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New diet pill is no miracle - but nutrition, exercise work wonders
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Well, here we go again, seems another diet pill, Alli, is the hot, new weight loss pill hitting store shelves. Once again, those seeking quick weight loss are keeping their fingers crossed that this may be the one that solves their excess weight issues. There is heavy promotion of this weight loss pill. Though in an interesting twist, doctors as well as the manufacturer (Glaxo Smith Kline) are telling consumers to proceed with caution. I was pleasantly surprised that this new pill is not being touted as the next weight loss "miracle." Instead it carries a buyer beware message.
Alli (pronounced with a long i) is basically a lower dose version of the weight loss pill Xenical. Though unlike Xenical, Alli can be bought over the counter. The ingredient that is found in both, works by limiting the amount of fat your body absorbs from food. This is where I slam on the brakes and ask, "OK. If the body is not absorbing it, where is it going?"
The answer to that isn't pretty, but definitely something you should be aware of. According to Dr. Janine Kyrillos of Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, "It's not going to be a magic pill. You have to be disciplined. It's not a quick fix because you have to have a low-fat diet. If you don't follow a low-fat diet, the side effects of this drug could include bloating, gas, diarrhea and occasionally some anal leakage. So it can be quite unpleasant."
Others are concerned about more than just frequent trips to the bathroom. Some eating disorder experts worry about the potential for abuse.
Dr. Kyrillos said the pill seems best for those wishing to simply jump start weight loss, however the average person taking the drug can hope to lose about 5 to 10 pounds over six months on average. Hmmm, wouldn't you guess that by improving your nutrition and adding regular exercise to your lifestyle naturally, you could have the same results sparing the nasty side effects?
Just last month, the consumer watchdog group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to keep Alli off the market, citing studies that show it increases the risk of colon cancer and other illnesses.
Glaxo strongly disagrees, and said the FDA reviewed 10 years of safety data from around the world before giving the final OK to Alli.
So, here's where I hop on my soapbox. We have done the diet pill route and different brands come and go due to nasty side effects and short-term results. The only formula for weight loss is consistent healthy nutrition and regular exercise. Time and time again, those key components have proven to be the best strategy for long-term weight loss. Pills, fad diets, fasting and so on are all temporary solutions to a very serious problem, overeating and inactivity.
I suggest you save your money and your gastrointestinal system by visiting a registered dietitian and an experienced exercise specialist. For some people, even a great therapist can create a nice combination of health and fitness guidance. In the long run it's about your health, and why take chances when simply moving more and eating less can give you just what you've been seeking, a healthy body!
To ask Nicki Anderson a fitness question, e-mail her at nicki@realityfitness.com. Selected questions will be included in columns. Anderson is the owner of Reality Fitness in Naperville and the author of "Reality Fitness: Inspiration for Your Health and Well-Being." Visit www.realityfitness.com.
Source: The Naperville SunAll rights reserved.