Overview

Alli is the over-the-counter version of orlistat, a diet aid approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration designed to block the amount of fat your body absorbs. The Alli plan limits you to 15 mg of fat with each meal, and this restriction, along with eating a well-balanced diet full of nutritious foods, could help you lose weight. Alli is available over-the-counter, but you should discuss Alli with your doctor prior to starting the program.

Dosage

The dosage for over-the-counter Alli is to take one pill approximately one hour before eating your meal. If you forget to take Alli, you can take the dose up to one hour after your meal. If you eat more than 15 g of fat with a meal, you may experience effects from too much fat intake. These treatment effects could include diarrhea and gas.

The Plan

In addition to reducing your fat intake, the Alli plan encourages you to select a variety of foods from all food groups. Your doctor may recommend a multiple vitamin to ensure that you do not have nutrient deficiencies related to Alli use. The plan also encourages you to add physical activity into your day with your doctor's approval.

Side Effects

Alli use could result in side effects such as abdominal discomfort, headaches, fever, muscle pain and loss of appetite. Other side effects include difficulty breathing, weakness and tightness in your chest. If you experience any of these side effects or other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor.

Considerations

You should not begin using Alli without first consulting your doctor. If you have a condition such as gallbladder disease, your doctor may not recommend Alli as part of your weight loss plan. You can weigh the possible risks of use and then determine an appropriate method of weight loss.