Alli, the first FDA-sanctioned diet drug to be sold without a prescription, is already making huge sales - and profits. But look out for the embarrassing side effects.

It is predicted that 5 to 6 million Americans a year will buy this drug, despite that the drug's official website states "it's probably a smart idea to wear dark pants, and bring a change of clothes with you to work."

That's because the side effects (as admitted on their website) include; oily spotting, loose stools and uncontrollable stools. Ack!!

This drug works by causing your body to not break down and digest fats. Instead your digestion, in particular the enzyme lipase, is suppressed so that you pass the fats out through your bowels.

The problem is this: there is no distinction between good and bad fats. So - your body will eliminate the essential fats that you need (the good fats) while attempting to eliminate the bad fats.

At the same time, is it ever a good idea to suppress your digestion? If you want to lose weight, especially long-term, you need to speed up your metabolism. It is well-known that you must have strong digestion to have strong, or speedy metabolism.

Other side effects of this drug include depression, dry skin, and fatigue. All of there are effects of being deficient in the Essential Fatty Acids which are necessary for healthy, glowing skin, strong, thick hair and healthy brain function!

The website (myalli.com) also states that you must make a decision to eat right so you can lose weight. If you make a decision to eat a healthy weight loss diet - you will lose weight without a drug. In fact, all weight loss drugs include this as part of the protocol to take their drug.

Drugs have side effects that can potentially be life threatening. The manufacturers and doctors that sell these pills admit the extra weight you lose is around 6 pounds per year extra - as long as you are dieting and exercising. So the question is - why take the drug at all?

A better idea would be to follow a healthy weight loss diet. Any good weight loss program should exclude harmful fats, like transfats, which is not hard to do if you stay out of fast food restaurants and keep away from junk foods.

A good weight loss and healthy eating program should also include healthy fats. These types of fats are found in avocados, olive oil, flax oil, nuts, and fish among other things. These fats keep your mood elevated, lubricate your joints and give moisture to your skin. In addition, they help lower your risk for heart disease and other health problems. At the same time, good fats help you eliminate the bad fats from your body.

Adding a fiber supplement to your diet will help your body clear harmful cholesterol and build up. This type of fiber works very well to act as a "broom" for the intestines to eliminate excess, built up waste that can cause unwanted pounds. It will also help you to feel full.

Adding whole food supplements such as whole food vitamins, essential fatty acid supplements and green superfoods will ensure you are getting the nutrition you need. This helps keep your energy up, and keeps you from getting the "side effects" of weight loss that some people experience, such as protein loss and hair loss. At the same time, getting the proper nutrition can help you avoid food cravings while keeping you feeling satiated.

Adding these common sense tips can help any weight loss program. Some people refer to the above type of program as a cleanse or detox - and it is.

In fact, a cleanse is simply eating healthy foods that are easy to digest to help your body cleanse excess waste. You also add supplements to enhance your body's natural cleansing systems.

So the next time so-called "experts" claim that a detox diet could be bad for your health keep these points in mind; eating right is always good for you, taking in extra nutrition with whole food supplements will not harm you (but if you take drugs, check with your doctor), and if your body is holding on to extra weight, it is waste that needs to be cleansed out.

Take care of your body and you will lose weight and feel happier and healthier well into your golden years.