Alli - wonder drug or embarassment creator extraordinaire

[emaidel]

This is about as "off-topic" as I can imagine. I wonder if any AR members have tried the latest diet pill (approved by the FDA, no less!) called "Alli?"

Much hype has surrounded this pill, again claiming to be the end-all in diet aids, but now, more information seems to be being posted regarding its rather unpleasant side effects. I tried Alli for about a week and then, wham!, they hit.

Alli's literature ever so delicately describes one of the side effects as "gas with oily spotting." Imagine if you will, just what that means. And, "spotting" is putting it mildly too! I can't think of too many more disgusting things to happen to me (or anyone else) than to experience this side effect, and not even be aware of it until getting up off a cream-colored upholstered chair and completely unintentionally leaving a nasty, orange stain, as well as all but ruined underwear and pants.

The web is full of other people's horror stories about this "orange Wesson oil" running freely from one's derriere, and more than one person - myself inclulded - has stopped taking Alli to avoid further embarassment from this side effect (or "treatment" effect, as Alli's literature states).

What Alli does is pass fat through one's system undigested. It is recommended that you consume each of your meals with no more than 15 grams of fat (already a very low level, which in and of itself will result in significant weight loss). Anything more than 15 grams (and remember that a single bratwurst can have as much as 28 grams of fat in it) will result in "gas with oily spotting."

So, perhaps Alli, if one is really serious about taking it, provides nasty and unpleasant results if you go off track from its guidelines. As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather keep on the few extra pounds than ruin any more of my furniture, or risk the unparalleled humiliation of ruining someone else's furniture. The only word I can use regarding Alli is, "BEWARE!"

[Rich-n-Texas]

This gives new meaning to the term: Anal Leakage! :eek:

Think about how quickly one would go through a box of Depends while on this stuff...

[Auricauricle]

Be wary of various herbal supplements and over the counter remedies for what ails ya!

Although the Fed has promised to tighten things up a bit, herbal products extolling the virtue of "going natural" have not been regulated as highly by the Fed as more established medications that go through quite a lot of experimentation and regulatory red tape before they are trotted out to market. Stuff like saw palmetto, gingko, and St. John's Wort may, on the surface, look tempting but they can have very nasty or strange side-effect profiles when mixed with prescription drugs. Some of these effects can be very harmful, like changing the body's metabolic mechanism. So, before you buy this stuff, check your doctor or a good nurse who knows about theses things....

Just a word to the wise, amigos!

[emaidel]

This gives new meaning to the term: Anal Leakage! :eek:

Think about how quickly one would go through a box of Depends while on this stuff...

One of the posters detailing the awful side effects of Alli suggested an "Alli-Oops" kit, consisting of many items, including Depends, several spare sets of underwear, etc., etc.

[ForeverAutumn]

Wow. That's crazy. What a horrible side effect.

I don't trust diet supplements although their claims can sometimes be tempting. As you say, if you ate a low fat diet, as Alli recommends, in the first place then you wouldn't need the diet supplement. I'd rather carry a few extra pounds and be healthy than accept the risks associated with most diet aids.

[Groundbeef]

Depends are for amatures.

Here is what you need when you take Allie:

http://www.jibjab.com/view/18095

[Auricauricle]

You know situations like this can be useful....

If you are going through 4-day-undies, they can remind you which side was worn last...

[JohnMichael]

I refuse to lose weight. If 2/3 of the US population are overweight then I am finally a member of a majority.

[Rich-n-Texas]

I'm off to lunch! :yesnod:

[Auricauricle]

Not a bad plan at all...

[Sir Terrence the Terrible]

Jeeze, I am glad that I do not have weight issues. I run 7 miles every other day no matter where I am. I eat right (more veggies and fruits less red meat), and I hit the gym at least 4 times every week when my schedule allows. Many in my family are overweight mostly due to the fact they eat and sit, eat and sleep, and they are just lazy.

Unless you have a thyroid problem, you don't need pills or fancy fixes to lose weight. The process is simple, and it is called calorie deficit. Burn more energy than your daily caloric intake, that is all. The problem is a lack of discipline, and nothing more than that.

[Rich-n-Texas]

Thanks so much for that inspirational message Mr. Clean. :p

[Woochifer]

Egad! :shocked:

Almost enough to drive one to lowering their caloric intake and exercising more! :cool:

FWIW, I just saw a gigantic Alli display at Costco and a whole gaggle of people tossing those oversized bottles into their oversized shopping carts. (I think it occupied the same location as a comparably gargantuan display for Hoodia pills a few months ago) Didn't see anyone also loading up on Depends though...

15 grams of fat per day? That's your diet right there.

[Woochifer]

BTW, these side effects are the same as Olestra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olestra) -- the fat substitute that made its way into a bunch of ice creams and snack foods before an FDA mandated warning label (see below) got slapped onto all products containing Olestra and demand quickly fizzled out.


This Product Contains Olestra. Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients. Vitamins A, D, E, and K have been added.

[Woochifer]

This gives new meaning to the term: Anal Leakage! :eek:

Actually, it's the same meaning as before, just a new line added to the Wiki entry ... right above the one discussing the correlation between leaking and eating butterfish ... (now you know what NOT to touch next time you go through a buffet line)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anal_leakage

BTW, great line from the wiki entry for Alli (Orlistat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlistat)) ...

'With Allies Like This, Who Needs Enemas?'

[Rich-n-Texas]

People here have the ability to take ANYTHING and run with it!!! :lol:

This place is a gas!!! :thumbsup:

[emaidel]

Depends are for amatures.

Here is what you need when you take Allie:

http://www.jibjab.com/view/18095

That was out and out HYSTERICAL!!

[emaidel]

BTW, these side effects are the same as Olestra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olestra) -- the fat substitute that made its way into a bunch of ice creams and snack foods before an FDA mandated warning label (see below) got slapped onto all products containing Olestra and demand quickly fizzled out.

Long before products made with Olestra were available, food purists were alarmed at the possible side effects (I believe it was the Olestra side effect of "anal leakage" that actually created that horrible term), and the fact that Olestra was a "non-food" that actually deprived one of nutritional benefits of foods made with it.

Naturally, most of this alarm was appropriate only when huge amounts were ingested, such as five or more large bags of potato chips. "Wow!" brand potato chips were test-marketed at a series of different locations throughout the country prior to releasing the product nationwide, and in all of those test markets, the stores couldn't keep the product on the shelves. Side effects were minimal, if they occurred at all.

Once made readily availble, "Wow!" potato chips flopped, not because of Olestra's side effects, but because they chips were far greasier than standard potato chips, and because they cost so much more money. A regular bag may cost $3.59, but the Wow! version, with a somewhat lower content of chips, sold for $4.95 - just far too much more money.

The name "Wow!" has now been replaced with "Light," but the chips are the same: they taste pretty good, are a bit greasy, and don't cause any side effects (unless you eat a ton of them). And they're still too expensive.

[emaidel]

This place is a gas!!!

With "oily, orange spotting."

[Woochifer]

Long before products made with Olestra were available, food purists were alarmed at the possible side effects (I believe it was the Olestra side effect of "anal leakage" that actually created that horrible term)

Well, it's only a horrible term if you think about it too much ... or at all! :shocked:

Actually, I recall watching a standup comedian back in the 80s doing a whole routine about "wet farts" ... it was really funny, but not quite crapinyourpants funny! :17:

[Sir Terrence the Terrible]

With "oily, orange spotting."


This just does not sound right........

[Woochifer]

This just does not sound right........

For whatever reason, I got visions of JSE's favorite taco truck pulling into the driveway with "La Cucaracha" blaring on the horn ... :21:

[bobsticks]

Alli is the joke of the pharmaceutical world---epicac for the butt. Ya gotta love directions that essentially say, start eating healthy and we'll make your intestines implode".



Be wary of various herbal supplements and over the counter remedies for what ails ya!

Although the Fed has promised to tighten things up a bit, herbal products extolling the virtue of "going natural" have not been regulated as highly by the Fed as more established medications that go through quite a lot of experimentation and regulatory red tape before they are trotted out to market. Stuff like saw palmetto, gingko, and St. John's Wort may, on the surface, look tempting but they can have very nasty or strange side-effect profiles when mixed with prescription drugs. Some of these effects can be very harmful, like changing the body's metabolic mechanism. So, before you buy this stuff, check your doctor or a good nurse who knows about theses things....

Just a word to the wise, amigos!

Well, let's be careful treading here. As each person's metabolic rate and capacity differ, each person will find different solutions and successes. Generally, though, the key is in moderation. Of course, we as Americans aren't good at that so if a product promises to slice of sixty pounds or more of fat, so what if you have to blow out the inner walls of your rectum.

I've maintained the same weight since high school and I'm in my thirties now. Yes, excercise and a healthy diet play the biggest role. As T says, fresh fruits and veggies are your friend and any natural source of magnesium and potassium is a good thing for your metabolism. Portion size is something of which every human should be conscious...clearly in our culture it isn't self-regulated well.

At the same time, I've found that moderate supplements of ginko and fish oil combined with a fiber-high meal per day has a marvelous effect on my metabolism, and most importantly, one that's controllable. Think about the folks in our hobby that say, "more watts ain't necessarily better watts". With most supplements you will get all the benifits from taking the recommended amount or just slightly above. You can't get twenty-five times the benifit by taking twenty-five times the pills (your body will excrete any extra) but it's likely you'll get twenty-five times the side-effects.

On a happy note emaidel, any good nutritionist will tell you that when implementing a health program the first step is always a cleanse. It sounds like you've got that taken care of. Now, just back off on the tootin' juice, moderate your caloric and fat intake, and get the blood pumping with some exercise (no matter how rudimentary it may be; walking is a great starter and swimming is the best activity on the planet).

It really is about looking at everything from a wholistic point of view aimed toward healthy habits...

...and a shot of GHB now and then don't hurt eitha.

[JohnMichael]

The problem is a lack of discipline, and nothing more than that.




You are so right Sir T I need discipline, sir.

[jrhymeammo]

keep yourself in a buble from all the noise.

You guys remember Ephedra and Valerian Roots..............................ON WEED!?!?!?!?!?!?!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e90/hsmith1983/halfbaked4.jpg

[Sir Terrence the Terrible]

You are so right Sir T I need discipline, sir.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:;) You've been a berry berry bad boy.....

[bobsticks]

keep yourself in a buble from all the noise.

You guys remember Ephedra and Valerian Roots..............................ON WEED!?!?!?!?!?!?!



You want me to keep myself in Michael Buble?!?...


...and, no, but I remember ephedrine and Sisters of Mercy....on tractor brake fluid...you do whatcha gotta do, bruhmang.

[JohnMichael]

You want me to keep myself in Michael Buble?!?...






Just so you know I called dibs on Michael Buble.:nono:

[bobsticks]

Just so you know I called dibs on Michael Buble.:nono:

I kinda figured that was comin', buddy. All yours...me mits is off, can't speak for Jay though.

[JohnMichael]

I kinda figured that was comin', buddy. All yours...me mits is off, can't speak for Jay though.






When you are funnier than I does that make me your straight man?




Tonight at 8pm vacation began. Boarding a plane to meet 30+ members of a web site for an extended weekend of partying. If anyone sees me stumbling around the Twin Cities be kind.

[bobsticks]

When you are funnier than I, does that make me your straight man?

Tonight at 8pm vacation began. Boarding a plane to meet 30+ members of a web site for an extended weekend of partying. If anyone sees me stumbling around the Twin Cities be kind.

That's how I like my irony served...


...and have a great time,a safe flight and, please, do all the things I wouldn't do.

[jrhymeammo]

Hey JM,

you take the one of Left and I'll take that on...Right!
http://z.about.com/d/mensfashion/1/7/y/K/MichaelBuble.jpg

This party sounds kinda dirty JM. Why is Dat?

[Auricauricle]

Knowledge is the answer. Check you practitioner, read your books and get the down and skinny with others sbout their perceptions. Find out from every possible conceivable source you can find and read up on some of the scientific literature you can stomach. If, by thn you think that buying that bag of camomile tea will cure your ills, jump in.

Cave carnem!

[emaidel]

(no matter how rudimentary it may be; walking is a great starter

.


I have been doing a 4-mile "power walk" each day for about 12 years. I also went on a super lo-fat diet 12 years ago with a daily intake of 20 or fewer fat grams a day. The weight all but fell off me, but adhering to such a strict diet was very difficult. I've gained back a lot of the weight I lost, but I'm healthy, have a resting pulse rate of 60, blood pressure of 120 over 80, and am 63 years old. I'd like to be thinner, but it's not so easy for me. I'm also a pretty good cook, am a certified wine snob, and that doesn't help matters much either...

And, BTW, I took the jar of the remaining Alli pills and tossed it into the trash yesterday. Those horrible stains don't wash out of clothing any too easily, even with judicious applications of products like "Shout!" and the like.

Again, BEWARE of this awful product.

[Rich-n-Texas]

The post above would be the perfect ending to this thread. :yesnod:

Yeah. Okay Rich. Good luck! :nonod:

[ForeverAutumn]

I'm healthy, have a resting pulse rate of 60, blood pressure of 120 over 80, and am 63 years old. I'd like to be thinner, but it's not so easy for me.

I realized a long time ago that it's more important to be healthy than thin.

I'm glad to hear that you got rid of the pills. If you want to lose weight, I would recommend a program like Weight Watchers or something similar. They will teach you to eat better without feeling too deprived of the foods that you like. It is a lifestyle that can be maintained without too much difficulty if you are committed. Stay away from places like Jenny Craig or any place where you have to eat their food. Once you go back to cooking for yourself you'll just put the weight back on.

I've also found that a good dietician or nutritionist will help you learn to eat to lose weight. It's not an easy process, but it can be done.

If you want to do it yourself, I recommend picking up a copy of Bill Phillips book, Body for Life and the accompanying cookbook, Eating for Life.

Try some different exercises too. Your body can get used to the same routine all the time. It's good to shake things up a bit. As Kex said, nothing beats swimming for a good total body workout.

Gee, you'd think that I've been there or something. :smilewinkgrin: