New OTC Diet Pill Is Not for Kids

For those who've struggled to be thinner it might look like an answered prayer: a weight-loss pill that's safe — and doesn't require a prescription or a trip to the doctor. If your child has been frustrated with weight issues, you may think that an easy answer is finally here.

But a new over-the-counter (OTC) diet pill sold under the brand name "Alli" (pronounced like the noun "ally") is not designed for kids or teens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drug for adults. Kids and teens shouldn't use Alli, the agency said, because it has not been tested in those younger than 18. Youngsters who have weight problems should be treated by a doctor.

The active ingredient in Alli, orlistat, is found in a higher dose in the prescription-only drug Xenical. Both drugs work by keeping the body from absorbing some of the fat found in food. But kids and teens need some fat in their diet — about 30% of their calories — because it helps their bodies absorb many of the vitamins and nutrients they need, including vitamins D, E, K, and beta carotene. So a kid who takes Alli may not get the vitamins and nutrients necessary to grow healthy and develop well, and could be at risk for health problems down the line.

Alli also can have some unpleasant side effects (which manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline calls "treatment effects") that could be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and even traumatic — someone taking Alli who eats more than 15 grams of fat in a meal could have loose or more frequent stools, an urgent need to go to the bathroom, or gas with an oily discharge. Indeed, Glaxo recommends that users wear dark pants and keep a change of clothes handy.

The company also warns that some people who have certain medical conditions should definitely not take Alli, including organ transplant patients and those with gall bladder problems, thyroid disease, kidney stones, and pancreatitis.

While it would be great to lose excess weight just by taking a pill, the reality is that safe weight loss isn't that simple. It takes eating healthy foods, controlling portion sizes, limiting the junk, and being active every day. It's a long-term effort that takes patience and commitment from parents and kids.

As your kids grow, you can help them form healthy eating and exercise habits that can last for life. Stock the house with healthy foods, lead an active lifestyle, and encourage kids to do the same to help them reach a healthy weight.

What This Means to You

Alli is not for kids and teens. It is only approved for adults, and hasn't been tested in or recommended for kids. That said, kids still can go into a store and buy the drug without having to show proof that they're at least 18 years old.

It's important to make sure your kids stay away from Alli. Not only does it have the potential to interfere with healthy growth and development, but it also sends the message that there's a quick fix for weight control. And in kids who may be at risk for eating disorders such as bulimia, this over-the-counter drug could be seen as one more dangerous shortcut.