On January 23, 2006, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted 11 to 3 to recommend the approval of an OTC formulation of orlistat, to be marketed under the name Alli by GlaxoSmithKline. Its approval was granted on February 7, 2007, and Alli became the first weight loss drug officially sanctioned by the U.S. government for over-the-counter use. GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of the drug, announced that it had sold 2 million starter packs of Alli during the first four months after its release. It has a big, big hype about it even before it hit shelves and it was selling like crazy. At present, this diet pill touches off a feeding frenzy, ramping up sales and has been selling quickly at drugstores.

Its main ingredient is Orlistat (alli & Xenical) which is primarily used to prevent the absorption of fats from the human diet, hence reducing caloric intake and should be used in combination with a physician-supervised reduced-calorie diet. It prevents fat from being absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. The pill also comes along with instructions for a change in diet and exercise. It has so far been amazing to actually see the fat leaving your system. Alli met the rigorous and strict FDA standards for a weight loss product. It doesn’t just come with an FDA approval because clinical trials with alli have consistently shown it to be more effective than diet alone. Clinical studies and clinical trials have proven that people who followed a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet while taking alli capsules experienced 50% more weight loss than those who just followed the diet alone. Because weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, it is important to set realistic goals and expectations, gradual weight loss and lifestyle changes. With hard work and willpower, you can lose about 50% more weight than with just dieting alone.

Many people have seen positive results with Alli. However, those considering taking Alli should note that side effects can happen especially when not following the guidelines prescribed by Alli. With alli, consumers will have access through a website, myalli.com, to an individually tailored action plan that provides support and the necessary tools to help them lose 50 percent more weight than they would with diet alone.