Slimming tablet could be available in the UK within months

A slimming tablet, that promises to cut the weight of men and women by 5 to 10 percent in just a few months, could be available in the UK soon. The pill, called an Alli tablet, would cost around £1 and would be available over the counter. The Alli pill has already launched in America, where sales in just six months have hit £75 million. Results so far, indicate that on average, a quarter of people taking the Alli tablet have reduced their weight by 10%. The pill is intended to be taken in conjunction with a healthy exercise and eating routine. A spokesman said: “The bonus of taking it is that by just dieting and exercising you can safely lose two pounds in a week. We say you can lose 50 per cent more, so instead of losing two pounds, you lose three and reach your goal weight a little bit quicker.” The tablet works by blocking the body from absorbing fat, so that the fat simply passes through. As with all drugs, Alli tablets do come with side effects, such as diarrhoea and excessive wind. Along with this, the drug can inhibit the absorption of vitamins and minerals, so those people taking Alli tablets are advised to also take a multi vitamin supplement. This ‘easy option’ weight loss pill has caused much concern, especially among those who believe people need to accept more responsibility for their health, and stop looking for quick fixes. Gareth Williams, professor of medicine at Bristol University, said: ‘Possibly, few users will even finish their first pack of Alli, let alone buy a second, and the drug may cause only a small and transient downward blip in the otherwise inexorable climb in weight. Selling anti- obesity drugs over the counter will perpetuate the myth that obesity can be fixed simply by popping a pill and could further undermine efforts to promote healthy living, which is the only long-term escape from obesity.”