The first non-prescription diet drug ever to be approved by the FDA hit the shops this week and optimistic dieters are dashing out to buy it.
The new diet pill, Alli which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) works by blocking the absorption of fat by the body which is then eliminated by way of the bowels.
The drug does have some unpleasant side-effects such as oily bowel movements, loose stools and the possibility of leakage, along with gas.
A months supply of Alli will set you back US$60 and GSK recommends the best results will be achieved when no more than 15 grams of fat per meal are eaten while taking the drug.
Alli is not recommended for people younger than 18, people with kidney disease, or people on blood thinners.
In a study, Alli taken in conjunction with a good diet, offered an additional 5% of weight loss when compared to somebody following a good diet without taking the drug.
Only 20% of people who use Alli can expect to lose 10% or more of their body weight and many will lose very little weight and possibly suffer the embarrassing gastrointestinal side effects.
Unlike other prescription weight-loss drugs Alli does not induce a feeling of fullness, reduce cravings or curb the appetite; what it does do is prevent the body from breaking down and absorbing fat.
The active ingredient in Alli, orlistat is also found in the prescription diet drug Xenical but in a higher dosage.
While Alli blocks around 25% of the fat eaten, Xenical blocks one-third of the fat ingested.