Alli linked to colon cancer
Since Alli was first launched as an over-the-counter non prescription pill in June 2007, there has been plenty of speculation over its possible health risks and dangers.
Having undergone no long-term studies into the effects it can have in humans, non-profit group Public Citizens found in their own independent study that Alli diet pills can contribute to the creation of pre-cancerous lesions in the colons of mice.
Whilst it was not inclusive whether or not these pre-cancerous lesions led to colon cancer; the fact that everyone over 50 is recommended to have a colonoscopy to remove such lesions is proof that taking Alli comes with many risks.
What is Alli? How does it work?
Recognised as the half strength form of Xenical, Alli works by reducing the amount of fat that is absorbed into the body. In a study performed by the UK College of Medicine Metabolic Research Group they found when taken 3 times a day over a 16 week period, participants were able to lose 5% of their initial body weight (7-15lbs).
The only ‘condition’ to achieving successful weight loss with this supplement was that participants had to follow a strictly low-fat diet of 15g of fat per meal in order to lose weight.
If they exceeded this amount, they experienced unpleasant side effects of loose, oily stools, stomach cramps and diarrhoea; whereas if they ate too little fat in their diet, they experienced minimal weight loss.
The Statistics
Proven to encourage an additional weight loss of 2 ½ lbs more a month compared to following a healthy diet, Alli is certainly a supplement that should only be used with caution.
In the last few years following its release, Alli has been found to:
• Encourage oily spotting in 25% of users
• Cause pre-cancerous lesions in the colons of mice
• Interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,K and E)
However on a positive note, Alli has been proven to reduce LDL-cholesterol by 10%, thus lowering the risks of individuals experiencing heart attacks by 20%.
These statistics aside though, anyone wishing to use Alli should only do so after consulting with a doctor. It is supplement not to be used lightly.
I have a history of colon cancer in my immediate family (mother). in 2007-2008 I took Alli for approx 6-8 months lost 40 lbs. I recently have been diagnosed with colon cancer. This drug is still on the market…………………Why? This drug needs to be Off the Market……………………………….Where are the WARNING LABELS?……..
Hi Diane, I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis and thank you for taking the time to comment.
A study done showed significant increase in the incidence of ACF (aberrant crypt foci) in Alli users. These crypts are arguably believed to be a precursor of colon cancer. This is also not a bias study done by a competing drug company either. The National Cancer Institute has done these works and they have established a link between ACF and colon cancer.
However it is important to note the relevance of ACF as a biomarker for cancer is controversial. Recently, several alternative precancerous lesions have been described (namely MDF, BCAC, and flat ACF), which might be better biomarkers than ACF.
The nonprofit group Public Citizen believes that since there are no long-term studies on humans, the FDA should not have approved the drug for non-prescription use. “It’s not clear whether or not the pre-cancerous spots will lead to colon cancer but the mere suggestion that it might is enough” said a Public Citizen spokesperson.
People need to be careful when weighing up the weight loss benefits and the potential health risks for ANY diet pill, let alone a prescription pill that has yet to be extensively tested on humans. What’s even more worrying is that there is absolutely no mention of these potential side effects on their site anywhere, only a denial that it causes liver damage.
I just had a routine colon screening at age 47 and the doctor found 10 pollups, which he considered highly unusual. I have no family history of colon problems. I started taking Alli when it was first introduced, lost 30 pounds, and then continued to take it peridically to insure that the weight stayed off. I think there is a connection. I am now consulting with my doctor about the linkage.