Alli – Really an ally?
With so much hype about this weight-loss panacea, let’s dig into what it does and why you might or might not want to use it.
On the Alli website, by GlaxoSmithKline, Alli is described this way: Alli is an over-the-counter weight-loss product that contains an ingredient that prevents enzymes in the digestive tract from breaking down fat. Not all the fat you eat is eliminated from your system, only about a quarter of it. The site also promotes a low-fat diet and suggests that you add unprocessed (fresh) foods to your diet. At a price of about $49.99 for a starter pack of 60 capsules, which costs 83 cents per pill (plus $69.99 for 120 capsules after that, which costs 58 cents per pill), it’s one pill! expensive to swallow! You can take the information and advice on their website and lose weight for free without buying the pills!
Let’s review the basics of weight loss.
1. You decide to make a lifestyle change. Commit to changing your eating habits and activity level.
2. Reduce your caloric intake. This means eating fewer calories and less fat. You also need to cut down on your portion sizes.
3. Exercise and move your body more.
4. Use less prepared prepackaged foods. Eat more fresh and home-prepared foods cooked in a way that is low in fat.
5. Start reading the labels on the prepackaged foods you buy. Look up the calorie content and serving size.
6. Look for low-fat options in the prepackaged foods you buy. Choose fat free or reduced fat if available.
7. Limit your consumption of drinks rich in sugar.
8. Plan to eat less bread, and when you do, try whole-grain bread.
Alli gives you an online resource to plan your meals, track your progress, a handy kit, and ideas to help you be more active. There is also a reference guide that comes with the starter pack. Of course, you can find all the information you want online for free without buying the product.
There are also side effects (called site treatment effects) that you can have if you don’t follow a low-fat diet while taking Alli. These side effects include: gas with oily spots, loose stools, and more frequent stools that may be difficult to control. Alli suggests that you stay near a bathroom the first day you start using the product. There are also suggestions to time your dose around social and travel plans, wear a dark pair of pants to work in case of accidents, and bring an extra change of clothes when you go out.
Do you really think that a pill, a book or a plan is the ultimate answer? Most people are looking for something that takes the responsibility off their hands. They just want something easy, something to blame if they fail.
There is only one problem with taking a pill to solve problems. What happens when you stop taking the pill? Do you regain the weight you lost? If you want to lose weight again, do you have to go back on the pills? Look within yourself and see what you think are the right answers for you. One thing about changing your lifestyle yourself instead of relying on a crutch to help you is that you can reap the benefits forever!
Take care and love yourself!
Francis Lewis