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Short Cut to Natural and Healthy Eating?
June 21, 2007

On June 15th, the first ever over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss drug so cleverly named Alli, (pronounced AL-eye), hit the store shelves. Approved in February, Alli is the reduced dosage version of orlistat, branded as Xenical and previously only available with prescription. Health experts and consumer advocates alike have questioned FDA’s decision to allow this drug to be readily available without physician monitoring. Not only are they concerned about the allure of an easy alternative to healthy lifestyle but also the tendency of the average consumer to overlook the side effects and health risks. Diarrhea, bloating, loose stools and anal leakage (and these are pleasant medical terms) are considered normal side effects. The official company website actually advises people wear dark pants and bring a change of clothes to work! More disconcerting to me is nutrient blockage issue. Alli, like Xenical, works to block the absorption of fat; however, it will also prevent proper absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K). Unlike its prescription predecessor, a physician does NOT have to approve or monitor long term usage of Alli. Basically, it’s as available as cough drops.

To be clear, this is not diatribe about evil drug companies. In fact, I have spent many years working with pharmaceutical companies and I fully support their overall mission of curing diseases and improving people’s lives. However, when it comes to something like weight loss, it’s no secret that most people prefer an “easy fix” over a solution requiring resolve, hard work and time. In fact, Alli flew off store shelves within hours after introduction. Although all Alli ads and drug inserts stress a balance of healthy lifestyle, sensible diet and use of the drug, those who turn to OTC solution may not heed the advice and put up with emergency runs to the toilet in pursuit of thinness. Without a balanced lifestyle, Alli will likely be ineffective, discourage the users and perpetuate the weight issue.

It should be obvious by now what my philosophy is: nothing can replace a consistent and healthy lifestyle. Instead of spending $60 a month on Alli, it seems far more pleasant and cheaper to eat fresh fruit delivered by a CSA , do some yoga or take nice walks with my family after dinner. From a health perspective, it is important to first eat right and exercise; local and organic eating is the special gravy on top. I know first hand it isn’t easy — it took me several years to gradually switch from my take-out habits to organic and home-cooked eating and incorporate regular exercise (of chasing and playing with my toddler). My husband and I feel better and healthier than before and as an added bonus, we each went down one pant size over course of a year. It was through my resolution to do better for myself and my daughter that I eventually moved into an organic and environmentally friendly lifestyle. I have also realized along the way that it’s important to instill these values early in life. My daughter is my inspiration for creating Organicpicks and our blog and I am always so excited when I find ideas like healthy cooking tips with kids and raising a little green star. I hope to gather more ideas in the future and welcome input from you kindred souls out there.

CindyC at Organicpicks
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