Am I Suitable For Alli?

See also: How alli works • Alli support • How to take alli • Diet tips • BMI Calculator • About Orlistat • Weight loss target calculator

Who is classed as obese?

Alli is suitable for adults (18 or over) whose BMI (Body Mass Index) is more than 28 who are classed as Obese. BMI is measured by dividing your weight in kilos by your height in metres squared. According to the UK Department of Health someone with a BMI of 25 to 29 is Pre-Obese and someone with a BMI greater than or equal to 30 is Obese. This means that if you are at the upper end of Pre-Obesity you may want to consider trying Alli and if you are considered Obese, you can give Alli serious consideration. Let our BMI Calculator check your BMI for you to see if you qualify for Alli.

Who should NOT take Alli?

You should not take Alli if:

• You are pregnant/maybe pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• You have had an organ transplant as alli interferes with the medicines used to prevent transplant rejection.
• You have gallbladder problems, kidney stones or pancreatitis.
• You are taking Warfarin.
• You are suffering from chronic malabsorption syndrome.

Taking Alli with other medicines

• Alli must NOT be taken if you use Ciclosporin or anticoagulants (such as Warfarin).
• Those taking medication for diabetes or amiodarone for heart rhythm problem should consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking Alli. You may provide Express Chemist with this information when filling in the pharmacy questionnaire at the checkout for our pharmacist to check. This is because it may be necessary to alter the dose of the medication
• Those taking medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol can take Alli but must regularly speak to the doctor in case the dosage needs adjusting.
• Those taking the contraceptive pill and Alli together may need to use an additional contraceptives if loose stools/diarrhoea is experienced as an effect of the Orlistat.
• Dietary supplements can be taken with Alli. In Fact it is recommended that a multivitamin is taken during your course of Alli, as it can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins found in food.

Am I ready to start taking Alli?

Although you may qualify on paper to take Alli, taking a course of Alli tablets requires your commitment and probably a little soul searching too. Are you motivated to lose weight? Everyone will have different reasons for considering Alli. For example your doctor or another medical professional maybe recommending weight loss prior to surgery or prior to trying to conceive. Or perhaps you are considering losing weight due to a family history of strokes, heart disease or diabetes. Whatever your reason for wanting to lose weight preparing your mind as well as your body is just as important to achieving sustainable weight loss with Alli. Take a read through the following check list to judge your readiness for the Alli diet.

"Am I Ready for Alli" Mental Check List:

• I am willing to do the hard work to lose weight gradually.
• I am committed to following a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet (less than 15 grams of fat per meal).
• I understand that if I take alli with a meal containing too much fat, I may get bowel changes such as more flatulence (passing wind), looser stools, running to the loo more often and oily spotting.
• I am committed to eating smaller portions.
• I am committed to making time to be more physically active.

Do I need to do anything before taking Alli?

Yes, around a fortnight before starting your course of Alli tablets it is recommended that you begin taking some light exercise such as walking or swimming and reduce the amount of fatty foods you eat during the course of the day. This will better prepare you for the bodily changes that will occur when you start taking the tablets. You may also want to get into the habit of taking a multivitamin as you will be asked to take one at the end of each evening. This is because using Alli can reduce the normal nutrient intake from meals. See our Multivitamins page for some suggestions.

What will happen when I start taking Alli?

Physically you may notice a change in bowel movements. With the Alli Diet Plan you will have access to information and guidance to support you through your weight loss journey. You will begin to question your previous approach to food and dieting, your current lifestyle and eating habits. We have some quick tips to help you get started on our page What food should I eat with alli?