Is Alli Safe During Pregnancy?

Alli, or orlistat, is an FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss supplement. It works by inhibiting fat and teaches you to follow a reduced-calorie, reduced-fat diet. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, you may be wondering if it is a safe option for you. Here's what all women should know about how Alli may affect them before, during, and immediately after pregnancy.

What Happens if You Get Pregnant While Using Alli?

Alli is not believed to cause any harmful side effects to an unborn baby, according to Drugs.com. No current research has suggested that taking this weight loss supplement at the time of conception can cause labor complications, birth defects, or miscarriage. The only controlled studies which have been performed to measure the effects of this weight loss supplement were on animals, however, according to Drugs.com. No controlled human studies have been done at this time. If you are concerned because you become pregnant while using orlistat, it's important to talk to your doctor.

Should You Begin Using orlistat During Pregnancy?

According to the Alli FAQ, women should stop taking the weight loss supplement when they find out that they are pregnant. Although no animal studies have suggested that using orlistat during pregnancy will cause adverse side effects for your unborn baby, it's best to avoid using the supplement during this time. If you are concerned that your weight may cause complications during pregnancy, it's important to speak to your physician. Following a healthy diet that provides the right amount of vitamins and nutrients for both you and the baby, as well as exercising with your doctor's approval, is generally ideal for pregnant women.

Can You Use This Weight Loss Supplement After You Give Birth?

After you have given birth, you may be looking for a quick way to lose your baby weight. Think twice before you turn to Alli or any other weight loss supplement if you're nursing, however. No research has found that orlistat can be passed to a newborn baby through breast milk, according to Drugs.com. Alli recommends that women avoid using the weight loss supplement while they are breastfeeding, however.

Although Alli is not believed to cause birth defects or complications if you are taking it at the time of conception, it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking this weight loss supplement, it is important to get approval from your physician. As with other medications, orlistat may not necessarily be the best fit for you. It is safe to resume taking Alli once you have finished nursing.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional if you are concerned about your health.

Sources:
Alli FAQ
Drugs.com