Alli Hits the Shelves

The first FDA-approved diet pill is selling quickly at local stores. It's called Alli, and stores began selling the diet pill on Friday. It's designed to help people lose about one or two pounds a week by blocking the amount of fat the body absorbs. Manufacturers say it can block about 25 percent of the fat you eat.

Many customers are buying it despite its embarrassing side effects. "I'm a sucker for advertising. I'll buy anything," said Alex Franco, also known as "Digitz" on the "J.B. and Sandy Morning Show." He starting taking Alli on Tuesday, but it's not his first time using the drug. Franco used Xenical, the prescription version of Alli, about seven years ago.

"I said, 'I'm going to try it again,'" said Franco. The prescription drug did help him lose some weight, but the down side of the drug was its embarrassing side effects. "I couldn't do anything. I couldn't go to school. Thank God I didn't have a girlfriend at the time. It was a mess. Seriously," said Franco.

The fat that the body does not absorb simply passes through the body. The makers of Alli warn eating a fatty diet can cause stomach discomfort, from frequent bathroom visits to gas. "Bring a change of clothing with you. Are you serious? You're going to put this in your mouth," said Sandy McIlree, while reading the lists of possible side effects on the box. Despite discouragement from co-workers, Franco is trying Alli.

"I know that's worked for him. He just started and day one, took the pill and didn't eat any foods with fat in them because you don't want the mess," said J.B. Hager.

Workers at Walgreens say Franco isn't the only one buying Alli. The first day it hit the shelves, all 12 starter kits sold out within the first few hours. One Target location is selling about 10 a day.

Retailers say the hefty price of the new diet pill doesn't seem to be deterring customers either. Alli costs about $60 for a month's supply. The manufacturer points out that it works best along with exercise and a low fat diet.

Alli Weight Loss Aid Starter Pack

I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried this. If you've tried Alli, please leave us a comment and let us know if its working for you!