ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

What is the first over-the-counter diet pill approved by the FDA?

1. Alli

2. Xenical

3. PhenQ

4. Fat Burner

The correct answer is: Alli

The first over-the-counter diet pill approved by the FDA is Alli. This medication is a lower dose version of the prescription weight-loss drug Xenical, which contains the active ingredient orlistat. Alli works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines, thus contributing to weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet. Its approval marked a significant milestone in providing consumers access to weight management options without the need for a prescription, showing a commitment to addressing obesity through accessible means. Xenical, while an effective weight loss medication, is available only by prescription and therefore does not qualify as an over-the-counter treatment. PhenQ and Fat Burner, on the other hand, are not FDA-approved medications; they are marketed dietary supplements that may not have undergone the rigorous approval process that Alli has. This distinction emphasizes Alli's significance as a reliable option in the realm of weight management products available to the public.