Alli

The approval of Alli marks the first government-approved non-prescription diet pill. This new version of Xenical (Orlistat) is a reduced strength version (60mg) that can be sold over the counter. Dr. Charles Ganley, FDA's director of nonprescription products, stressed that the drug is intended for use along with diet and exercise programs.

The University of Connecticut surveyed 3,500 people and found that "70 percent of Americans who are trying to lose weight are following their own diet plans and have no interest in seeking a doctor's help." (via).

Alli (pronounced Ally) is the brand name for over-the-counter Xenical. While not yet approved - it may be very close. The brand is owned by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) who paid over $100 million for the US rights to Alli (the prescription version of Xenical is made by Roche).

The US diet industry is huge and the marketing for Alli has begun.

Xenical (orlistat) may become the first non-prescription weight loss drug. This follows the pattern in other some countries. On the MSNBC site, there is an overwhelming vote of confidence for the drug. Of over 132000 votes 59% say they will try it because "...I can't lose those last 10 pounds." Of course these results are very skewed as the people reading the article are people with an interest in the drug.