A True Ally?

So yesterday it was announced that the FDA had approved the first nonprescription weight loss drug called Alli. Basically it is just a half dose of Xenical, which is only available with a prescription.

The Good News: The drug could help many people lose weight. Helping overweight/obese people decrease their risk of weight-related diseases (like diabetes, heart problems) is obviously a great result.

The Bad News: Since it is over the counter anyone can buy it. This means that someone who does not really need to lose weight could potentially abuse the drug. (It brings to mind all the girls I know who are thin but still think they need to lose ten pounds. You already look beautiful!) Another con, it is expensive. The prices for Alli can range from 50 to 100 dollars a month. According to one expert on NPR, the drug will only cut 100 to 300 calories a day from your diet. For your money you can buy a nice gym membership instead.

The Gross News: Alli works by blocking fat absorption in your digestive tract… and that fat has to go somewhere. So basically prepare to run (fast!) to the bathroom if you eat anything with too high a fat content. Ick.

So Alli is far from a cure-all. Some people will definitely benefit from the drug. I, for one, will be sticking with the tried and true way of losing weight!

Is Jesus the new Dr. Adkins?

Today I received an, um, interesting invitation from a Cornell alum. Apparently the new way to lose weight is called "The Light Weigh" and somehow involves getting skinny by bible study. (Some strange Catholic invention.) From the email:

"Are you tired of constantly struggling with your weight? Tired of following diets like they were religions? Consider giving God a chance to touch your heart, your life, and your eating."

Immediately I started to brainstorm just how this program would work...

First I pictured this intense spinning class. But instead of going up mountains, your sins are chasing you or something. Better bring a water bottle people!

Next I thought maybe they would take a Weight Watchers approach and teach you about how to eat. I can just see the person in charge proscribing a diet of only fish and bread. Sounds delish.

Finally there was the option of editing the bible to get it to be a weight loss book. "And on the seventh day of hardcore cardio, God rested." No slacking off!

And I thought the Adkins diet was weird. I just hope I do no get an email telling me the Torah can help me lose weight next!