If you’ve been struggling to lose weight and feel like nothing seems to help, you might have heard of Alli weight loss, the little blue pill sold over the counter. It claims to help you drop more pounds than dieting alone. Compared to dieting alone, it is said to help you lose more weight. Quite alluring, isn’t it? However, it’s important to know how it works, what side effects it may cause, and if it’s the best option for you before you buy a box.
What is Alli?
Alli has been FDA-approved since 2007. It’s basically the lower-dose, over-the-counter version of the prescription drug Xenical. Each capsule contains 60 mg of orlistat, while Xenical has twice that amount. The concept is pretty straightforward, take it with meals, and instead of your body absorbing all the fat you eat, part of it just passes through.
How Does Alli Work?
When you eat, enzymes in your stomach and intestines break down food, especially fats. Alli blocks those enzymes so about 25% of the fat you eat just gets flushed out. That means fewer calories absorbed, which over time can add up to weight loss. 
How Much Weight Can You Lose?
Honestly, the reasearch shows that people using Alli with a healthy diet and exercise lose about 5-10 pounds more in a year compared to people who only diet and exercise.
For some, that extra push is motivating. Doctors say even losing 5-10% of your body weight can improve your health, especially if you’re dealing with issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or joint pain.
How Do You Take It?
You’re supposed to take one capsule with any meal that has fat, up to three times a day. If you skip a meal or eat something without fat, you don’t need to take it. To cut down on side effects, try to keep fat to about 15 grams per meal. Since Alli also blocks your body from absorbing vitamins A, D, E, and K, it’s a good idea to take a multivitamin at night, at least two hours after your last dose.
Side Effects
This is where Alli gets a little bit difficult. Since the fat you eat doesn’t get absorbed, it has to go somewhere. And that “somewhere” is the toilet.
Some side effects include:
- Oily or fatty stools
- Urgent bowel movements (sometimes hard to control)
- Gas with an oily discharge
- Stomach cramps
A lot of people say the side effects are the worst in the start, especially if you eat greasy or high-fat foods. On the other side, some people actually use this as motivation to stay on a low-fat diet. Think of it as the leaner your meals, the fewer embarrassing moments you’ll have.
Who Shouldn’t Use Alli?
Alli is meant for adults with a BMI of 25 or higher. It’s not for everyone. You should avoid it if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are under 18
- Have digestive problems (like malabsorption issues)
- Have liver or kidney disease
- Take certain medications, such as cyclosporine
It’s always best to check with your doctor before starting, especially if you take medicine for diabetes, thyroid, or heart conditions.
Rare Risks
Most people only deal with the digestive side effects, but there have been rare cases of:
- Liver damage (watch for yellow skin/eyes, dark urine)
- Kidney problems
- Severe stomach pain, nausea
Does Alli Really Work?
Yes, it works but only if you are willing to give up on uncontrollable fatty foods. Alli isn’t a free pass to eat burgers, fries, and pizza.
One user shared on Reddit r/weightlossdiets:
“I definitely lost weight on it. I started April 30th and lost about 25lbs.”
They combined Alli with simple changes like cutting out chips, and people started commenting on how much lighter they looked”.
Another user shared on Amazon:
“Lost 8–10 lbs over a few months when combining Alli with healthy eating and exercise. Side effects the oily stools were manageable once diet was dialed in”.
One particularly frank review on Reddit:
“Please do not take it. … The amount of oil that comes out only gets worse”
They described ongoing stomach problems even after stopping Alli.
Final Thoughts
Alli isn’t a magic pill which will make you slim in a day, but it can be a useful tool. If you’re looking for a safe, FDA-approved option to support your self-care and weight-loss journey, it is worth trying, just be prepared for the side effects and the lifestyle changes that come with it.
The real magic still comes from building healthier habits, eating balanced meals, exercising , getting good sleep, and taking care of your body. Alli can help, but it’s just one part of the bigger picture.
