All the chemists (drug-stores) in my area seem to be pushing Alli, the new over the counter "slimming aid".

I'm curious, has anyone tried it, or do you know of anyone that has?

I'm generally very cautious of diet pills and any magic bullet for weight-loss, especially when you consider what is in most so-called diet pills (normally a form of amphetamin).

However Alli is being pushed very differently. They are being very careful not to claim miracles. It isn't a stimulant or appitite suppressant, rather it reduces the absorption of fat by the digestive system.

I'm wary, but intrigued. If it genuinely works and doesn't have side-effects, then it might be good for people who have successfully lost weight but reach a plateau, as I have at the moment.

They were advertising a product like that here in Canada a while ago. In the fine print it said you might experience explosive diarrhea. Sounded fabulous to me! The idea is that if you eat fat it can't be absorbed so it flushes right through. I'd certainly either quit eating fat or stay very close to the toilet if an explosion was going to happen.

Ewww

They keep that particular side effect pretty quiet

I thought it was probably too good to be true.

I'm pretty wary of anything that interferes with the natural processes in the bod. Fats are important and I don't know if that blocks all, most or a little of it being absorbed.

I'd be very wary. When it first came on the market they said it wouldn't be available without a 'consultation' with the pharmacist. It wouldn't, allegedly, be sold to anyone not overweight. I find that hard to believe and I'm sure it can easily be bought on line anyway. It's expensive, so I can't imagine many people being turned away.

I would be curious so see if it does actually work.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alli/WT00030

I found this article about Alli. Doesn't sound very promising and could get downright embarrassing if you weren't careful!