An over-the-counter drug called Alli is being heavily advertised. Its makers say it will help you lose weight by blocking up to 25 percent of the fat in your diet from being absorbed. They even show some people who say they lost weight after taking the drug.

Sounds great, right? Well, the first time I heard about this drug—10 years ago—I was hoping it was the answer to the obesity epidemic we were experiencing (and still are). In those days, the drug was called Orlistat. And you could only get it from your physician with a prescription.

This drug did block 25 percent of dietary fat from being absorbed by the small intestine. The side effects were substantial, however, including loose stools, diarrhea, flatulence and offensive odor, just to list the changes in intestinal function.

Then the problems got worse. The blockage of fat also blocked the absorption of all fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin E and vitamin D. So, in addition to taking the drug, you also have to take a load of vitamin supplements. Then you need to draw blood regularly to make sure you're supplementing correctly. Plus, over the longer term, you run the risk of vitamin deficiencies.

Wait a minute, did I say it’s been around for an entire decade, but as a prescription drug? Yes! So, what were the weigh- loss results of this drug, which has been in physicians' hands for the past 10 years? None! If there had been any success, this drug would have been on the front page of every magazine and newspaper in the United States.

If it didn’t work as a prescription drug, why is the government allowing Orlistat to be sold as an over-the-counter drug called Alli? Well, they cut the dosage in half! Does it work better at half the dosage? No!

You're probably saying, “I don't get it!”

Well, neither do I.