Diet

I've forwarded some questions to Dr. Gates about Alli--and I'll post those as soon as I get a reply.

In today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution, an article celebrated the six-month anniversary of the medication, Alli, which was approved for over-the-counter use by the FDA last February.

As with any diet plan, a wide variety of results have been reported, from people thrilled with dramatic weight loss to those who complain bitterly about Alli's side effects.

The product currently ranks among Amazon.com's top 30 health products, and sold over $150 million in the 2nd quarter alone (April-June 2007).

The product works by blocking the absorption of fats in the digestive tract. If fats aren't absorbed, naturally they continue moving right through the person's system.

The AJC quoted one product review from Amazon that I found funny:

QUOTE:
"I can't begin to convey how remarkably unpleasant the (side effects) actually are. No matter what you heard, you will not be prepared."

"On the other hand," he continued, "the side effects give you this great incentive to stay away from the pizza & deep fried chicken!!!"

I must admit that the thought of "leakage" would be enough to convince me to lay off the fatty foods, too!

Apparently, in clinical trials of the drug, 50% of users expressed "fecal urgency" as a problem with the medication, but fewer than 5% rejected the medication for that reason.

Has anyone in this forum tried Alli? I'd be interested in hearing the good or the bad about it.