Earlier this year the drug Alli was launched to aid weight loss, available off prescription.  There were two camps with two entirely different opinions; the ones for and the ones against.  It appears those against the drug have been proved correct.  The US Food and Drug Administration is looking into 32 reports of liver damage in patients taking Alli and Xenical, the drug’s prescription version.

Photo Source: PA

We witnessed brides going to great lengths to get this drug, from wearing ankle weights to appear heavier on the pharmacy scales to getting overweight friends to go to the chemist and get them.  The drug has horrible side-effects and anyone going to this length to lose weight, should at least be supervised by a G.P.  Alli is half strength Xenical, a drug originally for obese patients.  This drug should not be used by someone wishing to lose just a few pounds.

Here are some of the discussions comments from RealWeddings.ie members:

”can’t believe people who are a healthy weight & height would take these tabs – just to lose a few lbs. Drop carbs/do low fat/exercise more for heavens sake!”

”I did a quick weightloss programme a couple of years ago – for medical reasons and under constant supervision by my GP, I should add. It’s not something I’d recommend to anyone who didn’t have to do it for genuine medical reasons.”

”I’m taking the sensible route and changing my lifestyle as opposed to ” dieting”. I’ve thrown Alli in the bin”

”I cant believe that Alli stuff is over the counter – Its an anorexics dream. Its gonna get abused, someone is gonna die, and its gonna get banned.”

Read more on the Alli Discussion