Alternatives to Alli

[bruceH]

I don't want to take a pill that contains a prescription drug, even if it is only a small dose. Is there a good OTC alternative to Alli? Like a herbal dietary supplement that is also a very good fat blocker? I've hear that chitosan is good for fat blocking. Is this worth looking into?

[brightstar]

I think diet pills that contain chitosan or white kidney bean may be a good alternative. The only thing to keep in mind if you choose chitosan is that it comes from shellfish, so if you have an allergy to that kind of fish...don't take it lol.

[anne]

I've heard that white kidney bean has some bad side effects and doesn't really work well. Plus I think it blocks starches (carbs like rice and potatoes and refined carbs) not fat. Isn't Alli a fat blocker?

[antoniojones1968]

What about Glucomanan? Does that help with fat blocking or is that just an appetite suppressant?

[Gina]

What about Glucomanan? Does that help with fat blocking or is that just an appetite suppressant?

I think Glucomanan is just an appetite suppressant. I think it's the fiber thing that expands in your stomach so you feel fuller and therefore eat less. I guess if you eat less it can be a good alternative to a fat blocker, simply because you should be ingesting less fat, but if you're looking for an actual alternative fat blocker than, yeah, I'd have to say Chitosan or a starch blocker like white kidney bean.

[1000kw]

I've actually heard that whole grains can help to block fat. I'm not sure how true this is but it's definitely worth looking into.

That said, I think the best alternative to Alli (even if it's not the easiest) is to reduce the amount of sugar and unhealthy high-fat foods that you eat (ex. fried foods, processed foods, fast food, etc.). When you cut most of the bad fats from your diet, you won't need to take a pill to block them.

[bruceH]

I've actually heard that whole grains can help to block fat. I'm not sure how true this is but it's definitely worth looking into.

That said, I think the best alternative to Alli (even if it's not the easiest) is to reduce the amount of sugar and unhealthy high-fat foods that you eat (ex. fried foods, processed foods, fast food, etc.). When you cut most of the bad fats from your diet, you won't need to take a pill to block them.

While this does certainly make the most sense, I'm looking to take something that will help me lose weight to start.

Gina - Thanks I think I'll look into chitosan.