Alli is the over-the-counter version of orlistat, a medicine that supports weight loss by reducing how much fat your body absorbs from the food you eat. It doesn’t speed up your metabolism or suppress appetite. Instead, it works inside the gut by blocking around 25% of dietary fat from being broken down and absorbed. The result is a lower overall calorie intake, helping you lose weight when combined with a healthy, reduced-fat diet.

Who might benefit from Alli?

I may recommend Alli if:

• You prefer an oral medication rather than injections

• You want a gentler, lower-intensity weight loss option

• Your BMI puts you in the overweight or early-obesity range

• You’re motivated to follow a reduced-fat, calorie-controlled diet

• You’re not yet eligible — or don’t feel ready — for GLP-1 or dual-agonist treatments

• You want modest, steady weight loss with metabolic benefits