The Food and Drug Administration has approved the sale of a diet drug which can be sold without a prescription. This weight loss pill is called Alli, which was previously sold as a prescription drug by the name Xenical since 1999 in U.S.

On a comparative note Alli will be sold in 60 mg capsules while Xenical was sold in 120 mg capsule. Thought Alli is lower in strength when compared to Xenical, it is said to be very effective. The price is expected to be around $1 to $2 a day.

Mode of action of Alli when taken along with food is to block the absorption of twenty five percent of fat (which is roughly around 150-200 calories) which is passed out from the body as loose stools.

Side effects range from flatulence to oily stool to occasional loss of bowel control. Consuming a low fat diet could lessen the side effects to certain extent. A multivitamin tablet is recommended along with this drug.

Alli is for people who are eighteen years of age and above. This drug is not intended for diabetics and for people who have undergone organ transplantation. Dr Charles Ganley who is the director of non-prescription products at FDA insisted that this pill should be used along with diet and exercises.