Weight Watchers Points and Alli

commitforlife · 01-16-2010, 03:53 PM

Has anyone ever heard of following the Weight Watchers points system and also using the Alli pills?
Would like anyone's comments on this. If it could or should be done.
Thanks

AnneL · 01-18-2010, 12:34 PM

I tried Alli years ago, when it was still by prescription only. It blocks fat absorption; sometimes with really gross potty results if you eat something really greasy. (Gross! Like change your undies and hope you're not out in public gross.) When you eat healthier foods, nothing really happenend. So... my impression was that it mostly worked in training you to stay away from fatty foods but not so much if you're following the dietary guidelines from WW. That said, it couldn't hurt to do both; just alot of extra expense.

mareneli · 01-20-2010, 09:39 PM

I'd be careful, because when I'm on WW I eat pretty low-fat. If Alli blocks some fat, you might end up blocking some that you need.

Amy9 · 01-20-2010, 09:42 PM

I have wondered the same thing. Glad someone asked.

Daimere · 01-21-2010, 02:37 AM

Both times I've done WW, I've used Alli. Once I started to get into the groove, I was eating very low fat which meant I had to stop alli. Some people don't think you should use Alli but I view it as a tool to encourage one NOT to consume huge fatty substances

Daimere · 01-21-2010, 02:38 AM

And I've NEVER had spots on my underwear or anything. The only time it was horrible was when I hate Gold Star and it wasn't anything that was massive enough to need a change of underwear. I just felt it in the bathroom the next day

commitforlife · 02-08-2010, 01:27 PM

Speaking of eating low fat and taking Ali. What do you think would happen if you didn't get enough fat? You probably wouldn't have any treatment effects, but would it harm anything else, you think?

Ms. Sassy · 02-10-2010, 11:58 PM

I love your description, AnneL! Totally made me laugh! A friend and I were just talking about Alli today and, while I hadn't heard any feedback one way or the other about it, that was pretty much how she described it, too. I'll be honest, once the conversation started, I toyed with trying it (though, she's a super healthy person so her stance was on the "nay" side). But now that you mention it, if we are eating less fatty, greasy foods, would it have much effect? Also, for my post-weigh in meal, I do like to treat myself and "use up those extra points from the week" (which is how I make myself feel less guilty for eating no-no foods) and that often involves McDonald's or the like. I'm thinking the Alli would very much make me regret those little "treats!"

Amy8888 · 02-19-2010, 11:13 AM

I tried Alli for a while last year. IIRC, the instructions said it can be used with other diet programs but suggested that WW might not be the best. This is because WW might encourage some people to splurge on fattier foods at certain times (e.g., use your weekly points for eating out at a restaurant). If you can keep your fat intake consistent throughout the day while on WW that would be fine, but if not and you think you might go the occasional splurge route, it might be best to avoid Alli.

Honestly, I needed to do something for accountability to get me going on weight loss. First I tried Alli because obviously, there's accountability if you don't follow the plan. But I soon found that I would just skip a pill, then a couple pills, then just stopped taking them when I planned to eat unhealthy food. WW has given me a much better sense of accountability than Alli did. Sure, the extra 50% boost in weight loss would be nice but I can do without that.

Cleo · 02-20-2010, 04:30 PM

I just began taking Alli—I’m on “day 2.” I struggled with my decision to take it; but after reading all the research and various experiences, I decided to give it a try for $25 (at Target).

I’ve lost 70lbs (or more) twice in my life; but, it didn’t stay off for more than a year or so. I tried WW, and just about everything else that I could get my hands on. My biggest difficulties in achieving a healthy way of living are: learning what “healthy eating” is—and doing it; seeing results fast enough that I don’t get frustrated; and, understanding that these changes are permanent (so “cheating” is not possible in this way of thinking).

Now, I hope that Alli can help me—especially with the #2 difficulty. Losing weight, as we all know, takes time—and Alli is not a “quick fix”; but, if I can speed up the process—even just a bit—I know it will help me (both mentally and physically). That’s just my reasoning—but, the final verdict is still out; I’ll continue with my “eating healthy” plan and take Alli and see what the difference (if there is one) is.

By the way, I will say that I am not impressed—at all—with “myAlli” website. Very few posts are on the discussion boards, and even the “ask our nutritionist/fitness expert/etc.” sections are lacking responses from "the experts" to the few posting members.

And, to answer the original question: the companion materials to Alli say that Alli generally works with low- and medium-fat diets, including WW.

Hope this helps!

Ms. Sassy · 02-21-2010, 09:19 PM

Cleo, I'd be interested in how it works out for you as your days and weeks go on. If you will, please keep us posted on how your body responds. Thanks!

Cleo · 02-22-2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ms. Sassy

Cleo, I'd be interested in how it works out for you as your days and weeks go on. If you will, please keep us posted on how your body responds. Thanks!

I'll be glad to, Ms. Sassy! So far, so good (yay!), but I'll be back in a few days after I've reached my "1 week" mark

Have a great day!

Cleo · 02-25-2010, 11:25 AM

Hi, Ms. Sassy & anyone else reading this thread

I just wanted to stop by, per request, and let everyone know that Alli's doing okay for me thus far; time will "tell" more, though. I have decided to create a blog based on my overall progress--and my experiences with Alli.

(My blog can be reached by clicking on the link near my avatar--I'm a newbie and can't insert links in my posts yet.)

Have a great day!

slimsilhouette2b · 03-02-2010, 10:28 PM

From my personal experience.... pills don't work. Period. There are no short cuts in weight loss. When changing your lifestyle to lose weight you gotta do what you are willing to do for the rest of your life. I'm personally not willing to give up some of my favorite treats (in moderation) and then worry about pooping in my pants. haha. Just not worth it to me. There are no studies out there that say that treats like chocolate or ice cream or whatever it is that you love in moderation is bad for you.

Again just my opinion.

Thighs Be Gone · 03-02-2010, 10:38 PM

slim,

I would agree with you saying "Pills don't work." However, Alli is not just a pill. Alli is an overall fitness plan which includes proper eating habits and exercise. Alli will give you a slight edge and sometimes the motivation to quicken weightloss when some may otherwise give up before they achieve their goals.

I was on Alli PLAN for a couple of months. It helped me. Funny, I never "pooped my pants" as you describe. Have you done that? Have you ever tried Alli or read about the plan? When not followed correctly there CAN be some disgusting side effects. Honestly though, it wouldn't compare to how disgusting I felt before.