Fahrenheit?

I know these "new" pills that hit the OTC market recently, Alli, are just a 1/2 dosage of the Rx Xenical. I was actually considering that, since it is the only FDA approved weight loss drug (meaning, it had to be proven to work, although FDA endorsement is by no means the golden standard) but after hearing exactly [I]how[I] it worked was disturbing. It makes you go to the bathroom all the time.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of orlistat are oily spotting on underwear, flatulence, urgent bowel movements, fatty or oily stools, increased number of bowel movements, abdominal pain or discomfort, and inability to control stool (incontinence). Between 1 in 250 and 1 in 70 patients experienced one or more of these symptoms in the first year. Generally, the side effects occurred within three months of starting therapy. In about 50% of patients, the side effects resolved within one to four weeks, but the effects in some patients lasted six months or longer. To reduce the occurrence of these side effects, meals should contain no more than 30% fat because it is the unabsorbed fat that causes most of the symptoms. alli causes fewer side effects because it contains half the dose of prescriptionâ??strength orlistat. Patients receiving orlistat with a history of oxalate kidney stones may develop increased levels of oxalate in their urine, which may increase the risk of kidney stones. (Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD)

If you want to view the full article:

Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) Weight Loss Drug Information on MedicineNet.com

So needless to say, I will not be purchasing those pills. I only want to lose 10-15 lbs and it wouldn't be worth it. Besides I do not think these will be on the market very long, because people will abuse them. They will just take 2 which is equal to the full dose of Xenical (which is meant for obese people by Rx only) and people who do not need them will take them. I have already witnessed that 1st hand @ the Wal-Mart Pharmacy. A girl who could not have weighed more than 115 lbs bought some and I looked at her, and the pharmacy tech looked at her, but they were sold. And I guess it is possible she was not even buying them 4 herself, but it will happen. The media is to blame for America being so weight-obsessed, I don't know how it is in other countries.