CHICAGO, Jan 22 (Reuters) – Users of Alli, the first
weight-loss drug approved for sale over-the-counter in the
United States, are finding what they likely suspected all
along: pills are no magic substitute for diet and exercise.
Yet as Americans engage in the New Year’s tradition of
resolving to shed pounds, the market for diet aids is expected
to remain firm, even as the economy is mired in recession.
Americans spend $30 billion a year on weight-loss products
and services, and two-thirds of the population is overweight or
obese.
GSK.L
), a lower-strength version of
Roche’s (
ROG.VX
) prescription-only Xenical, created’ a stir
when it was approved 18 months ago.
Since then, it has become known for its unpleasant side
effects, including incontinence, diarrhea and flatulence with
“oily spotting.”
“It works to inhibit absorption of fat from our diet.
Therefore the fat comes out in the stool, causing diarrhea,
which patients don’t like much,” said Shirley TerMolen, a
Chicago internist.
Because the side effects result from eating too much fat,
TerMolen noted that some of her colleagues use the drug to help
patients modify their behavior.
TerMolen said she has prescribed the drug but has not seen
a lot of success. “For most people, they’re just looking for a
shortcut instead of just eating better and exercising,” she
said.