Alli Safety
Research has yet to determine the long-term health effects of weight-loss drugs. To date, the longest study is a 4-year investigation of
orlistat (aka
Xenical or
alli ). Most other studies have lasted 6 to 12 months or less. In addition, research has not examined rare side effects (those occurring in less than 1 per 1,000 patients), and the optimal duration of treatment is unknown.
When considering long-term weight-loss drugs to treat obesity, you should consider the following areas of concern and potential risks.
Potential for abuse or dependence. Currently, all prescription medications to treat obesity except
orlistat are controlled substances, meaning doctors need to follow certain restrictions when prescribing them. Although abuse and dependence are not common with nonamphetamine appetite-suppressant medications, doctors should be cautious when they prescribe these medications for patients with a history of alcohol or other drug abuse.
Development of tolerance. Most studies of weight-loss drugs show that a patient’s weight tends to level off after 6 months while still on medication. Although some patients and doctors may be concerned that this shows tolerance to the medications, the leveling off may mean that the medication is no longer effective. Based on the currently available studies, it is not clear if weight gain with continuing treatment is due to drug tolerance. A recent study found that
orlistat aids in weight maintenance over a 3-year period, but more research is needed to confirm these findings and investigate other drugs.
Reluctance to make behavioral changes while using prescription medications. Patients who are overweight or obese should be able to seek medical treatment to prevent health risks that can cause serious illness and death. Weight-loss drugs, however, are not “magic bullets” or a one-shot fix for this chronic disease. They should always be combined with a healthy eating plan and increased physical activity.
Side effects. Because weight-loss drugs are used to treat a condition that affects millions of people, many of whom are basically healthy, the possibility that side effects may outweigh benefits is of great concern. Most side effects of these medications are mild and usually improve with continued treatment. Rarely, serious and even fatal outcomes have been reported. Some of the common side effects of medications are explained below.