Alli-oops! Alli Users Commiserate Over Side Effects

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

06 Jul 2007 09:34 AM

WARNING: This blog contains what the text messaging world labels as TMI. This blog is not to be read by the easily grossed out or slightly squeamish person. If you keep reading. . .you can't say I didn't warn you.

Alli, a non-prescription form of the weight loss drug Xenical, came out on drug store shelves last month on June 15th. Since then sales have sky rocketed with everyone trying to get their hands on those pills.

What makes Alli unique is that it brings 'quick' weight loss to the masses. Not only can the morbidly obese use it, but it's for the average Joe Schmoe who wants to lose a few pounds. But Alli comes with some serious. . .um. . .side effects that frankly, make me want to turn the other way and run. Well actually, the side effects are making a lot of people run. . .um. . .so to speak.

The Alli Warning

Even the makers of the drug, GlaxoSmithKline are upfront about the potential consequences of eating fat while on Alli. They give the following warnings with the product: "Make sure you wear dark pants. Users should also bring an extra pair of pants to work just in case." One pharmacist at a local drug store advises users to start on a day off lest they suffer the embarrassing consequences of an Alli-oops. So in case you're still not clear on the consequences. . .eat too much fat and you will find yourself with diarrhea. Not 'I think I can make it to the bathroom diarrhea' but serious, spontaneous, explosions of diarrhea.

Alli Users Unite

Despite the severe consequences, sales are still up AND enough people still cheat (knowing the consequences) that Alli users are online sharing tips for frugal 'pads' and how to best get diarrhea out of your upholstery. One frugal user writes that she thinks it would be cheaper to buy infant diapers and use them as kind of a large pad while other users swear by Depends. I guess there's some sort of sisterhood in sharing diarrhea stories?

You Can Avoid Alli-oops

Just because you're on the pill doesn't doom you for diarrhea. You just have to follow the diet and never, ever cheat. Ever. Proponents of the pill, point out that Alli forces you to eat a low fat diet which in turn causes you to lose weight and be healthier. (The pill also helps by blocking approximately 25% of the fat you eat.) If you start straying from your new found diet of low fat fruits and vegetables, lean meats, etc. you will be punished. Severely and swiftly punished.

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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Julie Gentry (5915) 06 Jul 2007 09:43 PM

Viagra is the blue pill, Nexium is the purple pill, and I guess Alli is the BROWN pill ;-).

Valorie Delp (49340) 07 Jul 2007 04:00 AM

LOL Yep!

Hava Lyon (1545) 07 Jul 2007 10:01 AM

I saw this on sale at Wal-Mart the other day, and wondered about it. Thank you for this article - it made me laugh, AND me me swear off Alli!!!! Why you would purposefully take something that causes you that bad of diarrhea is honestly beyond me, but I guess people are pretty desperate to lose weight. :-P

Thanks for the GREAT blog!!! :-D

Hava

Valorie Delp (49340) 07 Jul 2007 12:29 PM

That's what I'm thinking. I mean seriously. . .exercise is worse than diarrhea? Not to me it isn't!

Geosmythe (5) 16 Jul 2007 06:03 AM

In my city newspaper there is a weekly column written by a doctor. People send in every question imagineable.

Yesterday, Alli was discussed. And he nothing positive to say about the drug. His research has shown that a person will only lose approximately 5lbs in 5 months. And if they go off the stuff, they will gain it all back. I have accomplished all of that and more by exercising at the Y 3-4 times a week and not eating junk food at the fast food joints.

Valorie Delp (49340) 16 Jul 2007 06:24 AM

You definitely need to check out my new weight loss diary: Mission Possible. I am taking back weight loss and doing it by moving more and eating less.