GSK has announced that alli - the first clinically proven over the counter weight loss aid - is available in pharmacies across Europe.

GSK has received a non-prescription licence for alli (orlistat 60mg); the first time the European Commission has approved a non-prescription product for weight loss. The centrally approved marketing authorisation means GSK can introduce alli for adults with a BMI of 28 kg/m2 or more, in all 27 EU member countries.

Manfred Scheske, president GSK Consumer Healthcare Europe said, "alli offers adults a real opportunity for losing weight. alli has been well received by millions of people in the US and we are very excited about the number of people it could help across Europe achieve their goal to lose weight."

Clinical trials show that alli, when used in conjunction with a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet, can help people lose 50 per cent more weight than by dieting alone. So for every two kilos (pounds) lost by dieting alone, alli could help them lose one more. It works by stopping some of the fat you eat being absorbed into the body and turning into extra kilos (pounds).

alli is a new category within weight loss management which is supported by a multi-million pound investment in pharmacy training, consumer marketing and a behavioural support programme in countries throughout Europe. It will be distributed exclusively through pharmacies.

Users can benefit from the online alli programme, which provides tools and support to help them follow a sensible diet and become more active, encouraging sustainable weight loss.

alli is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

alli, is indicated for weight loss in adults, with a BMI 28 kg/m2 or more, when used along with a reduced calorie, lower-fat diet. The recommended dose of alli is one 60 mg capsule three times a day with meals containing the recommended amount of fat.

The active ingredient in alli is orlistat 60 mg that acts locally within the digestive system to prevent fat absorption, so there is minimal absorption of the active ingredient in the bloodstream.