PhenQ vs Alli: Which is Better & Safer?

PhenQ and Alli are both OTC pills prepared in FDA-approved facilities but differ hugely in their working mechanisms, ingredient profile, and side effects.

Ready to find out which one is safer and more effective? You’re in the right place.

In this guide, we have put together ALL you need to know about the benefits and potential risks of PhenQ and Alli.

 What is PhenQ & How Does it Work?

PhenQ is a natural over-the-counter diet pill by Wolfson Brand’s Ltd for the general obese population.

It is marketed as a multidimensional solution for body weight management, providing hunger suppression, fat metabolism, reduction in fat accumulation, mood uplift, and energy boost, all in one go!

To impart these outcomes, it employs multiple ingredients such as,

>> Capsimax –> Helps speed up metabolism and decreases energy intake.

>> InnoSlim –> Prevents fat accretion by regulating adiponectin hormone levels in the body.

The best thing about this weight loss supplement is that all of its ingredients are natural, plant-based, and safe.

Not to mention that PhenQ has been tried and trusted by over 190,000 individuals! (Including me)

What is Alli & How Does it Work?

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Alli is an over-the-counter FDA-approved weight loss supplement that contains 60mg of orlistat, which reduces fat deposition. 

However, its use is NOT RECOMMENDED for people who have underlying medical conditions like Chronic malabsorption, renal impairment, Cholestasis, Anorexia, and bulimia because these disorders can get worse with their usage.

It is simply a low-dose version of Xenical (a prescription drug), which contains double the amount of Orlistat (120 mg).

Alli works by minimizing the absorption of fats from your food into your bloodstream. In this way, it reduces the number of calories available to your body.

Alli vs. PhenQ – Product Comparison

Key Ingredients

Alli uses a single active compound, orlistat, to disrupt the fat absorption from food.

In comparison, PhenQ utilizes distinct proprietary blends such as capsimax and InnoSlim to hasten fat breakdown and prevent its re-accumulation, respectively.

Additionally, it employs nopal fiber and caffeine to induce a sensation of fullness by slowing gut movement and delaying the emptying of the stomach.

Common Ingredients

• None

Unique PhenQ ingredients

• Caffeine Anhydrous
• L-carnitine L-tartrate
• α-LACY’s reset
• Nopal
• B-vitamins (B3, B6, B12)
• Chromium picolinate
• InnoSlim
• Capsimax
• Piperine

Unique Alli Ingredients

• Orlistat

Dosage Regimen

You may reduce Alli’s dosage regimen, but you cannot (and should not) modify PhenQ’s dosage instructions.

In Alli’s case, taking its one capsule with each fat-containing meal is recommended. But be cautious; don’t take more than three pills per day. (or else you’ll spend your whole day on a toilet)

In comparison, manufacturers recommend taking it twice daily, once alongside breakfast and the second dose during lunchtime, ensuring it’s consumed no later than 3 pm.

PhenQ Vs. Alli – Which Is Best For Weight Loss?

Both Reduce the Body’s Fat Mass

• PhenQ Scorches Away The Already Existing Excess Fat

PhenQ has L-carnitine fumarate, which is credited for its fat-burning properties. This compound was proven in a review analysis of 37 clinical trials to be an anti-obesity agent because several people saw a reduction in fat mass, BMI, and body weight.

• PhenQ Speeds Up The Processes That Breakdown Fat In The Body

On top of that, PhenQ comes with the weight loss benefits of Capsimax powder, which is a blend of niacin and extracts of capsicum and piperine that speed up the metabolism so that you burn extra calories.

Likewise, it also contains caffeine, which activates the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn accelerates thermogenesis and metabolism rate to increase elimination.

• PhenQ Promotes Fecal Excretion Of Fat

For reducing weight regain, PhenQ has Nopal cactus extracts. It minimizes fat mass build-up by reducing cell adiposity (the ability of cells to store fat droplets).

A clinical trial has also proven its positive influence on the gut microbiome, resulting in the removal of fatty acids through feces.

• Alli Prevents Fat Absorption

It is a Tetrahydrolipstatin carboxylic ester that prevents fat absorption from the gut lining into the blood.

So, if you take a fatty meal, this medication will reduce fats absorbed into the blood by about 25 to 30% compared to the total fats in your meal. 

Basically, it is a pancreatic lipase inhibitor. As the amount of lipase enzyme is decreased in the intestine, fat molecules are not emulsified into small absorbable droplets. Rather, these pass undigested with feces.

PhenQ, Exclusively Curbs Appetite And Cravings 

α-Lacys Reset, is another key ingredient that gets PhenQ on the list of good appetite suppressants.

It is a blend of a neuroprotective cofactor (alpha lipoic acid) and a proteinogenic amino acid (cysteine). Both of these constituents play synergistically to reduce the sensation of hunger.

Here, the best thing is they do it by modifying the secretion of the natural hunger hormone (Ghrelin) instead of tweaking the neural stimulation and release of stress hormones.

PhenQ Exclusively Helps Retain Lean Muscles

PhenQ utilizes L-carnitine, which is scientifically proven to reduce muscle damage and soreness, preventing the loss of lean muscles. 

Moreover, it contains ɑ-Lacys reset uniquely promotes fat loss and stimulates muscle growth. Clinical trials demonstrated a significant 3.80% increase in muscle mass among those using it compared to the placebo group.

PhenQ and Alli Side Effects – Which is Safer?

PhenQ Side Effects

PhenQ is approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter product.

This medicine is 100% nature-based, and all its ingredients are proven safe for human health.

However, the presence of caffeine and niacin may make some people doubtful about its safety. Let’s take a deeper look at what could these two ingredients possibly cause:

• Niacin flush

It is a common complaint that we often hear from people using supplements with the niacin compound. This condition is potentially harmless; just your skin gets red for a while with a mild itching sensation.

As Capsimax powder in PhenQ also contains a small amount of niacin, there is a mild probability of niacin flush by using this drug.

Nonetheless, it is just a probability, and no such case has been reported in reality.

• Disturbed Sleep pattern with PhenQ

As PhenQ contains caffeine anhydrous, it has the potential to disturb sleep patterns. Due to this reason, the company recommends that you take phenQ only during the daytime before 3 pm.

Alli’s Side effects

In contrast, Alli has many questions about its safety level, as both low-intensity and severe side effects are reported for this drug.

In 2011, the consumer watchdog group Public Citizen filed a petition against the over-the-counter sale of Orlistat.

The organization demanded FDA ban the product as it imposes a risk on consumers’ health, and its promised benefits are far lesser than the potential harms.

However, the FDA rejected that petition and Alli is available on the market for sale.

FDA has reviewed the medicine for side effects and has approved its over-the-counter dealing as it was generally found safe in the examinations. But the authority also directed mentioning potential side effects on the drug label.

Here is the list of adverse effects related to Alli;

• Gastrointestinal trouble with Alli

The most common are GI effects, including abdominal pain, oily stools, steatorrhea, fecal spotting, and fissures.

These problems are caused by an increased amount of undigested fats in the intestines as the drug reduces fat absorbance in the blood.

• Musculoskeletal risk factor

Nutritional deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) may occur due to a decrease in fat absorbance. In turn, a lack of vitamin D can reduce calcium absorbance in bone and may lead to osteoporosis.

Thus, long-term Alli usage is a potential risk factor for musculoskeletal weakness.

• Acute Renal Injury

The active agent of Alli is known for increasing the probability of renal stones and oxalate nephropathy as oxalate production is increased with lesser fat absorbance in the intestines.

Undigested fatty acids bind with calcium in the intestinal lumen, producing oxalate, which accumulates in kidney tissues over time, forming kidney stones.

• Liver damage with Alli

Another severe outcome related to Alli is liver damage.

FDA has given warnings that an overdose of orlistat-containing medicines may lead to acute liver damage.

The authority suspects Orlistat to be the culprit in 13 such cases. Most of these were caused by high-potency tablets (120 mg), and one was directly associated with Alli (60 mg).

Hence, the best practice is to consult your physician and not be tempted to exceed the dose above recommended.

Drug Interactions

Individuals who are on any of the following medications (as Orlistat reduces their absorption):

• Antiepileptics
• Amiodarone
• Cyclosporine
• Levothyroxine
• Warfarin
• Antiretroviral medications

Alli or PhenQ – Which One is More Affordable?

PhenQ – Where To Buy & Price

You may buy PhenQ from its official website.

It comes in a single packing size of 60 pills per bottle, and its price is a bit higher if you buy only one bottle at a time, costing $69.99.

But if you go for a bundle, you get big discounts as the bundle of two bottles comes for $139.99 with one additional bottle for free. Likewise, if you buy three bottles at a time, you will get two bottles for free.

5 bottles at the price of three sounds amazing, right?

Alli – Where To Buy & Price

You may purchase either online or at local pharmacies

It is available in three packing sizes: 60-count bottle, 12-count bottle, and 17-count bottle.

Price-wise, it is a relatively cheaper medicine with a price range from $39.94 to $56 at different retailers.

Can You Take PhenQ and Alli Together?

Yes, you may take both supplements together because PhenQ is 100%, and its ingredients are less likely to react with Alli. However, there are not many user reviews or scientific research to support the safe use of this combination.

Therefore, it is better to take any one supplement at a time, preferably PhenQ, because it has better efficacy, and this way, you can also avoid potential health risks.

FAQs

Why was Alli taken off the market?

Alli was voluntarily taken off the market by GlaxoSmithKline in 2014 due to reports of product tampering.

The company received some complaints from consumers that they have received tempered packaging and damaged tablets and have also found different types of pills in the same bottle.

That is why it recalled the product present in the market. Its supply was restarted a year later, in Feb 2015.

What is the cheapest place to buy Alli?

The official website of Alli is the best place to find the right pharmacy that provides the cheapest pills in town.

Just add in your location, and it will show you the stores where the medicine can be found, along with their rates. Similarly, it tells the prices different online stores charge for the drug.

Can I take 2 Alli instead of 1 Xenical?

Yes, 2 Alli are virtually equal to 1 Xenical tablet.

However, do remember that Xenical is a prescription drug, and when you take two Alli pills, your dose matches the potency of a prescription drug.

So, you must consult your doctor before trying this, as such higher doses can result in serious side effects.

Do Alli weight loss pills work?

Yes, these pills aid in weight management; however, the progress is likely to be modest and gradual.

With all diet supplements, you see the best results by following the recommended diet plans, exercising regularly, and modifying your lifestyle habits for good.

How’s PhenQ and Alli Different from Phentermine?

Phentermine is a prescription appetite suppressant used for short-term weight loss by stimulating certain brain neurotransmitters. It’s a controlled substance due to potential abuse and side effects like increased blood pressure.

PhenQ, an over-the-counter supplement, contains natural ingredients claiming to aid weight loss through metabolism boost and appetite suppression. However, its efficacy varies, lacking extensive scientific backing.

Alli, an OTC version of Orlistat, reduces fat absorption by about 25% when taken with a low-calorie diet and exercise. Its primary side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort. Phentermine, a controlled medication, suppresses appetite but has notable side effects. PhenQ offers natural ingredients without a prescription while Alli limits fat absorption but may cause digestive issues.

From my own experience, I find PhenQ to be preferable because of its purported natural ingredients, potential to boost metabolism, and ability to suppress appetite. It’s the choice for those seeking a non-prescription, multi-benefit approach to weight loss. However, personal results may vary, and while it has worked for me, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness might not be comprehensive.