faqs
obesity and BMI
If you have a question about alli, check here first to see if we’ve answered it already. If the information you need isn’t here, please contact us or talk to your pharmacist or doctor. You should also read the information contained within the alli pack before you start taking alli.
GSK statement regarding the Watchdog report into the online sale of alli
Following the Watchdog report on Thursday 13th May, We want to reassure you of the safety profile of alli, which contains orlistat, the most extensively studied weight loss medicine available. alli is for adults (aged 18 or over) with a BMI of 28 or more and should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet. We did not apply for a licence for under 18 year olds because the treatment of obesity in under 18s is very challenging and requires the specialist support of doctors and other healthcare professionals. Importantly in terms of safety, studies in adolescents have shown that the safety profile of orlistat is similar to that in adults. There is no evidence to support claims that alli reduces vitamin levels in adolescents to a degree that would cause any harm.
There are no additional safety concerns for people with eating disorders. If people with eating disorders were to obtain alli, due to the way that this weight loss aid works, it simply does not provide people with either the purgative action or the rapid weight reduction they may seek. People with eating disorders should not buy alli or any other weight loss products but seek the help and support they need from their GP or valuable organisations such as beat.
Obesity and overweight are a major concern and many people need help; online pharmacy provides people with discreet access to advice, care and valuable products such as alli. Stopping online pharmacy sales could prevent people from gaining access to the healthcare products they may need. It is the responsibility of the retailers to sell alli in accordance with the licence and we will be reviewing with online pharmacies any additional measures that could be put in place to tighten up the online process.
Obesity can be defined as an excess accumulation of body fat sufficient to endanger health. It is a disease (not a personal weakness) that requires long-term management to achieve and sustain weight loss
Experts agree that the main cause of obesity is people taking in too many calories, generally in high-fat or sugary foods, with not enough calories being used up through physical activity. Obesity results from too many calories being consumed, with too few being used up. The body starts to store these excess calories in the form of fat.
2Why does obesity need to be managed?
Obesity is associated with an increase in serious health risks including the following:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Certain forms of cancer
- Osteoarthritis
If you have a question about obesity or your personal health, check with your doctor.
3How is obesity measured?
The most widely accepted measurement of obesity is known as the body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated by weight (kg) divided by height (in metres) squared.
BMIs are graded as follows:
- BMI < 18.5 (underweight)
- BMI 18.5-24.9 (desirable weight)
- BMI 25-29.9 (overweight)
- BMI 30-39.9 (obese)
- BMI ≥40 (severely obese)
Other methods of measuring obesity used by healthcare professionals include:
- waist circumference — measuring how much fat is stored in the stomach area, which is well known to be closely linked with the risk of developing heart disease.
- height-weight ratio — using an appropriate measurement of a person’s frame size — small, medium, large — height/weight tables can be used to estimate ideal weight.
- measuring the percentage of body fat — using the skin fold test.
4What is body mass index (BMI)?
Body mass index (BMI) is a formula which is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. Your BMI score is used to indicate if your weight is healthy for someone at your height. Find out your BMI now by using our calculation chart.
5I am overweight and I want to lose some weight, but I think my body mass index (BMI) is less than 28. Can I take alli?
No. You should not take alli if your BMI is less than 28. alli is used for weight loss in adults who are overweight with a BMI of 28 or above. Use the BMI calculation tool on the alli website now to find out your BMI and see if it’s in the right category for you to use alli. (You need to know your weight and height.)
Alternatively, you can ask your pharmacist to work out your BMI, or use the chart below to see if alli can help you lose weight and so improve your health. Find your height on the chart and if you weigh less than the weight shown for your height, do not take alli.
| Height | Weight | Height | Weight |
|---|
| 1.50m | 63kg | 4' 10'' | 9st 8lbs |
| 1.55m | 67.25kg | 5' 0'' | 10st 3lbs |
| 1.60m | 71.75kg | 5' 2'' | 10st 13lbs |
| 1.65m | 76.25kg | 5' 4'' | 11st 9lbs |
| 1.70m | 81kg | 5' 6'' | 12st 5lbs |
| 1.75m | 85.75kg | 5' 8'' | 13st 2lbs |
| 1.80m | 90.75kg | 5' 10'' | 13st 13lbs |
| 1.85m | 95.75kg | 6' 0'' | 14st 10lbs |
| 1.90m | 101kg | 6' 2'' | 15st 8lbs |
6Is there a benefit in losing 5% of my weight?
If you are overweight, yes. Obesity experts in the UK agree and widely available research demonstrates that moderate weight loss is beneficial to your health. Achievable, realistic weight loss of 5% can result in significant improvements in overall health, including decreased risk of heart disease.
Slow, steady weight loss is the healthy way to reduce body fat. The alli programme helps you lose weight gradually and shows you how to sustain your goals over the long term, if you’re prepared to make positive lifestyle changes.
7I’ve lost some weight by taking alli. Can I continue to use alli to stop me from regaining weight or to help me maintain my weight?
alli is designed to help you to lose weight. It should not be taken for more than six months.
If you have lost some weight by taking alli but are not losing any more, you may need to re-set your calorie and fat targets, taking into account your current weight and activity level.
If you are satisfied with the weight loss you have achieved, continue to follow a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet and keep up your activity levels. People who lose weight and maintain the loss make long-term lifestyle changes, which include changes to what they eat and how active they are.
Please look at the my tools section for useful interactive tools, lower-fat recipes, physical activity tips and other essential information to help you achieve your weight loss goals.