A FAT-BUSTING pill which claims to help women drop two dress sizes in three months is available over the counter from today.
The £2 a day anti-obesity tablet, which is made from a fibre taken from dried leaves of the prickly pear cactus, is the first naturally occurring product available from pharmacy shelves to be clinically proven to succeed.
Breakthrough trials have shown that the pill – called XLS-Medical Fat Binder – can help slimmers lose three times more weight than dieting alone when taken in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet.
Scientists found the pill also worked to help reduce food cravings and appetite. Because the pill contains fibre, it helps dieters to feel fuller for longer.
The pill works by binding to dietary fat so that it cannot be absorbed by the body, preventing the build up of fatty deposits.
Singer Mica Paris says she has already dropped two dress sizes in three months with XLS-Medical, going from a size 16 to size 12.
She said: “I can’t believe how well it’s worked. Like most women my age, I often found it difficult to lose that last bit of weight but XLS-Medical gives me a helping hand.
“I always make sure I keep my XLS in my purse along with all my other essentials.”
A clinical study presented at the 29th Scientific Meeting of the Obesity Society in October last year showed that by taking two tablets three times a day after meals people could lower their daily calorie intake by as much as 500 calories.
XLS-Medical Fat Binder
Those taking the pill in the trial lost on average almost three pounds for every one pound lost by those not given it.
The average weight loss after 12 weeks was 8.4lb compared to 3.1lb in a group not taking the tablets. The scientists also found that the new pills do not cause any unpleasant side effects.
The latest pill can bind up to 27.4 per cent of fat from food meaning it can absorb 164.4 calories a day in someone eating a typical 2,000 calorie a day diet.
Over a week this is equivalent to the fat from two large burgers, two pork pies or one chicken tikka masala with pilau rice.
Experts hope the new pill, which is made with the clinically proven fat binder, LitramineTM, and essential fat soluble vitamins, can help tackle the obesity crisis plaguing Britain.
The pills are now available without prescription for weight management and for the prevention and treatment of obesity, and can be used by those over 18. The recommended retail price for XLS-Medical Fat Binder is £24.99 for a 10-day supply and £59.99 for a month’s supply.
It is already enjoying huge success in Europe and now launches nationwide at Boots pharmacies and at Boots.com.
The pill is supported by the newly launched “123 hello me” online weight loss programme (123hellome.com), which provides a personal weight loss plan.
Spokeswoman Juliet Oosthuysen said: “XLS-Medical Fat Binder is not another fad diet or a miracle pill. When used in conjunction with sensible eating and keeping active as part of the ‘123 hello me’ weight loss programme, it has been clinically proven to help overweight individuals lose three times more weight than dieting alone.
“We genuinely believe it is a realistic programme and will help many people reach their 2012 weight loss goals.”
Dietician Helen Bond, who is backing the use of the diet pill in conjunction with a balanced diet, added: “Crash or fad diets do not work in the long-term. The only way to lose weight healthily is to eat a nutritionally balanced diet, with adequate portion control and being physically active.”