Over-the-Counter Diet Drug, Alli, Approved

What I've been warning about since 2005 has finally happened: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a diet drug to be sold over-the-counter. The drug reportedly increases weight loss by 50 percent.

However, Xenical, after which alli is modeled, has been found to cause abnormal cell growth in the lining of the colon, an early cancer indicator, along with kidney stones.

Taking this drug also perpetuates the low-fat myth since it is designed to be taken with a low-fat diet. Anyone who is familiar with this site knows that a low-fat diet, though useful for some, is not the answer to weight loss for the majority of people.

Sugars, fructose and grains -- not fat -- are often the culprits behind obesity. Of course, inactivity is another major part of the problem.

What's more, blocking fat absorption to lose weight could have any number of unknown consequences, and taking any pill to lose weight is simply not the panacea everyone's hoping for. What is, however, is eating healthy foods as described in my comprehensive nutrition plan, setting aside time to exercise regularly, and overcoming any emotional challenges that may be contributing to weight gain. 

Not to mention that the myth of fat consumption leading to weight gain is just that -- a myth. While you should avoid trans fats and reduce the omega-6 fats that have overtaken and unbalanced the modern diet, good, healthy fats are actually an important part of your diet and crucial for good health.

As reader Rachel from Fullerton, California points out on Vital Votes:

"Since when does eating fat make a person fat?  I lost 50 pregnancy pounds, not once, not twice, but THREE times after three wonderful pregnancies, thanks in part by consuming lots of good, healthful, fats!"