2008 Woodie Awards
FDA to approve new over the counter diet pill
Rachelle Murphy
Issue date: 2/2/06 Section: Perspectives
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On Jan. 23, the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, met to discuss the possibility of approving the first over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss pill. Orlistat, which will be known as "Alli", is being pushed by its maker GlaxoSmithKline for approval as an OTC weight loss pill.
A prescription version of "Alli" has been sold since 1999, known as Xenical. The side effects of both Xenical and "Alli" are the same, and essentially they are the same drug. The only differences are the price and "Alli" is only half the dose of the prescription version. Xenical costs about $100 a month, while "Alli" would cost between $15 to $25 a week, according to its maker GlaxoSmithKline.
Orlistat helps increase the amount of pounds lost when combined with diet and exercise. However, when one stops taking the pill, the pounds lost will be regained.
"If you had to lose weight for health reasons, you probably should try other healthier ways to do it," said a sophomore who wished to remain anonymous.
Pending approval, "Alli" would be taken with meals. The pill works by blocking the absorption of about 150-200 calories of fat. The fat would be passed through bowel movements. The side effects of both Xenical and "Alli" are quite embarrassing.
One side effect of the pill is loose stools, which is the urge to continuously have to go to the bathroom. Other side effects include the reduction of adsorption of some vitamins, inability to control bowel movements (fecal incontinence) and gas and oily discharge. These side effects occurred to about one half of the study group.
"I would never take diet pills. They aren't good for you, they mess with your digestion and you can get addicted," said Britany Price, sophomore, Meriden.
During the voting process on Jan. 23, a few board members were worried about the potential for abuse of the new pill. They were especially worried about teenagers and their use of "Alli". Glaxo is hoping to pass an age limit of 18 and older for consumers who wish to purchase the product.