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!"