alli FAQs

get answers to all of your questions

• Safety and drug interactions

  • is alli safe?

    alli is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss aid and is safe and effective when taken according to label directions. More than 10 million people in the United States and Europe have used alli since it became available over the counter in 2007.

    Orlistat, the active ingredient in alli, is the most extensively studied weight loss drug in the world, with more than 100 clinical studies involving 30,000 patients. Since orlistat first became available as a prescription medicine in 1998, more than 40 million people have used the drug.

  • does alli cause liver injury?

    The alli label is being updated to alert consumers to certain symptoms that have been associated with rare instances of severe liver injury reported in people taking orlistat, the active ingredient in alli.

    The FDA completed a safety review of orlistat based on reports that were received over a 10-year period. Thirteen cases were identified, including one with use of alli. The FDA concluded that a cause and effect relationship has not been established.

    The updated alli label will advise consumers to “Stop use and ask a doctor if you develop itching, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine or loss of appetite. There have been rare reports of liver injury in people taking orlistat.”

    alli is the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss aid. Since alli was made available over-the-counter in 2007, more than 10 million people worldwide have used the product. With more than 100 clinical studies involving 30,000 patients, orlistat is the most extensively studied weight loss drug in the world and continues to be a safe and effective product when used as directed to help people lose weight. More than 40 million people have used orlistat since it first became available in 1998.

  • does alli cause any racing of the heart or palpitations?

    No. alli works primarily in the digestive tract; it is nonsystemic which means it does not affect the central nervous system (CNS) and has no effect on the heart or the brain.

  • what is the rationale behind the label advice for patients with gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and/or kidney stones to speak with their doctor?

    Obesity puts people at a greater risk for these conditions. If you have a history of any of these conditions, talk to your doctor before using alli.

  • can you take alli if you have had your gallbladder removed?

    If you have had your gallbladder removed, you may have problems absorbing food. Check with your doctor before using alli.

  • can you take alli if you have had gastric bypass surgery?

    If you have had gastric bypass surgery, you should talk with your doctor before taking alli. Some patients experience problems absorbing food after such a procedure. If this is the case, alli may not be right for you. However, everyone handles these procedures differently, so it is best to check with your doctor first.

  • how long does alli remain in your system?

    Since everyone has different GI transit times, the active ingredient in alli can actually remain in your system for up to 72 hours, mainly because gastric emptying time varies from person to person.

  • Will alli interfere with oral contraceptives?

    A clinical study using orlistat (the active ingredient in alli) in 20 normal weight women taking birth control pills for 23 days found that orlistat had no effect in the ovulation-suppressing action of the oral contraceptive.
    
    You should always consult the package labeling, warnings or other instructions for use for any oral contraceptive product you may be using. Oral contraceptives may be less effective if you get severe diarrhea. Use an extra method of contraception if this happens.
    
    Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

  • can you take antibiotics while taking alli?

    Yes. There are no clinically significant drug interactions with antibiotics.

  • if alli prevents the absorption of some of the vitamins I take, will it also block the medication that I take for cholesterol?

    No. It won’t block a cholesterol medication.

  • will alli block any other medications besides those for cholesterol?

    alli may block other medications. Please check the alli label before purchasing alli. Please consult with your healthcare professional.

  • does alli interfere with statins (e.g., Lipitor®, Zocor®, Pravachol®, etc.)?

    No.

  • does alli interfere with bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®) and colesevelam (Welchol®)?

    Since these medications often bind, and therefore inactivate, other drugs given concurrently, it is recommended that you take alli at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after bile acid sequestrant administration to avoid impeding the effects of alli.

  • do alli and Zetia® work the same way? Can I take them both together?

    Zetia reduces blood cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. alli, on the other hand, works in the stomach, where it inhibits the action of gastric and pancreatic lipases. Since these two drugs have different mechanisms of action and work at different sites in the body, it is unlikely that there will be an interaction between the two.

  • is it OK for diabetics to use alli?

    Ask your doctor before using alli if you are taking medicines for diabetes. There is no drug interaction between alli and diabetes medications; however, people with diabetes may have lower blood sugar levels and improved glycemic control after losing weight with alli. This may require a dose reduction of their diabetes medication.

  • I am also on hypertensive medications. Will I be able to take alli?

    alli does not interact with hypertensive medications, so it is OK to take alli while taking hypertensive medications. If you have questions, please check with your healthcare professional.

  • can I take alli if I am taking medicine for thyroid disease, e.g., Levoxyl® for hypothyroidism?

    Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking alli if you are taking medication for thyroid disease. People being treated for thyroid disease may need the dose of their thyroid medication adjusted based on their weight loss.

  • is it safe to take alli with the migraine medications Topamax® and Maxalt®?

    It is safe to take alli with the migraine medications Topamax and Maxalt. But, if you have any medical condition, you should first consult a physician before you change your dietary habits.

  • is alli safe for those taking cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®, SangCya®)?

    The label warns consumers in two label sections (organ transplant patients and cyclosporine users) that they should not use alli because it can lower the levels of that drug in the body.

  • is alli safe for those taking cyclosporine eye drops?

    Do not use alli if you are taking cyclosporine eye drops. If you have any other questions, check with your doctor first.

  • is alli safe for those taking warfarin (Coumadin®)?

    If you are using warfarin, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking alli, as you will need to be monitored and may need to have your warfarin dose adjusted.

  • can alli be taken with Benecol®?

    Yes. There has been no interaction identified between the ingredient in Benecol (plant stanol esters) and orlistat (the active ingredient in alli). On the alli program, you should aim for 15 grams of fat or less from each meal. One serving of Benecol Spread or Benecol Light Spread contains 8 or 5 grams of fat, respectively. Therefore, patients need to be mindful of the contribution of the fat in Benecol to the total amount of fat in the meal.

  • can you take alli if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

    You should first talk to your doctor before purchasing alli if you have IBS. People with IBS have problems absorbing food. Do not use alli if you have problems absorbing food.

  • under what conditions should I not take alli capsules?

    It’s important to read the alli label before using alli capsules. Be sure you understand the following information:

    Warnings

    Organ transplant alert:

    • do not use if you have had an organ transplant. alli interferes with the medicines used to prevent transplant rejection

    Allergy alert:

    • do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in alli capsules

    Do not use

    • if you are taking cyclosporine
    • if you have been diagnosed with problems absorbing food
    • if you are not overweight

    Ask a doctor before use if you have ever had

    • gallbladder problems
    • kidney stones
    • pancreatitis

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are

    • taking warfarin (blood thinning medicine), or taking medicine for diabetes or thyroid disease. Your medication dose may need to be adjusted
    • taking other weight-loss products

    Stop use and ask a doctor if

    • you develop itching, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine or loss of appetite. There have been rare reports of liver injury in people taking orlistat.

    If pregnant or breast-feeding, do not use.

    Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

  • is alli safe for elderly adults?

    alli is indicated for use by overweight consumers 18 years of age or older, including older adults. If you have specific issues or health concerns, please check with your healthcare professional.

• Use and Dosage

  • how does alli work?

    alli works in the digestive tract and is minimally absorbed in the blood alli’s active ingredient, orlistat, works by inhibiting fat absorption. This means that around 25% of consumed fat passes through the digestive system and is naturally excreted by the body. Since the calories associated with this unabsorbed fat are not used (1 gram of fat=9 calories), the number of calories that enter your system is reduced. Orlistat doesn’t limit the absorption of calories from protein or carbohydrate. So, if you replace calories from fat by eating carbs, you will not get the benefits of alli and will lose less weight. Therefore, it is important to stick to your calorie and fat target by eating foods that are naturally low in both calories and fat.

  • who can take alli?

    alli can be taken by overweight individuals age 18 or older, who are ready to make the change to a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet. But, as with all medicines, there are some people who should not take alli or who need to check with their doctor first, so it is important to review the label before purchasing alli.

    alli has been studied in ethnically diverse populations and has been proven safe and effective for all populations regardless of gender, race, and initial weight. Data shows that alli plus diet is always significantly better than diet alone.

  • how long can I take alli?

    The alli label does not limit the amount of time you can take alli. You can take it until you achieve weight loss goal. Most weight loss occurs within the first six months of using alli.

    If you stop taking alli capsules, continue with your diet and exercise program to help maintain your weight. If you start to regain weight after you stop taking the capsules, you may need to start taking them again along with a diet and exercise program.

  • can I use a multivitamin while taking alli?

    Using a multivitamin while on alli is a good thing. We recommend taking a multivitamin once a day at bedtime while using alli capsules to ensure adequate absorption of vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene. We recommend Centrum®, a balanced and complete multivitamin.

  • can children use alli?

    No. alli is indicated for use by overweight individuals 18 years of age or older.

  • how should alli be taken?

    The recommended dose of alli is 1 capsule 3 times a day with meals containing about 15 grams of fat. Additionally, to ensure adequate vitamin absorption, people taking alli should also take a multivitamin once a day, at bedtime, because alli may reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene).

  • when do I take alli?

    The mealtime dosing schedule (one hour before, during, or one hour after a meal) makes it easy to remember alli capsules. To help you remember, we recommend making alli a part of your pre-meal routine. Once alli and the routine have been paired several times, the association will become automatic. However, if a dose is missed, alli can be taken up to one hour after a meal and still be effective. The alli Shuttle™ carrying case is provided with the alli Starter Pack to enhance compliance and serve as a helpful reminder to take alli capsules with your meals.

  • if I eat more than 3 meals a day, should additional doses of alli be taken?

    It is recommended that alli be taken with meals – up to 3 times a day. Additional doses are not recommended.

  • if I use alli more than 3 times daily, will I experience better results?

    No. Dose ranging studies show that it is unlikely that higher doses will provide better results. Additional doses are not recommended.

  • can a person drink alcohol while taking alli?

    Yes. There is no interaction between alli and alcohol. However, alcohol is high in calories. It can, therefore, contribute to weight gain.

  • what should a woman do if she becomes pregnant while taking alli?

    Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take alli. If a woman discovers that she is pregnant while taking alli, she should stop taking the capsules and consult with her physician about her appropriate body weight and diet while pregnant or breast-feeding.

  • what happens if alli is taken with a fat-free meal?

    Nothing will happen because there is no fat for alli to inhibit. alli only works locally in the gut on gastrointestinal (GI) lipase activity and does not cause any bowel changes without the consumption of dietary fat.

  • when should I start taking alli?

    We recommend starting the capsules a few days after you begin your low-fat diet. If you're already on a low-fat diet, you can start immediately. If possible, start taking alli capsules on a weekend when you are home.

  • can I skip meals while taking alli?

    Clinical studies show alli works best when you eat 3 healthy, low-fat meals a day, one of which is breakfast. If you skip a meal or you are certain your meal contains no fat, you can skip a dose.

  • is there a waiting limit between taking capsules?

    The recommended dose of alli is 1 capsule with meals containing about 15 grams of fat and no more than 3 capsules daily. alli should be taken within an hour of each meal containing fat. It's best to wait at least 2 hours in between doses. Because of the way alli capsules work, you should not store up all your fat grams or calories for one or two meals. It is critical that you keep fat grams evenly spread throughout the day in breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  • is dieting necessary while taking alli?

    Yes. A well-balanced, reduced-calorie, low-fat diet containing about 15 grams of fat per meal is recommended while taking alli. These recommendations are consistent with dietary guidelines established by the USDA (total fat intake between 20% and 35% of calories).

    Orlistat does not limit the absorption of calories from protein or carbohydrate. So, if you replace calories from fat by eating carbs, you will not get the benefits of alli and will lose less weight. Therefore, it is important to stick to your calorie and fat target by eating foods that are naturally low in both calories and fat. Finding your daily calorie range helps you to understand how many calories you need to stay healthy and still lose weight.

    Purchase of alli gives you access to a free personalized online plan, myalliplan. Myalliplan was designed by health experts to provide advice and support to help you reach your goal while taking alli capsules

  • can alli be used with diets that are low in carbohydrates and high in fat?

    No. alli is only recommended in conjunction with low-fat diets that contain about 15 grams of fat per meal. Eating a meal with too much fat while taking alli can result in bowel changes, such as loose stools, more frequent stools that may be hard to control, or gas with oily spotting. These changes, called treatment effects, may occur in the first weeks of treatment, are not harmful, and can be managed by following a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet of about 15 grams of fat per meal.

  • what happens if I forget to take alli capsules?

    If you miss a dose, you simply lose the benefit of alli capsules blocking the absorption of some of the fat in foods you eat for that meal. Resume taking alli at your next meal.

  • does alli begin to work in the stomach, or does it begin to work in the small or large intestines?

    alli does begin to work in the stomach, but the majority of the action occurs in the small intestine.

• How it works

  • how effective is alli?

    alli works by blocking the absorption of about 25% of fat in the foods you eat. Since the calories associated with this unabsorbed fat are not used (1 gram of fat=9 calories), the number of calories that enter your system is reduced., alli along with a reduced calorie, low-fat dieti can lresult in a a 5% to 10% weight loss over time. alli meets the rigorous FDA standards for a weight-loss aid. Clinical trials with alli have consistently shown it to be more effective than diet alone. alli can help people lose 50% more weight than with dieting alone. This means that if you could lose 10 pounds with a diet, you could lose 15 pounds with alli.

  • how soon after taking alli capsules should I expect to see results?

    If you follow a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet, get regular physical activity, and take alli capsules as directed, you should see results in the first two weeks. Most weight loss usually occurs within the first six months. If you stop using alli, continue with a diet and exercise program for help with weight loss. You may start to regain weight after you stop taking alli. In order to maintain your weight loss, you may need to continue taking alli along with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program.

  • if alli capsules only work on the fat in my food, how do I lose the fat in my body?

    alli works by blocking the absorption of about 25% of fat in the foods you eat. Since the calories associated with this unabsorbed fat are not used (1 gram of fat=9 calories), the number of calories that enter your system is reduced., As you consume fewer calories on a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet – and use alli to block absorption of some of the fat you eat – your body will automatically tap into its fat stores and use them for the energy it needs. That can result in weight loss.

  • how is alli different from other weight-loss aids?

    alli is the only FDA-approved weight loss aid available without a prescription. alli is not a dietary supplement. More than 10 million people in the United States and Europe have used alli since it became available over the counter in 2007. Orlistat (the active ingredient in alli) is the mostextensively studied weight loss medicine in the world. Its safety has been established through 100 clinical studies involving more than 30 thousand patients. More than 40 million people have used orlistat since it became available in 1998.

    Orlistat can help people lose 50% more weight than with dieting alone. That means if you could lose 10 pounds with a diet, you could lose 15 pounds with alli. Individual results may vary.

    Americans spend an estimated $33 billion on weight-loss products and programs that in some cases are unregulated and unsafe.

  • what’s a realistic weight goal?

    Obesity experts in the United States agree and widely available research demonstrates that moderate weight loss is beneficial. It is important to emphasize the health benefits of a 5% to 10% weight loss and to change the perception of Americans who reject this as an insignificant amount. Achievable, realistic weight-loss goals of 5% to 10% can result in significant improvements in overall health, including decreased risk for heart disease. Slow, steady weight loss is the healthy way to reduce body fat mass. The alli program encourages the lifestyle changes that can help achieve realistic goals of improved health and weight-loss maintenance.

• About the plan

  • how effective is alli?

    alli works by blocking the absorption of about 25% of fat in the foods you eat. Since the calories associated with this unabsorbed fat are not used (1 gram of fat=9 calories), the number of calories that enter your system is reduced., alli along with a reduced calorie, low-fat dieti can lresult in a a 5% to 10% weight loss over time. alli meets the rigorous FDA standards for a weight-loss aid. Clinical trials with alli have consistently shown it to be more effective than diet alone. alli can help people lose 50% more weight than with dieting alone. This means that if you could lose 10 pounds with a diet, you could lose 15 pounds with alli.

  • how much weight can I expect to lose while in myalliplan?

    That depends on how closely you follow a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet, get regular physical activity, and take alli capsules as directed. alli promotes gradual, modest weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds a week. If you could lose 10 pounds through dieting, you could lose 15 pounds with alli. Individual results may vary.

  • will myalliplan limit the kinds of things I can eat?

    When you partner with myalliplan, you’ll be able to eat meals that are both healthy and delicious. With the help of our healthy eating guide and interactive meal planner, you’ll find yourself indulging in flavorful meals and snacks every day of the week. And that’s important, because part of your success depends on how well you follow a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet while taking alli capsules as directed.

    myalliplan is not about starvation or deprivation; so while it’s important to limit choices that are high in fat and/or calories, you will find that you can still enjoy many of your favorite foods in moderation.

  • what’s a realistic weight goal?

    Obesity experts in the United States agree and widely available research demonstrates that moderate weight loss is beneficial. It is important to emphasize the health benefits of a 5% to 10% weight loss and to change the perception of Americans who reject this as an insignificant amount. Achievable, realistic weight-loss goals of 5% to 10% can result in significant improvements in overall health, including decreased risk for heart disease. Slow, steady weight loss is the healthy way to reduce body fat mass. The alli program encourages the lifestyle changes that can help achieve realistic goals of improved health and weight-loss maintenance.

  • when should I start taking alli?

    We recommend starting the capsules a few days after you begin your low-fat diet. If you're already on a low-fat diet, you can start immediately. If possible, start taking alli capsules on a weekend when you are home.

  • what if want to register with myalliplan but I’m under 18 years of age?

    alli capsules and myalliplan are intended for individuals who are 18 or older. If you are under 18 and have purchased alli, you can contact us or call customer service at 1-877-4myalli (469-2554) M–F, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. ET.

  • can I use alli if my Body Mass Index (BMI) is too low or I have a normal weight?

    Alli is not recommended if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is below 25. alli is a weight-loss aid intended for individuals who are overweight.

  • can I use myalliplan without purchasing alli?

    Yes, myalliplan is free, however, myalliplan was designed specifically to work with alli capsules.

    You can also use alli capsules without using myalliplan. But this is not recommended. The plan was developed by clinical weight-loss experts to provide you the feedback and guidance necessary to help you succeed. The power of the alli program is the combination of both the FDA-approved pill with the individually tailored plan.

  • what happens after I setup myalliplan?

    To help ease you into myalliplan, we’ve created the Overview of myalliplan. The Overview was created to give daily tips and lessons on how to begin taking alli and to introduce you to myalliplan. This plan is a 10-day program that you will complete before your first check-in. The length of this time depends on the day you chose as your check-in day when you signed up.

  • how do I complete my first myalliplan check-in?

    After logging into myalli.com, you’ll be taken to the myalliplan homepage. On this page, you’ll see a chart called “My Progress.” Next to the chart you’ll see a reminder for the date of for first check-in. On this day, you’ll see a button for checking in. You’ll also find a check-in button in your personalized toolbar (located in the left-hand column of the page).

  • where do I see the results for my check-in?

    The results from your check-in will be displayed in your progress charts. You will see one on your myalliplan homepage, another in your personalized tool bar, and a full view of your weight-loss progress from your profile.

  • what if I miss my check-in day?

    Our goal is to encourage you to make weekly check-ins. If you miss your check-in day, you can still log your weight for that week any time before the next check-in day. If, however, you forget to check in before the next check-in day, you will no longer be able to check-in for that week. Basically, you have seven days from your check-in day in which to track your weight for that week.

  • what’s the difference between a check-in week and a step?

    For the most part, they are the same. We want to encourage you to think in terms of gradual, weekly progress for your weight loss, but many of the steps start on your check-in day. After step 15, the steps will last two weeks and you’ll be checking in twice for those steps. Either way, just concentrate on your weekly check-ins and make sure you keep up with the lessons provided in the steps. If you don’t have time to read the full step, you can always go back to it later.

  • can I edit my check-in weight after it’s been submitted?

    Unfortunately, you are not able to edit your check-in weight at this time. We are currently making updates to our site to allow for this functionality.

  • how do I change my check-in day?

    Click on the account settings link at the top of your screen and then click on the myalliplan details tab. On this page, you’ll be able to change your check-in day. Changing your check-in day will also change the start date of your next step.

  • where can I view a chart of my weight loss progress to date?

    Click on the profile link at the top of your screen. You’ll see a chart showing your weight-loss progress across the most current 25 weeks of your weight loss journey.

  • how is my current target weight-loss goal calculated?

    Our goal is to encourage you to think about small achievements. One of the ways of doing this is to set smaller, target weights on your way to achieving your goal weight. Your current target weight is always a percentage of your start weight, calculated in 5% increments. In other words, your first target will be 5% of your start weight. When you meet or exceed that target, we will automatically calculate a new target that will be 10% of your start weight and so on.

  • can I change my start weight?

    Yes. If you click on the account settings link at the top of your screen and then click on the myalliplan details tab. On this page, you’ll be able to change your start weight. Changing your start-weight might also adjust your current target weight.

  • can I change my goal weight?

    Yes. If you click on the account settings link at the top of your screen and then click on the myalliplan details tab. On this page, you’ll be able to change your goal weight. Just be sure that your goal weight is something achievable and realistic.

  • can I change my target calorie intake?

    Click on the account settings link at the top of your screen and then click on the myalliplan details tab. On this page, you’ll be able to change your calorie intake.

  • what’s “my motivation” for?

    We encourage you to enter a reason for embarking on myalliplan. Whether it be to make your family happy, or just to feel better about yourself, it’s important to keep this in mind as a source of motivation. Think of “my motivation” as a kind of badge for declaring what your weight loss journey means for you.

  • what if I don’t have time to read the lessons or steps?

    myalliplan was developed by professionals with a goal of facilitating a gradual change in the way you approach food, nutrition, lifestyle, and fitness. You’re chances of making those changes are improved if you follow the steps in the sequence suggested by the program. That said, we understand that people get busy and if you feel a need to read the lessons at your own pace, you can use the step navigator in your personalized toolbar to view to the lessons when you need them. Just be sure to track your weight, calorie/fat intake, and activity each week. This will help you stay motivated and aware of the need for a slow, gradual change for success.

  • is there a place where I can see a listing of all steps/lessons?

    Just below your name, you’ll see the step navigator, a way to jump back and forth across lessons. If you want to see a menu of all steps, click on the link “display all steps” just below the step navigator.

  • is it okay if I jump ahead to a new step?

    myalliplan was developed by professionals with a goal of facilitating a gradual change in the way you approach food, nutrition, lifestyle, and fitness. You’re chances of making those changes are improved if you follow the steps in the sequence suggested by the program. That said, you can jump ahead. Just be sure to track your weight, calorie/fat intake, and activity each week. This will help you stay motivated and aware of the need for a slow, gradual change for success.

  • what’s the journal for?

    The journal is your place to track feeling about your weight loss progress, your eating habits, your achievements, notes about what worked and what didn’t, or anything you feel like reminding yourself about. Keeping a journal of these kinds of things will help you see how much can change when you stick to a plan.

  • Where can I download more journal pages?

    You can download them here

  • how do I use the meal planning tools?

    The meal planning tools come with their own set of instructions. Go to myalliplan/meal planning and click on the meal plan help link.

  • how do I use the activity planning tools?

    The activity planning tools come with their own set of instructions. Go to myalliplan/meal planning and click on the meal plan help link.

  • how much exercise do you recommend while taking alli?

    You don’t have to hit the gym or hire a personal trainer to make a real difference in your health. Studies show that moderate exercise – such as walking for 30 minutes every day – can reduce your risk for disease.

    The great thing about exercise is its cumulative effect – you don’t have to do it all at once. You can add it to your activities throughout the day by sneaking in a little extra walking to the things you already do.

    What’s important is including activity regularly in your routine. Start small and work your way up. Consistency is your goal.

  • What happened to myalliplan gold?

    We have incorporated the myalliplangold program into the myalliplan program. If you are a registered myalliplan member you will automatically be granted access to the myalligold plan's additional features.

  • Will I continue to be charged for myalliplan gold?

    No. There is no longer a monthly fee associated to the myalliplan gold program. Effective: 11/11/2010, no further enrollment fees will be charged to myalliplan gold users. If you have questions please contact Customer Care at 877-469-2554.

• Miscellaneous

  • where can I find alli in stores?

    alli is available online and in major local drug, grocery, and discount/warehouse stores in the weight-loss product aisle. If you are buying alli for the first time, choose the alli Starter Pack, which includes alli capsules, the Shuttle™ carrying case, and seven reference guides. For refills, choose the alli refill pack, which includes alli capsules, the Read Me First Guide, and the Companion Guide.

  • how much does alli cost?

    Generally, the cost is roughly what one might expect to pay for a bag of chips and a can of soda every day – the equivalent of an afternoon snack.

  • i have looked at my local store, and I can’t find alli on shelves. What should I do?

    We are sorry to learn that you have found it difficult to locate alli in your area. Please be assured that we are working diligently to ensure that alli is available as quickly as possible.

    Participating grocery, drug, and mass retailers, as well as some online retailers, sell alli. If you cannot find alli in one store, you should check another local retailer or go online.

    Additionally, you might wish to order our product online from leading retailers. They can ship the product directly to you.

  • i have been reading “The alli Diet Plan” book. I noticed that there are differences between the information provided in the book and the information in the alli Starter Pack books. Why is that?

    “The alli Diet Plan” book was written by Dr. Caroline Apovian and published by Meredith Publishing. The book has a three-phased approach. The approach moves from Phase 1 (15% of your calories from fat) to Phase 3 (30% of your calories from fat). This plan was independently developed by Dr. Apovian to minimize treatment effects.

    “The alli Diet Plan” is compatible with alli. It does follow the same calorie targets as the information provided in the alli materials, but the Phase 1 and Phase 2 fat targets are slightly lower.

  • why are you recommending people take alli with a multivitamin? Does it deplete vitamin levels?

    It’s always sensible advice to take a multivitamin when you are on any kind of weight-loss program. alli works by preventing absorption of about 25% of fat, and it will also minimally inhibit fat-soluble vitamins to the same extent. The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene.

    We recommend that you take a multivitamin with alli, once a day at bedtime.

  • what are the different sizes that alli is available in?

    alli is available in four sizes: 60 ct., 90 ct., 120 ct. and 170 ct. The 60 ct., 90 ct. and 170 ct. are all starter kits. This means that they contain all of the in-pack materials. The 120 ct. is a refill pack and only contains the Companion Guide and the Read Me First guide. Additionally, the 170 ct. is available at club/warehouse stores.

  • what materials are available in Spanish?

    The tools available include:

    mialli.com, our comprehensive Spanish language web site that includes culturally relevant recipes and advice from health experts a bilingual 1-800 number (1-877-469-2554) consumers can call with questions about the program bilingual support in-store, including our bilingual product brochure and a 2-week bilingual alli meal plan available at pharmacies For people who are ready to commit to the program and purchase an alli Starter Pack, they may also call our 1-800 number to request a full set of the alli in-pack educational materials and the offline alli behavioral support program in Spanish.

    The alli program provides practical support to all consumers willing to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

  • has alli been tested among African Americans and Hispanics?

    The safety and efficacy of alli are well established, and clinical trials with orlistat (the active ingredient in alli) have consistently shown it to be more effective than diet alone. It can aid weight loss in individuals who are committed to losing weight, regardless of ethnicity.

    The population at large, including African Americans and Hispanics, has been shown to achieve weight loss when committed to the program.

• Treatment Effects

  • will alli affect my sleeping pattern?

    No. alli is non-systemically acting and won’t affect the central nervous system (CNS). You will not feel jitteriness or heart palpitations from the drug.

    There has been no evidence in the clinical trials that indicates that it causes sleep problems. If you experience sleep problems, please see your doctor.

  • does taking fiber with your diet help to reduce treatment effects?

    There is no conclusive scientific evidence that fiber will reduce the treatment effects of alli, although fiber has many benefits to your body. However, eating a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet will help to manage treatment effects.

  • does alli have any side effects?

    Most side effects are related to the way you take the product and how much fat you consume when taking alli. Not everyone experiences gastrointestinal (GI) side effects (or “treatment effects”), but they can be manageable when you follow a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet.

    Treatment effects are bowel movement changes that are most commonly caused by eating meals with too much fat while using alli capsules. Such effects may include oily spotting, loose stools, and more frequent stools that may be hard to control.

    alli works by blocking the absorption of ¼ of the fat in the foods you eat. This undigested fat passes through the body naturally and it is not harmful. In fact, you may recognize it in the toilet as something that looks like the oil on top of a pizza.

    Eating a low-fat diet that consists of 15 grams of fat per meal on average can lower the chance of experiencing these treatment effects.

    Additionally, myalliplan can help you reduce the likelihood of having treatment effects. With this personalized, online support program created by weight-loss experts, you can get recipes and meal plans for low-fat meals.

    All drugs can have side effects and you should check with your doctor if anything unusual or severe occurs when using any weight-loss product. In controlled trials, only about 3% of subjects on alli dropped out due to treatment effects. In fact, anecdotally, many users have told us that treatment effects served as a signal that helped them adopt healthier eating patterns.

  • how do I report an adverse event from taking alli capsules?

    To report an adverse event or side effect as a result of using alli capsules, please call 1-800-671-2554, M–F, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET so we can give you personalized attention. In the event of a medical emergency, please contact your doctor, local emergency facility, or local poison control center.

• Dietary Fat

  • what is dietary fat?

    Fat has more than twice the calories per gram than carbohydrates or protein (9 calories per 1 gram of fat versus 4 calories per 1 gram of carbs or protein). Dietary fat is the most concentrated source of food energy. Dietary fats are composed chiefly of triglycerides, such as the fat in meats, milk products, and vegetable oils. Research attributes health risks to certain kinds of dietary fats. For example, it is believed that saturated fats (e.g., animal fats and butter) may be more dangerous to your health than polyunsaturated (e.g., corn and soybean oils) and monounsaturated fats (e.g., canola and olive oils), which may have a beneficial impact. All fat types, however, have the same number of calories and are affected by alli in the same way.

  • why is it important to target dietary fat?

    Intake of excessive calories can lead to weight gain. Because dietary fat is calorie dense (twice as much per gram than other nutrients), it can quickly lead to excessive calorie intake and weight gain. Weight gain is one of the major risk factors for conditions leading to heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

  • what can I do to help determine the amount of fat per meal?

    Use the reference booklets in the alli Starter Pack. The pack includes: Keys to Successful Weight Loss (“Read Me First”), Welcome Guide (“Hi”), Quick Facts Cards, Companion Guide, Healthy Eating Guide, Calorie & Fat Counter, and Daily Journal. The alli program gives you access to a comprehensive support program, including tools to help evaluate dietary fat content.

  • what if I consume a diet containing more than 15 grams of fat per meal?

    alli is recommended for use 3 times daily with meals containing fat. Meals should contain 15 grams of fat or less. Dietary fat consumption beyond the recommended 15 grams of fat per meal may result in an increased incidence of treatment effects, such as loose stools, more frequent stools that may be hard to control, or gas with oily spotting. These changes may occur in the first weeks of treatment, are not harmful, and can be managed by following a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet with about 15 grams of fat per meal. In comparative trials, only about 3% of subjects on alli dropped out due to treatment effects. In fact, anecdotally, many users reported that treatment effects served as a signal that helped them adopt healthier eating patterns.

  • does alli discriminate between types of fat, or does it prevent the absorption of both good and bad fats?

    alli does not discriminate between types of fat but prevents the absorption of about 25% of fat consumed. But remember, eating too much fat, whether it’s “good” or “bad” fat, can contribute to weight gain and possibly result in treatment effects. You should stay within your fat gram goal for each meal.

  • what about supplements such as vitamin E and flaxseed oil? Should I discontinue or limit them?

    We recommend you take a multivitamin (which contains vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene), at bedtime, while taking alli. If your doctor has recommended taking other supplements, take them as recommended by your doctor. But, remember that these and some other supplements may contain fat, and the supplement will count toward your fat intake targets.

• Ingredients

  • is Xenical® the same as alli?

    alli and Xenical® share the same active ingredient, orlistat. alli is sold over-the-counter, while Xenical® is available in a higher dose by prescription.

    alli is a 60 mg orlistat capsule, an over-the-counter weight-loss aid for overweight adults who follow a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet. As an FDA-approved OTC aid, alli puts the consumer in control by offering a proven OTC weight-loss aid with comprehensive support.

  • does alli contain any nut products?

    There are no nut derivatives or any other food allergens in alli capsules.

  • does alli contain soy?

    Yes. There is soy in the gelatin capsule.

  • are there animal derivatives in alli?

    Yes, the capsule and banding kit both contain components that are derived from bovine or porcine origin.

  • does alli contain sulfur?

    Yes. alli may contain trace amounts of sulfur, in the form of sodium lauryl.

  • does alli contain gluten, dairy, shellfish, or caffeine?

    No.

  • does alli contain any pork derivatives?

    The capsule and banding kit may contain components that are derived from bovine or porcine origin

• Obesity and BMI

  • what is obesity?

    Overweight and obesity can be defined as an excess accumulation of body fat sufficient to endanger health. Obesity is classified as a disease (not a personal weakness) that requires long-term treatment and management to achieve and sustain weight loss.

    The impact of overweight and obesity on the risk of disease is influenced by the location of the excess fat. Visceral fat, which is located within the abdominal region, surrounding the internal organs is associated with a greater health risk than subcutaneous fat, which is located under your skin.

    Experts agree that the primary cause of overweight and obesity is the excessive intake of calories. Weight gain results when the calories consumed are greater than the energy expenditure, the amount of calories that a person needs to burn in order to maintain his/her body weight. Since these calories are not used, the body stores them as body fat.

    In general, it is easiest for the body to store excess calories as body fat if they are consumed as dietary fat. The body can convert excess carbohydrates or protein into body fat, but it takes more energy (calories) than directly storing dietary fat. This is one reason why a high fat diet is associated with greater weight gain.

    A number of other factors contribute to overweight and obesity including genetic makeup, environment, socioeconomics status, culture, and psychological status.

  • how is obesity measured?

    The most commonly accepted measurement of overweight and obesity is known as the Body Mass Index (BMI).

    The BMI is designed to identify your healthy weight range based on your height. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. We can help you calculate your BMI on our BMI calculator page.
    The BMI is graded to indicate the degree of risk to health.
    BMI < 18.5 (underweight)
    BMI 18.5-24.9 (desirable weight)
    BMI 25-29.9 (overweight)
    BMI 30-40 (obese)
    BMI > 40 (severely obese)

    Other measurements together with BMI can be used to estimate health risk. Waist circumference is one of these measures and is the most practical method for measuring abdominal fat.

  • why does obesity need to be managed?

    Obesity is associated with an increase in serious health risks including:

    • elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels
    • diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)
    • some forms of cancer
    • osteoarthritis
    • gallstones
    • respiratory complications, such as increased difficulty in breathing while asleep
    • reduced quality of life

    If you have a question about obesity in your personal health, check with your doctor.

• technical questions

  • how do I use the tools & calculators in myalliplan?

    You must be signed in to use the myalliplan features. Each tool includes directions for use. If you still experience difficulty, please contact us or call customer service at 1-877-4myalli (469-2554) M-F, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET.

  • is myalliplan available online in Spanish?

    myalliplan is not currently offered in Spanish. You can either download a version from mialli.com, contact us, or call customer service at 1-877-4myalli (469-2554) M-F, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET.

  • how do I delete my profile and personal information stored in myalliplan?

    Please contact us or call customer service at 1-877-4myalli (469-2554) M-F, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET for information on how to delete your profile, personal information, and your account.

  • what if I have questions or suggestions about myalliplan?

    Please contact us or call customer service at 1-877-4myalli (469-2554) M-F, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET to share your questions or suggestions.

  • what if I'd like to report inappropriate activity, fraud, or abuse related to the message board?

    While we take measures to have the message boards moderated, we do rely on our community members to help us ensure the activity is appropriate. Please contact us or call customer service at 1-877-4myalli (469-2554), M-F, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET to report your concerns.

  • how do I close my account with myalliplan?

    You can opt out of receiving myalliplan emails. You can also contact us or call customer service at 1-877-4myalli (469-2554) M-F, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET.

  • I forgot my Username

    If you have forgotten your myalli.com Username, you can retrieve it online as follows:

    1. Click on "My Account" link on top the page
    2. Click on the "Click Here" link on the "if you've forgotten your username" line which is just below the Submit button on the Sign-in page
    3. Provide the email used in registration in the email field and click the Submit button

    Your Username will be sent to the email address you previously provided on the website. This email may be accidently filtered as SPAM, so if you do not see the email message in your inbox within a few minutes please check in the junk mailbox/folder.

  • I forgot my Password

    If you have forgotten your myalli.com Password, you can retrieve it online as follows:

    1. Click on "My Account" link on top the page
    2. Click on "Click Here" link in "If you have forgotten your password" line which is just below the Submit Button on sign in Page
    3. Provide the email used in registration in the email field and click SUBMIT button

    An email will be sent to email address you provided. Click on the link in the email to reset password or copy and paste URL in internet browser. The reset password link can only be used once to reset your password. If you tried more than once an error will be displayed.

    This email may be accidently filtered as “spam”, so if you do not see email soon in your inbox, please check in the junk mailbox.

  • Forgot Password link states “You are not registered user”

    Follow these steps:

    1. Clear all cookies and temporary files on the your computer / browser
    2. Follow the steps of “I forgot my Password” in this FAQ

  • Forgot Password links states “The URL you gave was incorrect”

    Please make sure you have included the entire URL provided to you in the email.

  • Forgot Password links states “Your password could not be updated. Please contact the system administrator for assistance.”

    If you use the old reset password email link again by refreshing the page with same URL to reset the password then you will get this error: "Your password could not be updated. Please contact the system administrator for assistance."

    The password reset link can only be used to reset your password. Follow the steps of “I forgot my Password” in this FAQ to get email again and try once more by clicking the link within the email

  • How do I participate in the alli community message boards?

    The new alli community message board requires the consumer to be a registered user of the site. After successful registration, you can then participate in discussions and submit posts and stories to the forums.

  • How do I use the new alli community website?

    Please see the help link on the community pages. This area has some useful information about the message board functionality.

  Cookies

  • What is a Cookie?

    A cookie is a small text file that a web server gives your browser to store on your computer when you access a website. Cookies are capable of storing many types of data and may be placed on your browser by GSK or by a third party.

    Cookies cannot read information stored on your hard-drive and cannot be used to run programs or to deliver viruses to your computer.

  • How and why does GSK use Cookies?

    Cookies are used for a variety of purposes on GSK websites:

    Some GSK sites set cookies that keep you from having to enter a password more than once during visits to one or more of our sites.

    We also use cookies to help us analyze usage of our sites and traffic among our sites more accurately and to provide you with information of interest to you. For example, cookies are used on some GSK websites to record the total number of hits received on the sites and web pages.

    Cookies also allow GSK to determine whether you came to a GSK site from another GSK site or from an advertising banner or link on a non-GSK website, so that we can, for example, measure the effectiveness of the links among our sites and the effectiveness of our advertising on non-GSK websites.

    Similarly, cookies allow us to determine whether you register on or visit any of our websites, which enables us to analyze how particular users use our sites and whether registered and unregistered users of our websites use our sites differently.

    Cookies also allow us to maintain information about how particular visitors use our family of sites, which enables us to better provide such visitors with information relevant to their interests. This may include using information about your use of our sites in conjunction with personally identifiable information that you have volunteered to us on one of our sites.

    In all cases in which cookies are used, however, neither GSK nor any third party will use the cookie to collect personally identifiable information from our site unless you voluntarily agree to enter the information, such as if you register on the Blog in order to post a comment. Most web browsers are set up to accept cookies. You can, however, reset your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. Note, however, that some portions of our sites may not work properly if you refuse cookies.

    Click here for steps to accept/delete cookies in your browser.

  Browser Information

  • Determining your browser version

    • In Microsoft Internet Explorer, Click on Help | About Microsoft® Internet Explorer
    • In Mozilla Firefox: Click on Help | About Mozilla Firefox

  • Recommended browser settings

    Following are the required browser settings

    1. Accept browser cookies:
       • Firefox Users click here
       • Internet Explorer Users click here
       • Safari Users click here
    2. Enable JavaScript on your Web browser:
       • Firefox Users click here
       • Internet Explorer Users click here

  Flash

  • How do I install Flash Player on Windows?

    On Microsoft Windows, download the Flash Player Installer.

  • I've installed Shockwave Player. Does this include support for Flash?

    No, Shockwave Player does not include Flash support. You will need to install the Flash Player separately.

  • Keyboard shortcuts cannot be used when Flash Player is loaded (full page)

    This is a known problem with all plug-ins, not just Flash Player.

  • I do not have Flash Player installed. How can I stop Mozilla from asking to download it?

    To stop Mozilla from asking to download Flash Player if it is not installed, you will have to delete the Default Plug-in’s, which is located in your browser's plug-in’s directory. This file is named npnul32.dll on Windows, and libnullplugin.so on Unix-based systems (Linux, Solaris and others). On other operating systems, you can check the file name using about: plug-in’s.

  • Can I use Flash Player for Internet Explorer with Mozilla?

    No. The Flash Player for Internet Explorer is an ActiveX control, which is not supported by Mozilla.

  • How do I uninstall Flash Player?

    To uninstall Flash Player, you can use the Flash Player Uninstaller.

  • A player window opens, but the audio doesn’t start. What should I do?

    Please check whether there is a "firewall" enabled on your network. A firewall is software or hardware used to keep unauthorized users from accessing your computer, but it can also block incoming data, such as our audio.

    If you are on an office network, you may need to ask your network administrator to allow access to the ports used by the media player. If you are on a home network, consult your firewall's documentation for instructions on how to allow audio streaming.