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Alli: controversial new diet pill
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America is a country seemingly fixated with two conflicting ideas: eating and being thin. While Americans are encouraged by advertisements to eat out, the media presents those same consumers with a thin ideal of beauty. With such conflicting messages, it's easy to see why so many Americans turn to diet pills. Dieting Americans now have a new option: Alli, the first ever dietary weight loss supplement that has been approved by the FDA for over the counter use.
Alli is different from other diet pills in that it works to prevent the body from absorbing fat that is consumed. Many believe that this idea is revolutionary because fat contains double the amount of calories as carbohydrates or protein. GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Alli claim that the pill, along with exercise and a diet that is low in calories and fat, can help people increase the amount of weight that they lose by about fifty percent more than diet and exercise alone.
Many people are already familiar with the Alli's main chemical, orlistat, a drug that has been used in Xenical, a weight loss drug that has been used in 145 countries around the world, including the United States.
GlaxoSmithKline's Web site says that unlike Xenical and other weight loss drugs, Alli does not affect the nervous system, brain or heart. Users of other diet drugs have experienced a dramatic increase in heart and brain activity.
Despite Alli's promising claims, the drug does come with the risk of side effects.
"Most medical and health professionals agree that an effective weight loss drug that can be used over time without adverse side effects does not exist," said Resa Walch, a senior Health and Human Performance lecturer at Elon. "Past weight loss drugs, prescription and over the counter, that showed promise were later found to have dangerous side effects resulting in recalls."
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Users of Alli are cautioned to limit sodium intake and to only ingest 15 grams of fat per meal because the drug makes it difficult for fat to pass through the body. Following a meal high in fat and sodium, dieters may experience gas with oily spotting and diarrhea. In fact, the company has recommended that women wear panty liners after they begin the Alli program.
Because Alli can be bought over-the-counter, it has the potential to be bought by anyone without the recommendation or approval of a doctor. Critics worry that Alli may be abused by teenagers or generally healthy people who do not need to shed any extra pounds.
Walch worries that college students may be more susceptible to misleading advertising regarding weight-loss drugs.
"The college environment is a place where many students struggle with body image, body satisfaction, and weight issues," said Walch. "[College students] should practice extreme caution related to the use of these drugs ... The key to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is through the development of sustainable lifestyle choices around healthy eating and activity levels."
by Joi Mayo
Source: PendulumAll rights reserved.