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Dieting? Skip the Pricey Pills

No way around healthy eating and exercise

By Victoria Floethe, Newser User

Posted Jan 22, 2009 6:25 PM CST

(Newser) – Now that Americans have had access to the first over-the-counter weight-loss drug for 18 months, we've become a lean, mean nation, right? Not so much, writes Debra Sherman for Reuters. It's true that Alli—$60 for a 30-day supply—gives users slightly better results, but they're probably not worth the cost and unfortunate gastro-intestinal side effects. "For most people, they're just looking for a shortcut instead of just eating better and exercising," one doctor said.

In fairness, maker Glaxo stresses that it's not a "miracle pill." But the "shortcut" aspect is appealing to an overweight nation, and the FDA is even worried it's being abused by people with eating disorders. As pharma giants work on improvements, expect Alli to stick around. "It's a smart drug more from a marketing standpoint than from a clinical efficacy standpoint," said one Mayo Clinic specialist. "This is a multibillion-dollar industry."

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

[Quotes (1)]

In this image released by NBC, host, Alison Sweeney, left, and trainers Bob Harper, center, and Jillian Michaels from the NBC series, "The Biggest Loser," are shown. (AP Photo/NBC, Mitchell Haaseth)

Pills are no magic substitute for diet and exercise. (Flickr)

GlaxoSmithKline's Alli, a lower-strength version of Roche's prescription-only Xenical, created' a stir when it was approved 18 months ago. (PRNewsFoto)

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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. - Shirley TerMolen, a Chicago internist.

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Dieting? Skip the Pricey Pills