The quest for effective weight loss solutions has led many to explore various options, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as dietary supplements. Among these, "fat burners" and weight loss pills have gained popularity, promising to boost metabolism, suppress appetite, and ultimately, shed unwanted pounds. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of weight loss pills, with a particular focus on Alli (orlistat), its mechanism of action, potential benefits, and risks, while also exploring alternative weight loss medications and strategies.
Understanding Alli (Orlistat)
Alli (pronounced AL-eye) is an over-the-counter drug designed for overweight adults who are actively trying to lose weight. It is a 60-milligram version of orlistat (Xenical), which is a 120-milligram prescription drug. Both Alli and Xenical have been approved for use in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
How Alli Works
The active ingredient in Alli, orlistat, works by inhibiting lipase, an enzyme in the digestive tract responsible for breaking down dietary fat. By blocking lipase, orlistat prevents about 25% of the fat consumed from being absorbed by the body. Instead, the undigested fat passes through the digestive system and is eliminated as waste.
Dosage and Usage
The recommended dosage for Alli is one 60-milligram pill taken within an hour of a fat-containing meal, up to three times a day. It is important to spread daily fat intake over three main meals, ensuring that fat constitutes no more than 30% of total calories. If a meal contains no fat, a dose of Alli is not necessary.
Potential Benefits
Alli can aid in weight loss, but the results are generally modest. Studies have shown that more than 40% of individuals taking Alli, while adhering to a calorie-restricted diet and increasing physical activity, experienced a weight loss of 5% or more of their body weight within a year.
Read also: Weight Loss with Lemme Burn
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Alli
Like all medications, Alli carries potential risks and side effects. The most common side effects are digestive-related, stemming from undigested fats passing through the digestive system. These can include:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Gas with oily discharge
- Frequent or urgent bowel movements
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements
These side effects typically lessen over time with continued use and adherence to a low-fat diet.
Nutrient Absorption
Alli can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, such as beta carotene and vitamins A, D, E, and K. To mitigate this, it is recommended to take a multivitamin at least two hours after the last dose of Alli.
Liver Injury
In 2010, the FDA published a safety review of orlistat due to rare reports of serious liver injury in people using it. As a result, the labels for Alli and Xenical were revised to include warnings about this potential risk.
Alternative Weight Loss Medications
While Alli is an over-the-counter option, several prescription weight loss medications are available. These medications work through different mechanisms to promote weight loss and are typically prescribed based on an individual's BMI, health conditions, and other factors.
Read also: What's inside BurnWell Keto? A full ingredient list
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications that have gained significant popularity for their effectiveness in weight loss. These drugs mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which helps to regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic): Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, approved for use in adults and children aged 12 years or more with obesity or some adults with excess weight who also have weight-related medical problems. Ozempic may be a more familiar name to some patients. Semaglutide is administered as an injection and the dose must be increased gradually over 16 to 20 weeks to arrive at the 2.4 mg dosage.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza): Liraglutide is a daily injectable medication that acts on hormones that send signals from the gut to the brain to make the patient feel full quicker and decrease hunger signals. Liraglutide is also approved for Type 2 Diabetes, under the brand name Victoza.
Dual Receptor Agonists
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro): Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that suppresses appetite, improves satiety, and supports metabolic health. Zepbound is approved to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater. Mounjaro, which is indicated for type 2 diabetes. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults with obesity or overweight (without diabetes) taking tirzepatide achieved up to 22.5% average body weight reduction at 72 weeks.
Other Medications
- Phentermine: Phentermine is the oldest and most widely used weight loss medication. It was originally used as a short-term medication to jump-start weight loss, but now newer medical guidelines have added it to long-term therapy.
- Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia): Topiramate can be combined with phentermine to decrease appetite and cravings. Adults with migraines and obesity are good candidates for this weight-loss medication.
- Naltrexone-Bupropion (Contrave): Naltrexone-bupropion combines an opioid receptor antagonist with an antidepressant to affect the pleasure-reward areas of the brain and thereby decrease cravings and appetite.
Emerging Medications
Pharmaceutical platform Ozmosi predicts one to two GLP-1 launches annually starting in 2026. specifically for obesity. Lilly is developing at least two new options. The first, orforglipron, is an oral GLP-1 inhibitor that completed a Phase 3 clinical trial in early 2025. It could provide a welcome alternative for people who do not want injections. The other, retatrutide, targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. At this writing, it is in Phase 3 clinical trials. Amgen is developing MariTide, a monoclonal antibody designed to increase GLP-1 receptor activity while reducing GIP receptor activity. The once-monthly injection entered Phase 3 clinical trials in March 2025.
The Role of Lifestyle Modifications
Weight loss medications can be a valuable tool in managing obesity, but they are most effective when combined with lifestyle modifications, including:
- Healthy Eating Plan: A balanced diet that is rich in whole foods, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Behavioral Changes: Modifying eating habits, such as portion control, mindful eating, and avoiding processed foods.
Fat Burner Supplements: An Overview
Fat burner supplements are a popular option for individuals seeking to enhance their weight loss efforts. These supplements typically contain a blend of ingredients that are believed to boost metabolism, increase energy expenditure, and suppress appetite. However, it's crucial to approach fat burners with caution and a critical eye.
Common Ingredients in Fat Burners
- Caffeine: A stimulant that can increase energy levels and potentially help burn calories.
- Green Tea Extract: Contains compounds that may help burn calories and reduce fat absorption.
- Carnitine: A compound that boosts metabolism and gives you energy.
- Yohimbe: A plant compound that may cause negative effects, including headaches, anxiety, and increased blood pressure.
- Soluble Fiber: Helps control appetite and may prevent the body from absorbing fat.
Risks and Considerations
- Lack of Regulation: Fat burner supplements are not regulated by the FDA, meaning that their safety and effectiveness are not always guaranteed.
- Undeclared Ingredients: Some supplements may contain ingredients that are not listed on the label, posing potential health risks.
- Side Effects: Fat burners can cause a range of side effects, including heart palpitations, headaches, insomnia, and liver damage.
Recommended Fat Burner Supplements
- PhenQ: Contains ingredients to support fat loss, maintain lean muscle, boost energy levels, and potentially curb cravings without excessive stimulants.
- Legion Phoenix Fat Burner: Gives women the option to choose a stim-free version.
- Jacked Factoryâs Burn XT: May help enhance the bodyâs calorie-burning capability and support fat oxidation.
- Transparent Labs Recomp Stim-free: For those who regularly drink a pre-workout, a stim-free fat burner may be preferred.
- 1st Phorm L-Carnitine: Intended to support fat burning without heavy stimulants.
The Importance of Third-Party Testing
When choosing a fat burner supplement, it is essential to select products that have been third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures independent verification of safety, purity, as well as nutrition label accuracy. This helps to reduce the risk of mislabeling or underdosing and checks for harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and more for safety.
Read also: Keto and Apple Cider Vinegar