Weight Loss Drugs - weight loss information

A new over-the-counter weight-loss pill, which has been disappearing quickly from store shelves across Houston since it became available a week ago, is likely to cause undesirable side effects if dieters don't also abide by the low-fat diet that the drugmaker recommends.

That hasn't stopped thousands of people from flocking to pharmacies to buy Alli, the first FDA-approved nonprescription diet drug. For the past week, pharmacy employees have stocked and restocked their shelves with the pills.

"We can't keep up with it," said Hisham Ghali, executive assistant manager of a Walgreens in River Oaks.

The store had sold out of the largest available bottle of Alli on Thursday, but he expected another shipment within a few days.

Alli, pronounced "AL-eye" and manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, prevents the body from absorbing fat by blocking enzymes in the digestive system. Made using orlistat, which has been available for several years in a higher-dose prescription form called Xenical, Alli blocks about a quarter of the fat eaten during a meal when users pop a pill beforehand. It can be taken up to three times daily.

Users of Alli can lose about 50 percent more weight than they would through dieting alone, according to GlaxoSmithKline. For example, someone who loses 10 pounds through dieting could lose 15 pounds with Alli, the company says.

The drug can cause nasty side effects, however, particularly for dieters whose fat intake per meal is higher than the recommended 15 grams. (A fast-food hamburger can contain 30 grams.) GlaxoSmithKline warns of the potential for "gas with oily spotting, loose stools or more frequent stools that may be hard to control." The company suggests not taking the pill before meals with high fat content.

Users attest to this on Alli's online message board through posts called "accident support group." Some complain of the bowel changes and leaks consistent with GlaxoSmithKline's warnings, while others say they have constipation or cramping. Meanwhile, dieters considering using the drug ask questions such as, "adult diapers mandatory during first week?"

For at least one Alli dieter, the unpleasant side effects are part of the drug's appeal.

"It forces me to diet and exercise to avoid any bad side effects," a dieter who signed in as Sheree wrote on Alli's message boards. "Trust me, on my own I would have already cheated!"

Low-fat diet is crucial

Two local diet specialists said orlistat can be effective, so long as the user is dedicated to a low-fat diet.

"For the person who's committed to eating right and exercising and doing the right things, then staying on Alli will serve them well over time," said Dr. Tom Lux, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, who has prescribed Xenical for weight-loss patients. "For a person who likes to eat a lot of steak and heavy food and fried food, it's not going to be a good choice."

After a Walgreens in the Memorial area got its first shipment on June 14, buyers bought all 36 packs of 90 pills, at a price of $59.99, that day. The store got a shipment of 60- and 120-pill packs the following day and quickly sold those, too, said store manager Bill Coligan.

"It was a little busy," he said. "Every couple of minutes, we were over here unlocking the case."

'Not a magic pill'

Stores are keeping the product locked because it's so popular, and pricey, that it's a major target for shoplifters who want to sell it on the street. A 60-pill "starter pack" sells for $49.99, while one with 120 pills goes for $69.99.

The drug also is selling well at other local pharmacies, including CVS and Kroger.

Rebecca Reeves, a dietician and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine who has conducted research on orlistat, said having the drug available over the counter provides a great opportunity for people looking to lose weight.

"It's not a magic pill," she said. "It will help you along when you are involved in a good, healthy lifestyle."

Source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4914080.html

The first non-prescription diet drug ever to be approved by the FDA hit the shops this week and optimistic dieters are dashing out to buy it.

The new diet pill, Alli which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) works by blocking the absorption of fat by the body which is then eliminated by way of the bowels.

The drug does have some unpleasant side-effects such as oily bowel movements, loose stools and the possibility of leakage, along with gas.

A months supply of Alli will set you back US$60 and GSK recommends the best results will be achieved when no more than 15 grams of fat per meal are eaten while taking the drug.

Alli is not recommended for people younger than 18, people with kidney disease, or people on blood thinners.

In a study, Alli taken in conjunction with a good diet, offered an additional 5% of weight loss when compared to somebody following a good diet without taking the drug.

Only 20% of people who use Alli can expect to lose 10% or more of their body weight and many will lose very little weight and possibly suffer the embarrassing gastrointestinal side effects.

Unlike other prescription weight-loss drugs Alli does not induce a feeling of fullness, reduce cravings or curb the appetite; what it does do is prevent the body from breaking down and absorbing fat.

The active ingredient in Alli, orlistat is also found in the prescription diet drug Xenical but in a higher dosage.

While Alli blocks around 25% of the fat eaten, Xenical blocks one-third of the fat ingested.

In real terms 2,000 calories a day with about 30% fat, would translate to about 150 calories a day with Alli.

A pound of weight loss equates to 3,500 calories.

Limiting fat intake to 15 grams a meal will help avoid the side-effects - .most Americans consume 80 to 100 grams of fat a day.

Glaxo officials do admit that many people would lose weight on their own with a reduction in fat intake, but say that Alli helps people lose more weight.

Doctors say most people are eating far more fat than they realize and the case with most dieters is that are unable to sustain the weight loss.

Orlistat has been widely tested and about 50% of the people who use orlistat lose at least 5% of their body weight; only one out of five people who take the drug lose at least 10% of their body weight, according to Glaxo.

Experts say even small amounts of weight loss offer health benefits.

Source: http://www.news-medical.net/?id=26566

The marketers of alli, a GlaxoSmithKline manufactured drug, will provide consumers with the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved over-the-counter weight loss product without a prescription as it hits store shelves this summer (2007).

However, first they are debuting the "diet pill" with an exhibit in New York City to educate the public about their product, which is being touted as a safe and effective drug that won FDA approval in February.

This product is for any adult who is overweight. However, the manufacturer and its marketing company are taking a different approach than that of the drug, Xenical, which has twice the potency of alli.

First, the educational promotions are being forthright with information, such as the facts that there is no "magic" diet pill, and that people who use alli must also make a concerted effort to eat a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet, and exercise regularly.

If these efforts are made while using the drug that manufacturer's claim only affects the gastrointestinal system, then results will be seen.

The FDA noted that people using alli lost an additional two to three pounds for every five pounds that were lost by dieting and exercising.

According to the manufacturer, "alli helps people lose 50 percent more weight than with diet alone."

When alli is taken along with meals, the effective process blocks absorption of nearly one-quarter of the fats consumed (approximately 150 to 200 calories), which are then passed right out of the body.

However, this affect can result in loose bowels. Nearly 50 percent of trial study participants experienced gastrointestinal side effects (including bowel leakage and oily discharges) with the use of alli.

In fact, these unpleasant side effects are why the company is stating how important it is to use the drug properly and count fat gram intake.

In addition, the educational literature even recommends that users of the product should really start the program in conjunction with time off from work.

The drug includes a "starter kit," a food journal, a healthy eating guide, a fat and calorie reference guide, and 60 capsules of alli. The recommended dosage is one to three pills per day. A total of 60 capsules will cost about $50, whereas 90 capsules will cost about $60.

Since the late 1980s, adult obesity has steadily increased in this country, according to the FDA that began to formulate a plan to tackle the problem.

Currently, two out of every three people in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese, according to an AP report

Source: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007429094

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare [NYSE:GSK] introduces a new approach to weight loss that will debut through a public multi-media exhibit in New York City— the alliTM Experience. The alli Experience represents part of GSK Consumer Healthcare’s comprehensive educational program to prepare adults interested in losing weight with alli — the only over-the-counter weight loss product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — before it goes on sale in pharmacies and mass retailers beginning on or about June 15. The alli Experience will be open daily beginning Tuesday May 22 through Sunday June 10, 2007, and is open Monday through Fridays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.until 6 p.m.and Sundays from 11 a.m.to 5 p.m.The exhibit is located in New York City at 20 Union Square East (located at the Southeast corner of the Square).

More than two-thirds of the U.S. population is overweight or obese, resulting in increased risk for serious diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke. These serious health complications require the American public to take an honest look at the realities of weight loss. “We’re here today to unveil the alli Experience and demonstrate our commitment to changing the way people think about weight loss.” says Steven L. Burton, vice president, Weight Control, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. “People are fed up being bombarded with hyped products and fad diets that over promise and under deliver. Unlike all the hype, alli is about straight talk and an honest voice, being real about the fact that losing weight is hard work.” Burtonadds, “We’re here to help and to partner with people who want to lose weight with a realistic approach. But we’re not the total answer. The answer is individual commitment in partnership with alli, and all the support and education the alli program offers.”

The alli Experience is designed to help overweight people revisit and engage the principles of modest, gradual weight loss. The exhibit, divided into five zones, begins with a sensory tour that leads to an interactive journey and multi-media education about weight loss realities. Each zone encourages visitors to embrace a more realistic approach to diet and exercise for improved health. Visitors receive meal planning ideas, delicious low-fat recipes and shopping lists with nutritious foods to help support a healthier lifestyle. The alli Experience will also help overweight people who want to lose weight determine if they are ready to commit to the alli program.

Zone 1: You enter a surround-sound passage of empty promises — “guaranteed, miracle pill, easy, no carbs!” Bombarded by chaos and hyperbole flashing on ceilings and walls, you’re asked, “Fed up?”

Zone 2: In contrast to Zone 1 you enter a more serene space… classic, clean, clear. To match the simplicity of the message is one lone bench. Above it you read sound advice — there are no shortcuts. Tenets of truth inscribed on the wall acknowledge and inspire — losing weight is hard but not impossible. Need help? Engage in the next Zone.

Zone 3: Enter a theater of interactive stations to ask, learn, and discover. Find out if you’re ready for a true weight loss commitment or still looking for a quick fix. Learn how alli can be a partner to help you lose 50 percent more weight than dieting alone… understand that you can’t just try alli, you have to commit to it. Test yourself to see if you’re ready to commit.

Zone 4: Feast your eyes on a larger-than-life sized dinner plate featuring projections of appetizing dishes that challenge your dietary aptitude. See carousels showcasing flavorful low-fat meals and learn how to keep temptation out of your pantry in a simulated kitchen. Encouraged? Reflect in the next Zone.

Zone 5: At interactive kiosks, embark on a personal journey to find out what’s holding you back... exercise your option to speak to a trained expert. Exit the alli Experience… and enter a new weight loss revolution. You. Your commitment.

The alli Experience is open to anyone who is 18 years or older, as alli is for overweight adults.

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