What Causes Light Colored Bowel Movement?

Posted on Sat, 16 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 16 Jul 2016 Answered on

Fri, 5 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I started to take Alli or orlistat 4 days ago. I had a light colored bowel movement yesterday, and then again today. Is this a concern?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern I would explain that your symptoms seem to be related to Alli intake.

You should know that the main adverse effects related to this drug are gastro-intestinal troubles like diarrhea, malabsorption, fatty stool and a lot of gas.

In order to avoid these adverse effects, I would recommend avoiding fat in your food.

If you do not tolerate these adverse effects, you may need to stop taking this drug.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (35 minutes later)

You still have not answered my question. Does orlistat cause the stool to be a light color? If so, is this a concern to my health such as damage to my liver?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

Yes, Alli causes these changes in the color of your stool, but this is not something concerning.

It may cause diarrhea and a lot of gas with floating stools..

If this happens, you may need to stop taking this drug.

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar