Chemists will weigh customers who want diet pill

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Weight-loss drug Alli goes on sale over the counter on Wednesday.

Eating disorder charity Beat has urged drug company GlaxoSmithKline to ensure only adults with a BMI of 28 or more are allowed to buy it. As a result, 6,000 pharmacists have been sent on a training course before the launch and given a BMI tape measure.

This is the first time the European Commission has approved a non-prescription weight-loss drug. Until now a stronger version of the drug, containing more of the active ingredient orlistat, was only available from doctors.

A spokeswoman for Beat, which was consulted over the decision to allow the drug to be sold over the counter, said: "We said we wanted pharmacists to check people's BMI and look out for anybody who is purchasing other products such as laxatives and diuretics. They have taken this advice on board. We will be keeping an eye out for any problems involving people with eating disorders."

Alli works by letting about 25 per cent of the fat a person eats to pass through the gut without being absorbed. It allows dieters to increase their weight loss by 50 per cent. The pills cost £49.95 for a month's supply.