BlogHer - Alli: "The Diarrhea Diet" - Comments

Interested

livinglovingandlearninfortieswomen — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:15:45 -0500

I am very interested in what your doctors says and what your experience will be...keep me posted.

Keeps People Honest.

tccat — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:31:56 -0500

I too started Alli last Tuesday, the first experience i must say was a shock, but i learned quick, what low fat means. But from that one day, i have learned the rules, I have lost 4 lbs. So far and am happy about the use. This is one pill/diet you cant cheat on. Those that keep having accidents with the oil discharge, need to change eating habits or quit taking it. No If's and's or Buts. You cant eat a bucket of chicken, or a whole pizza. I eat a lot of salad and fruit for snacks, but I will have to see how it will go over in the winter. Living in Minnesota, salads are not one of the winter foods. Our usual spring /summer dishes are chicken or steak or fish on the grill, and a large salad or veggies steamed. Im also diabetic, and with Alli, its also helps control the issues associated with being a diabetic 2. I cant exercise, i have degeneration of my spine, and there is no surgery to fix multi areas. Alli has helped, im starting to be more positive that i will lose the weight and i need too. Extra weight i carry is in my abdomen. So far so good, im very satisfied. One suggestion, buy a calorie fat counter book, its helps before you make a meal how much fat is in each ingredient before you start. I did see my doctor, before i even started, just to have her opinion, and she gave me the thumbs up.

Why Not Judge For Yourself

tccat — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:17:48 -0500

I read thru all the comments, I think if everyone would understand how Alli works they would change their mind. But even so, I figured I would have to find out about it myself. If people would read all the information, and all it took for me is to have one mishap, but I learned quickly that you cant blame a pill, for my own mistakes. Eat a lot of fat, and you pay the price. Eat less fat and there are no side effects, simple as that. I wouldn't be on here except to tell all those that made a judgement call, without trying it, isn't giving Alli a fair assessment. I bet if more followed the program, they would have great results. And as far as walking into a store and seeing the product up front, or even at the check out made them sad, how about have rows of candies and goodies loaded with sugar at the check out, would make me even more sad. Even worse is seeing someone grossly over-weight with a basket full of fatty foods and carbohydrates. As my Dr. put it, the older we get the less we need to eat because our metabolism slows down even more. You have heard of drug abuse, alcohol abuse, how about a new one food abuse. When i saw a picture of myself from a few weeks ago, i was shocked, IM FAT, But I have taken the first step. i am doing something about it. And if Alli works for my situation, BRAVO.

Its Amazing How easy it is to Judge

tccat — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:46:47 -0500

I read thru all the comments about Alli, Even so i figured i have to find out myself. If people read all the paperwork, I think they would understand HOW Alli works. I know people that like me have had one mishap, but learned quickly that you cant blame a pill, for their own mistakes. Eat alot of fat, and you pay the price. Eat less fat and there are no side effects, simple as that. I wouldnt be on here except to tell all those that made a judgement call, with out trying it, isnt giving it a fair assesment. I bet if more followed the program, they would have great results. And as far as walking into a store and seeing the product up front, or even at the check out made them sad, its like have rows of candies, at the check out make me even more sad. Even worse is seeing someone grossly over-weight with a basket full of fatty foods and carbohydrates. As my Dr. put it, the older we get the less we need to eat. You have heard of drug abuse, alcohol abuse, how about a new one food abuse. When i saw a picture of myself from a few weeks ago, i was shocked, IM FAT, and i am doing something about it. And if Alli works for my situation, BRAVO.

I'm ON it!

SuperNEW — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:50:53 -0500

Ok, I read a lot of stuff from people who thought about trying Alli, but I'm on it right now.

I've been taking it for almost a week and I've had NO side effects at all. I've kept my fat intake down, though, so it's not for people who still want to eat big macs and fries. I can't have more than 40 grams of fat a day, that's less than one double Quarter Pounder with cheese--42 grams of fat, and a typical meal for my boyfriend.

Also, you take Alli with each meal, so if you wanted to go eat a double quarter pounder with cheese, you could, you just don't want to take your pill with it, because it has too much fat and it will cause side effects.

But, I just wanted to say, only people with no willpower, or maybe just sick people who have issues with food get side effects, because to get them you have to eat a lot of fat in one meal and take an Alli capsule with the meal. Why would you do that? The booklets that come with the starter kit explain it all very well...and I doubt I will have any side effects at all. I may come back in a month or so tho, just to let you guys know if I still feel the same about it.

I don`t trust pills

kathyfromny — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:03:47 -0500

As for me, I don`t trust pills. I am overweight but nothing will make me use some pills to lose weight. I am convinced that it `s just the waste of money and time.

The best way to use healthy organic food and physical trainigs, of course. Personally I follow Moderate Diet http://flydone.com/?p=38 and adore water aerobics. I have already achived some results and try to enjoy life without pills.

Healthy food

karen113 — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:15:26 -0500

Yeah, you're right, that Diarrhea diet is horrible, i really think that people can get so much more by eating healthy food. It's not always easy, but i'm thinking about fish, low fat chicken, turkey. It sure isn't easy to lose weight, i am having problems too, but it's working, slowly, 1 pound at a time :)
Chicken recipes
Baked chicken

I dont see anything in your

triciaplumley — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 19:50:09 -0600

I dont see anything in your blog about your medical credentials. In my experience in the health care field, those who complain about the drug Alli, are those with no self will. Eat alot of fat, you bet diarrhea will occur, it clearly states that will happen. If you have a weak will? Don't take the pill. It's as simple as that. Don't complain about it.

Alli - a different perspective

t2miller — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:05:01 -0600

I've been thinking about trying Alli. I am a 38 year old man who is roughly 80 pounds overweight. I have high blood pressure, a heart condition, and a family history of heart disease. I had a "mild" heart attack at age 35. The bottom line is that this weight is not healthy at all. I am gaining weight steadily, and have been for over a year. At the rate I am going I estimate I will be over 300 lbs by this summer if I do not find some way to control it.

I will not make weak excuses about my weight gain. I have no self control. I eat what I want whenever I feel an impulse and I feel guilty about it later. I also have a real problem with portion sizes. When I eat something really good, I just keep eating it regardless of how much. And I eat incredibly fast - the military taught me to eat quickly and I have never broken the habit.

I am a pretty avtive person, but it's not enough. I have a job which requires a great deal of mobility, and I swim four-nights per week. My swimming routine is fairly rigorous. My program consists of more than 2,000 yards of near-constant laps (80+) in an Olympic sized pool. This workout takes me nearly one hour to complete. Even with this program and my daily work routine I am gaining weight at around 2 lbs per month.

It's easy for someone else to say "get some self control", but I have none. It's taken me a long time to admit that, but it's true. So that's where Alli comes in for me. You see, I can't just talk myself into eating poorly by telling myself that one cheat meal wont hurt me - not if I'm using Alli anyway. If I do, then I could have a very embarrassing problem. A problem I am not willing to endure. The bottom line is that the idea of discharging oil all over myself, staining my business suit, and being embarrassed in front of my peers is a huge motivator.

Alli sounds exactly like what I need. I need something that forces me not to cheat "or else". I need something to teach me some self control. I am headed to see my doctor tomorrow, and, unless he says Alli could be dangerous with my heart condition, I am going to try it.

I'd be willing to post again later and give you the results of the trial if you'd like to read them.

ALLI VS. PHARMACY

isaiahmom12 — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:55:23 -0500

I JUST WANTED TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE COMMENTS ABOUT THE WALGREENS PHARMACY...I WORK IN THE PHARMACY AT WALGREENS AND I ASKED THE PHARMACIST THAT I WORK WITH ABOUT THIS PRODUCT AND SHE TOLD ME ALL ABOUT THE BAD SIDE AFFECTS SHE ALSO SAID THAT SHE WOULD NOT RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE...BUT AS FAR AS HAVING THE DISPLAYS UP IN THE PHARMACY. WE CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THAT IF THAT COMPANY PAYS TO HAVE A DISPLAY OF THEIR PRODUCT IN OUR PHARMACY...OH WELL ITS TOUGH STUFF CAUSE WE CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT...

Instant Gratification

Bluskygirl — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 22:44:06 -0500

I think that our need in society to get instant results; instant gratification; and everything we want WHEN we want it feeds this diet pill frenzy. It is sad, and I've seen Alli stands even at my grocery store in the impulse buying sections (right by the registers). It's hard to say no because you think, "It would be so much easier if I didn't have to work as hard" and "I want to be thinner NOW!". I recently posted about crash dieting and why we shouldn't do it, because I have unfortunately learned the hard way what happens to your body if you mess with it too much. In my post I mentioned a poster at my gym, which I think is pertinent here. The poster reads,

"If a great body came in a pill, then everyone would have one"

Soooooooo TRUE!!! Thanks for the post on Alli.

I agree with you about the FDA.

Catherine Morgan — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 14:35:18 -0500

Thanks for the comment. I agree with you about the FDA, and the deceptive practices the pharmaceutical companies use to peddle their latest creations. And like you said, many times it's something old and inexpensive repackaged as new and very expensive...there is no other word for that other than deceptive.

I think you are making the right decision not to use "alli". Thanks again for your comment.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
also at Women 4 Hope and Informed Voters

A fact or two about the FDA

Czarina — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:24:06 -0500

I don't have a problem with the agency per se, except that it has become political and corporate. There needs to be some kind of reform and the FDA needs to implement two things immediately:

1) Post-market surveillance (force drug companies to document side effects more strenuously than they do now)

2) In order for a new drug to be approved, they need to require that all drug companies submit data comparing the new drug to other already approved drugs that are currently on the market. Right now they only have to demonstrate effectiveness compared to placebo. These new drugs are expensive and often they don't work as well as older generation drugs (see some psych medications, for instance)

This was like the time I was watching a drug rep's presentation and noticed in their lecture and glossy brochures that they compared their new pill, (which was a combination of two of their older and off patent drugs) to no drug at all. Not one or the other drug alone that was inside this new one. Just nothing at all. That is deceptive marketing.

I looked Alli up and saw that it was olestra all over again. No, thanks. It'll take me longer to lose weight but at least I won't poop my pants.

Stylefool

Thanks for sharing your story.

Catherine Morgan — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:11:18 -0500

I want to start by saying...You are NOT stupid, the Pharmaceutical companies are cleverly, purposefully, and successfully deceiving thousands of people just like you. With enough money, marketing, and greed, large companies (in this case a pharmaceutical company) can turn water into wine in the eyes of the public.

It's not that the public is stupid, it's that these companies provide enough mis-information and half-truths with their mass marketing, and then turn to the media to convey this faulty information as the truth on mainstream news programs, that it's very easy for anyone to be fooled by this type of deception.

I'm sorry that you had to have such a horrible experience on your honeymoon. But I think what you are doing is the absolute right thing to do. By trying to tell as many people about your experience as possible, you will probably help prevent this from happening to others. I would encourage anyone reading this who has had a similar experience to do the exact same thing.

I wrote a comment on Amazon.com at the Alli book, to hopefully stop someone from buying it, although it is not on the first page so you have to actually look for it. I just hate seeing women fall for this deception, that will prove to only be beneficial to the pharmaceutical and retail companies selling this (for lack of a better word) "crap".

Personally, I think Walmart, Walgreens, and other large retail chains that are selling "alli" should stop doing so immediately. They should show they have more concern for the health and wellbeing of their customers, than for profits they will make through this deceptive marketing practice. Alli can only be successfully marketed with the help and acceptance of the companies willing to sell it...and these companies need to be more responsible to their trusting customers.

Thank you again for your comment.

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
also at Women 4 Hope and Informed Voters

IMPORTANT & TRUE -- ALLI IS DANGEROUS!!

hallbc — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:01:07 -0500

Ok, after reading all the blogs from you "smart girls" here is a true story regarding my experience with Alli this week.

I was on honeymoon in Aruba when I read all the positive feedback and articles about Alli and how it was the true (and "harmless" fat blocker that won't affect your heart and head) since I eat pretty healthy & exercise but just can't get that last 10 lbs off, I have been frustrated and ran to the nearest WalMart on return anxious (after reasearching fully and carefully regarding the drug didn't think the high fat intake would be a problem so didn't think I would have side effects.

I took the first pill on Monday. Within a few moments, I began to feel faint, my head was swimming and my legs shaking...I felt like I was smothering and weak...

Soon I called the # given for questions and the girl that answered said "yes we have had women report they have dizziness after taking this drug" then she told me there was no money back guarantee.

Soon I received a call wanting more information on my "occurence" and an email from the drug company both offering to refund my money as well as saying the girl I spoke to "spoke out of turn" as I wanted to know why they report no "nervous system effects" if in fact, it has happened to others?

Stupid me. All I can say is you people are smart and I have learned a difficult lesson.
Since the pill, (only one) I have had ongoing occurence of violent diahreah when I eat. If this continues, I will see my doctor but am wondering if it is in fact related to the pill. I am young, in excellent health, and don't take other drugs.

I needed to warn people that you are right-- they can lie as much as they want, legally. Very sad.

Alli: "The Diarrhea Diet"

Catherine Morgan — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 11:29:47 -0500

I'm not going to try to sugar coat it, I'm an opinionated person. Back at the end of May when I saw an article about an over the counter diet pill being approved by the FDA, and peddled by a pharmaceutical company, my skepticism antenna went into overdrive. The result was a post I did the same day on why you should just say no to diet pills, which included several links of other recent drugs the FDA and pharmaceutical companies had claimed to be safe, and later were taken off the market. In my opinion this happens much too often. And the main thing that sets me off is, it seems to be all about money. (Shocking! Not so much.) The FDA takes money from the pharmaceutical companies to "study" and approve their drugs, then the pharmaceutical companies make millions (even billions) off the American people, then voila, the drug that was once "safe" is no longer safe. It's a very interesting phenomena.

Glaxo's Avandia Fuels Arguments For Tougher Drug Laws -- The study, released May 21, showed that Avandia, the world's best-selling diabetes pill, increased the risk of a heart attack 43 percent. Members of Congress are questioning the Food and Drug Administration's handling of evidence of side effects since the drug won U.S. approval in 1999.

The Avandia report has reignited complaints by Congress that the FDA is too lax in monitoring drug complications after a product is on the market. The agency previously was criticized for failing to act on heart dangers linked to Merck & Co.'s Vioxx painkiller before it was withdrawn in 2004, and for missing suicide risks linked to antidepressants. -- read full article

Call me crazy, but it is troubling to me that the FDA considers a drug that basically induces diarrhea as a safe and effective means of weight loss. Sure, you can argue that the drug is blocking fat from being absorbed and a side effect of that is causing diarrhea...but really...semantics. Right? Don't we consider people that are using drugs to induce diarrhea as suffering from Bulimia, and in need of medical and psychological help? What about this...Lets say that a pharmaceutical company came out with a drug that induced vomiting, does that mean if the person is not sticking their finger down their throat they are not sick, they are just dieting? If that's the case, maybe someone should consider repackaging Ipecac into pill form, and marketing it as the newest diet plan. Is it really that much of a stretch from where we are now???

Now that you know how I feel about it, lets take a look at some of the facts about the (not so) new diet pill. Then you can tell me how you feel about it.

To quote Wikipedia one of Alli's side effects is:

"Because orlistat's main effect is to prevent dietary fat from being absorbed the fat is excreted unchanged in the feces and so the stool may become oily or loose (steatorrhea). Increased flatulence is also common. Bowel movements may become frequent or urgent, and rare occurrences of fecal incontinence have been seen in clinical trials." -- read full post

For Alli to work without significant side effects, fat intake must be curtailed. Lee recommends no more than 10 grams of fat per meal. Alli instructs users to consume no more than 15 grams.

"If your fat content is higher than that, it can cause problems like flatulence, bloating, cramps and incontinence," said Lee, noting that in clinical trials for the drug, adult diapers were made available to participants. "It can be very socially and personally disruptive." -- read full article

How badly do you want to be skinny? Is it worth soiling your underwear? -- read full article

Let me just interject something here. Limiting your fat intake per meal WILL facilitate weight loss, even without a pill that gives you diarrhea. Eating a healthy diet is the real key to weight loss, and the only chance you will have at actually keeping the weight off.

What Science Says About Successful Weight Control

The best study of successful long-term weight control, the National Weight Control Registry, found that its 5,000+ members do not take pills or potions or undergo invasive surgery. They keep it simple and sensible. The vast majority walk about an hour every day and follow a diet that's low in fat and full of healthy, naturally low-in-calorie foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. They have lost on average 66 pounds and have kept those pounds off, on average, for six years.

None of these weight-loss winners "committed" to oily discharge, out-of-control bowel movements, and nutrient loss.

"Alli is one big OOPS- for the FDA, for GlaxoSmithKline, for all of us. Someone should be committed here, but it's not the two-thirds of Americans who need help in losing weight, sums up Novick." -- read full article

And what about the absorption of important fat soluble vitamins that are also blocked by this pill? Just "supplementing" these vitamins will not help...because even the supplements need fat to be absorbed (hence the words "fat soluble").

Alli does interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. It's important to take a vitamin/mineral supplement while taking Alli, but that is no guarantee that your body will still get and absorb all the nutrients that it needs - especially those that need fat to be absorbed.

Alli doesn't care whether the fat you ate was from a Big Mac or a healthy serving of salmon. Even though all types of fat aren't bad for you, Alli will take both good and bad fats out of the body. Dietitian Becky thinks this issue is "very important," despite its lack of mention in the press and in the Alli support materials. Healthy fats are important for your overall health, and blocking them can have negative effects. -- read full post

If you are still interested in giving this FDA approved diet pill a try, it won't be cheap.

The pills vary in price depending on where they are purchased. At the Walgreen's at 15th and Broadway in Sacramento, the 90-pill starter kit costs $59.99, a 60-pill starter kit costs $49.99, and a 120-pill re-fill with no accompanying literature costs $69.99. -- read full article

And because it is my belief that this diet pill (that anyone can buy over the counter) will spawn a whole new problem for the eating disorder community, I am including links to information and support.

The National Eating Disorder Association

One in 10 young girls are prone to eating disorders.

Eating Disorder Warning Signs

BlogHer blogging on surviving eating disorders ED Survivors Club

If you are a BlogHer who has tried the diet pill "alli", I hope you will leave a comment on your experience with it.

If you or a family member suffers from an eating disorder, I would be interested in how you feel about the possible abuse of this "alli" diet pill.

And for the rest of the BlogHers...What do you think about this pill? Would you consider spending the money to try it? Do you think it's a good idea to have a pill like this available over the counter? Do you question the FDA's decision to approve this drug as a "safe and effective" pill for weight loss?

I look forward to hearing your comments.

Image from International Business Times

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
also at Women 4 Hope and CatherineBlogs.com