indicated that similar drugs as Xenical and Orlistat in the higher dosage obtained only by prescription could form cancer. The same occurred in the past when the Sweet-n-Low low calorie sweetener was inappropriately accused of causing cancer when later research article found it safe. Compared to mind altering drugs to lose fat, drugs based on physical blockers and not mental ones may be one of the waves of the future that won’t go away anytime soon.
Src: http://www.eontarionow.com/health/2007/06/16/alli-success-depends-on-picking-the-right-diet/
Sunday, June 10, 2007
About Weight Loss Drug Alli
• What it does: The main ingredient, orlistat, blocks absorption of about a quarter of the fat you eat, preventing the body from storing those calories.
• How it works: It's taken three times a day with meals containing some fat. Users should limit fat intake to 15 grams per meal. (A turkey sandwich with mayo and cheese might have 26 grams of fat or more.) You also need to take supplements containing fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, E and K, and beta-carotene daily (preferably at bedtime) because the drug may prevent you from absorbing the nutrients from your food.
• Possible benefit: You could lose up to 50 percent more weight than with diet and exercise alone. For example, you could lose 15 pounds instead of 10.
• Side effects: They include oily bowel movements, gas and bloating, stomach cramps and an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Effects are more intense when high-fat foods are consumed while using the drug.
• Cost: Prices vary depending on the store, but a starter pack with 90 capsules, a reference booklet, guide to an online diet plan and a carrying case for the capsules costs about $65. Capsules are about 60 cents each in refill packs.
SOURCES: National Institutes of Health, myalli.com
• How it works: It's taken three times a day with meals containing some fat. Users should limit fat intake to 15 grams per meal. (A turkey sandwich with mayo and cheese might have 26 grams of fat or more.) You also need to take supplements containing fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, E and K, and beta-carotene daily (preferably at bedtime) because the drug may prevent you from absorbing the nutrients from your food.
• Possible benefit: You could lose up to 50 percent more weight than with diet and exercise alone. For example, you could lose 15 pounds instead of 10.
• Side effects: They include oily bowel movements, gas and bloating, stomach cramps and an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Effects are more intense when high-fat foods are consumed while using the drug.
• Cost: Prices vary depending on the store, but a starter pack with 90 capsules, a reference booklet, guide to an online diet plan and a carrying case for the capsules costs about $65. Capsules are about 60 cents each in refill packs.
SOURCES: National Institutes of Health, myalli.com
Saturday, June 9, 2007
It's Official. Diet Pill alli (Low-Dose Xenical) Will Go on Sale on Friday, June 15th
Diet pill alli (low-dose Xenical) will go on sale in grocery stores and pharmacies around America on Friday June 15th, according to an announcement on GlaxoSmithKline's official alli website.
The terse announcement said "beginning June 15th, alli will be available in all major drug, grocery, and discount/warehouse stores in the weight loss product aisle."
A number of online retailers have been allowing dieters eagerly awaiting the first FDA approved over-the-counter weight-loss drug to "preorder" alli for shipment the day it is officially placed on sale.
A number of readers have been searching for the lowest price for the diet pill, and have reported their results to our sister newsletter, alli Report.
As of the moment, the lowest price still seems to be offered by MyFloridaPharmacy.com, which is offering the alli weight loss aid starter pack with 90 pills for $58.99.
Two other options also are being offered: the alli weight loss aid starter pack with 60 pills for $48.29, the alli refill with 120 pills for $73.29.
With the launch of sales of the non-prescription drug only a week off, observers expect a new flurry of promotional activity in the days immediately ahead.
Alli Bringing A New Revolution
Weight Los is one of the important issue is being discussed in New York. GlaxoSmithKline is a well-known healthcare production. It is trying to practice the country for alli by having exhibit in New York City.
Most of people hope of the weight loss without any effort. They want a source that will make them slim while eating anything they want. This is not that they are expecting more. Actually today’s lifestyle have change the people mentality. First of all most of don’t have time for heavy work out and exercises. Also people want a satisfactory food after they get back to home from hectic day.
Having a hectic Schedule Plus dieting can lead to person in stress. So to avoid this stress most people go for diet pills. And they expect a lot more from this diet pills. By having this thing in mind GlaxoSmithKline tries to give a wake up call to the people about the all diet drug. As this is the first over-the-counter pill approved by Food drug and administration.
“We are trying to place alli as an honest voice in publicity. People will come to know difference between the all and rest of diet drugs after its usage” said marketing director of GlaxoSmithKline
The Over the counter dosage of alli is 60 mg, It is a dilution of the medicine amount. Orlistat is not a latest weight loss pill; and had been approved by FDA in 1999.
According to GlaxoSmithKline Alli will emerge as star pill with in a few days and spending $150 million on advertising alli in present year.
Most of people hope of the weight loss without any effort. They want a source that will make them slim while eating anything they want. This is not that they are expecting more. Actually today’s lifestyle have change the people mentality. First of all most of don’t have time for heavy work out and exercises. Also people want a satisfactory food after they get back to home from hectic day.
Having a hectic Schedule Plus dieting can lead to person in stress. So to avoid this stress most people go for diet pills. And they expect a lot more from this diet pills. By having this thing in mind GlaxoSmithKline tries to give a wake up call to the people about the all diet drug. As this is the first over-the-counter pill approved by Food drug and administration.
“We are trying to place alli as an honest voice in publicity. People will come to know difference between the all and rest of diet drugs after its usage” said marketing director of GlaxoSmithKline
The Over the counter dosage of alli is 60 mg, It is a dilution of the medicine amount. Orlistat is not a latest weight loss pill; and had been approved by FDA in 1999.
According to GlaxoSmithKline Alli will emerge as star pill with in a few days and spending $150 million on advertising alli in present year.
Diet drug debuting with big bang!!!
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is spending $150 million to roll out its much-anticipated over-the-counter weight-loss drug, Alli, next week, with a far-reaching campaign that tries to persuade people to alter their diet and exercise regimes in addition to swallowing the non-prescription capsule three times a day.
Alli is the only federally approved weight-loss medication available over-the-counter.
"If you want to lose weight, you have to make changes in the way you eat and your lifestyle," said Steve Burton, vice president of weight control for GSK Consumer Healthcare, which is headquartered in Moon.
To that end, consumers who plop down about $60 for an Alli starter pak will receive 90 capsules -- a one-month supply -- as well as menu planners, calorie guides and information about accessing on-line help to achieve and maintain their weight loss goals.
Alli is scheduled to hit some store shelves as early as Wednesday but GSK officials don't expect full nationwide availability until next Friday. It will be sold in drugstores, supermarket pharmacies and discount chains.
In 2004, GSK paid Switzerland's Roche Holdings Inc. $100 million for the rights to sell its weight-loss drug, orlistat, over the counter and in February received approval to do so from the Food and Drug Administration. Orlistat is sold in prescription form under the name Xenical. The drug helps users lose weight by reducing by about 25 percent the amount of fat the body absorbs.
Because Alli is the only FDA-approved weight loss drug available without a prescription and has an estimated market of 5 million to 6 million customers annually, GSK is treating the launch with an "unprecedented" marketing strategy, said Mr. Burton.
To generate interest in Alli before next week's official launch, GSK has published a paperback book, "Are You Losing It?" written by a physician, a chef and weight management experts. The book retails for $5.99 and will be on sale where Alli is sold. Proceeds will be donated to programs that target childhood obesity. .....
A 30-second TV commercial already has been running on network and cable stations to alert viewers about the product Web site, myalli.com; and a 60-second TV ad will air later this month after the product is available in stores. Though GSK is touting Alli as safe and effective, criticism has surfaced about its side effects and whether teens looking for quick weight-loss methods might abuse the product because they can obtain it without a prescription.
Yesterday, a consumer coalition, Prescription Access Litigation, criticized GSK for making the drug available over the counter because of its side effects, which the group said include diarrhea, oily stools and flatulence.
GSK has acknowledged that Alli can produce what it calls "treatment effects" such as loose or more frequent stools and gas with discharge. The book, "Are You Losing It?" advises users to start using the product when they have time away from the office or perhaps to bring a change of clothes to work. The effects are manageable, said Mr. Burton.
Because Alli works by removing 25 percent of fat from calories consumed, high-fat meals can cause more undigested fat to pass through the body and result in gas and other side effects.
Clinical studies showed about 50 percent of users never experienced such effects, he said. As for concerns about teenagers abusing Alli, Mr. Burton said product labels will state the product is intended for overweight people ages 18 and over.
Friday, June 1, 2007
New Diet Drug Promises To Help You Lose Weight
A new over-the-counter weight loss drug goes on sale next week. It's the only nonprescription diet drug approved by the FDA. It claims to help people lose 50 percent more weight than diet alone.NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported Wednesday on the safety of the pill"I have lost 32 pounds so far," said Ruth Tenofsky, of Hull.After a six-year battle to lose weight, Tenofsky is tipping the scale in the right direction, with the help of a new diet program."It's exercise, eating properly and taking the pills," said Tenofsky.
Tenofsky is taking the diet drug Xenical, only available by prescription. But next week a lower-dose version of the pill, marketed under the name Alli, will be on store shelves. It's the nation's first nonprescription diet drug approved by the FDA."It's a safe plan and it also works," said Dr. Caroline Apovian, the director of the Center for Nutrition and Weight Management at Boston Medical Center.Alli is marketed for people over the age of 18. It claims to block the absorption of roughly 200 calories of fat."If you're able to lose 10 pounds using diet and exercise, you're able to lose 15 with Alli," said Apovian.Apovian has written "The Alli Diet Plan."
She stresses that Alli is not a magic pill. It needs to be used with a diet and exercise plan, and there are side effects. The biggest complaint: It can cause gastrointestinal problems."It's how the drug works, by blocking the fat. The fat has to go somewhere and it goes in your stool," she said.Tenofsky hasn't had any side effects. She understands the drug will not work on its own. She makes it a point to eat right, and get to Boston Pilates three times a week.
Tenofsky is taking the diet drug Xenical, only available by prescription. But next week a lower-dose version of the pill, marketed under the name Alli, will be on store shelves. It's the nation's first nonprescription diet drug approved by the FDA."It's a safe plan and it also works," said Dr. Caroline Apovian, the director of the Center for Nutrition and Weight Management at Boston Medical Center.Alli is marketed for people over the age of 18. It claims to block the absorption of roughly 200 calories of fat."If you're able to lose 10 pounds using diet and exercise, you're able to lose 15 with Alli," said Apovian.Apovian has written "The Alli Diet Plan."
She stresses that Alli is not a magic pill. It needs to be used with a diet and exercise plan, and there are side effects. The biggest complaint: It can cause gastrointestinal problems."It's how the drug works, by blocking the fat. The fat has to go somewhere and it goes in your stool," she said.Tenofsky hasn't had any side effects. She understands the drug will not work on its own. She makes it a point to eat right, and get to Boston Pilates three times a week.
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