The first over the counter and FDA approved weight loss drug is not producing the impact that was projected it may be due to several factors. The poor economic status may have people skipping buying a pill and opting for the traditional exercise and diet approach which is the best approach if you are willing to motivate yourself to do it.
So why are sales low? Let's talk about what Alli is first. The drug was approved in 2007 for over-the-counter marketing as a weight loss aid. Glazosmithkline, the creators of Alli, recommend the drug be used with a diet low in fat, a daily multivitamin, and exercise program.
Glaxosmithkline spent 150 million on marketing campaigns for Alli during its first year. Their marketing campaign has focused on the Alli plan. The plan is to live life in a new way with adjustments to eating habits and exercise regimen. The marketing plan seemed to miss the mark. The original sales projections were 5 to 6 million annually, but Alli’s first year was short a million. The company says the product is not for everyone, but is an option and can help to increase weight loss by 50 percent. (During clinical trials, 2 to 3 pounds for every 5 pounds lost through diet and exercise was reported lost in patients using Alli, although almost half of the patients involved in the trial reported gastrointestinal side effects.)
Alli prevents absorption of a quarter of fat that is eaten. One fat gram has double the calories of protein and carbohydrates. Therefore, while taking Alli and eating a reduced calorie low fat diet Glaxosmithkline feels Alli could really make a difference in weight while limiting the total calories entering the system. However, Alli pamphlets state that the drug is only expected to help lose 5 to 10 pound in 6 months. Some dieters feel the small amount of weight loss could be accomplished by cutting out a few soft drinks weekly without taking the diet pill
Alli’s side effects of leakages and oily discharge that can cause soiled underwear can be deterring. Prior to the drug launch there was marketing materials for the new drug that stressed the importance of keeping meals under 15 grams of fat to avoid soiled underwear. Some pamphlets even recommended starting the program when off of work. Now the company has began to state that the side effects can be avoided with the proper use of the drug.
Why would the 1st FDA-approved weight loss drug not blow the projected numbers out of sight? It could be because change is a challenge for most people and the company recommends that anyone taking the pill also adopts exercise and good low-fat eating habits.
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