When to Take My Alli Pill?
Alli is an over-the-counter (OTC) form of Xenical, the prescription weight loss drug. This medication works by blocking the body’s absorption of a significant portion of dietary fat. Combined with a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet, Alli can increase weight loss by as much as 50 percent. If you are trying to lose weight, Alli can help, but timing your medication appropriately and following the manufacturer’s guidelines are both essential.
Function
Alli works by blocking the absorption of fat in the intestines. This lowers not only the overall amount of fat consumed in a day, but also the total number of calories at each meal. Fat then passes through the bowel undigested.
Time Frame
The active drug in Alli, orlistat, has a relatively short duration. You should take Alli up to an hour before meals, with a meal, or as much as one hour after a meal to reduce the calories and fat consumed effectively. Alli doses should be spaced at least two hours apart.
Effects
You should plan to start taking Alli at a time when you can stay near home for a few days. Users of Alli commonly experience treatment effects, including loose stools, difficult-to-control bowel movements and a oily anal discharge. These effects will be more severe if you do not stick to the recommended low-fat diet or take Alli with a meal containing more than 15 grams (g) of fat. Depending upon your experiences with this diet aid, you may wish to take Alli only if you can remain near a bathroom.
Considerations
As Alli impacts the absorption of fat and some nutrients in the intestine, the Alli FAQ on the company website suggests that users take a multivitamin and any necessary supplements at bedtime. Keep in mind that good fats, including fish or flax oil, will be affected by Alli, so should be taken at bedtime or another time in the day when you will not be taking a dose of Alli.
Significance
Since Alli reduces the absorption of fat, if you are eating a meal with no fat at all, there is no benefit to taking your Alli pill. In the same way, you may wish to choose fat-free snacks to receive the most benefit from this diet aid. The Alli starter pack includes a low-fat diet plan that helps you to time your Alli pills along with meals containing an appropriate amount of fat.
