Not-so-magic pill

It bills itself as a revolutionary weight-loss aid.

It claims that by popping a pill three times a day, people can lose twice as much as they normally would with diet and exercise alone.

But Alli, the first FDA-approved, over-the-counter diet pill with the active ingredient Orlistat, has some bothersome side effects.

It punishes cheaters.

Those who do not follow the plan exactly and indulge in too much fatty food will experience loose stools. Or gas with an oily discharge.

In fact, the company that paid $100 million to market the drug in the United States -- GlaxoSmithKline -- advises dieters to wear dark pants and bring a change of clothes to work just in case.

Muskegon's Maria Harjer found out about the side effects after purchasing a bottle of Alli, shortly after it came on the market in late June.

Harjer said she has tried everything to lose weight, but after working out at Curves for six months, she hit a plateau and decided to shell out the $60 for a one-month supply of Alli (prounounced Al-eye).

"I lost about three pounds in the first week, but you know, it doesn't come without the side effects," the 39-year-old Muskegon woman said. "It keeps you from overdoing it, which I did overdo it one day, and found out what happens afterwards."

To avoid side effects, Alli users are cautioned to stick to a low-fat diet and exercise regularly.

Source: http://www.mlive.com