How Alli works

Alli is a weight loss capsule which along with a low fat diet, results in a slow, sustained weight loss. It works by preventing some of the fat within your food from being absorbed which reduces your calorie intake. This calorie reduction leads to weight loss. If you expend more calories than you need, for example, from following a low fat diet and taking exercise, then you will shed those extra pounds.

Conversely, if you consume more calories than you need then these extra calories will be stored as body fat. This results in weight gain.

Alli and fat absorption

Alli is the brand name of Orlistat: a fat inhibiting substance which binds to pancreatic and gastric enzymes (also known as lipases) which break down fat molecules within our food. Fat in food is high in calories but if it isn’t absorbed then it cannot lead to weight gain. If less of this fat is absorbed then it means a lower calorie intake. This will cause weight to be lost. Alli does not break down all the fat within food. It prevents around 30% of fat from being absorbed which is then excreted out of the body.

This reduction in calories will force your body to use your own fat stores as a source of energy. This will lead to lower body fat levels and a reduction in weight. Alli is not a stimulant or an appetite suppressant so will not speed up your heart rate, cause anxiety or result in insomnia. It only affects your gastrointestinal tract (digestive system). You can expect to see results as little as two weeks after you first use alli although weight loss will be gradual rather than dramatic.