"Alli" weight loss pill now available
St. Petersburg, Florida - After months of waiting, Alli finally hit the shelves Thursday. Walgreens was one of the first stores in the Bay area to sell the FDA approved weight loss aid, selling a 90-day starter pack for $59.99.
Alli, which used to be available by prescription only under the name Xenical, boasts it can help people lose 50% more weight than dieting alone. But not everyone was rushing to buy the fat blocking diet pill on Thursday.
Katherine White, St. Petersburg:
"Because I like to do things the natural way and I don't want to spend the rest of my day in the bathroom."
It seems there are several possible side effects with Alli including diarrhea, a change in bowel habits and more.
Christine Craig, Morton Plant Mease
"You can have abdominal cramping, nausea; vomiting, intestinal symptoms and people just are willing to have that just to lose weight."
Christine Craig with Morton Plant Mease says Alli is not a "miracle pill." In fact, the makers of Alli say for best results anyone taking the weight loss aid needs to change the way they eat and exercise. Plus, experts caution Alli may not work for everyone.
It's not intended for those trying to shed just a few pounds, instead doctors say it's for adults who are 30, 40, 50 pounds or more overweight. Before taking it Craig says it's also best to consult a physician first.
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