The first over-the-counter FDA approved weight-loss drug is called “alli” and it will cost you about $3 a day, according to the New York Times:

An obesity specialist in Washington, Dr. Arthur Frank, said Alli had a safe track record and could help patients lose 5 to 10 percent of their weight. On the negative side, Alli can cause annoying side effects including diarrhea and oily stools.

Alli’s marketing plan calls for a realistic approach that will emphasize the need to diet and exercise while taking the medication. In studies, about half of patients taking Alli in combination with a diet and exercise plan lost 5 percent or more of their body weight in six months.

Mmmm, oily stools! The OTC drug is a variation on the drug Xenical, which has been available since 1999.—MEGHANN MARCO

Weight-Loss Drug To Be Sold Over The Counter [NYT]

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