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An over-the- counter pill which fights obesity could go on sale in Britain next year. Slimmers who take an Alli tablet with every meal typically lose 50 per cent more weight than those who rely solely on willpower.  The drug - the first of its kind to be sold without prescription - apparently cuts weight by 5 per cent in only four months. Alli is a clinically-proven alternative to these hyped quick-fix products that mislead overweight adults away from weight-loss strategies that are backed by medical science.'

There are concerns, however, that any weight loss on the pill will only be temporary, with dieters putting weight back on when they stop taking the capsules. And it is likely that pharmacists will have to use their discretion to ensure the drug is not abused by anorexics and others who do not need to lose weight.

 

If Glaxo gets the go-ahead to sell Alli in chemist's shops here, it will be displayed behind the counter, rather than on the shop floor. Obesity experts welcomed the innovation but cautioned that there is no easy way of losing weight.

Colin Waine stated that the NOF would be concerned that the pill would be seen as a panacea for people who want to get into a smaller-sized bikini. ¬ìThe drug's side effects may be unpleasant ¬ì he said , ¬ì if you eat a high-fat diet, you will experience the effects but, used sensibly with the right sort of dietary back-up, the pill could help some people.  It is not a panacea for minor degrees of excess fat and should not be handed out like smarties.  If it is to be used it should be confined to those who will understand how to make the necessary dietary changes and who's overweight or obesity is contributing or has the potential to contribute to cardio metabolic risk ¬î'

 

Dr Beckie Lang, of the Association for the Study of Obesity, agreed.  She said. 'For motivated people, who want to manage their weight themselves, great, the pill t could work.  But I am cautious that people will think it is going to be some kind of magic bullet. This isn't a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.'