Weight loss pills review: Xenical (Orlistat)

Orlistat marketed under the trade name Xenical by Roche and as over-the-counter medicine Alli by GlaxoSmithKline is a drug designed to treat obesity. Orlistat primary function is preventing the absorption of fats from the human diet, thereby reducing caloric intake. Orlistat acts mainly by preventing the human body from assimilating certain fat substances in food. Although Orlistat may do wonders for people suffering from obesity and other weight related health problems, it also prevents the calories from settling down on the body.

Xenical (Orlistat) is indicated for obesity management including weight loss and weight maintenance when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. This means, the best results of Xenical (Orlistat) use you will obtain with so called controlled diet, when you limit amount of calories consumed day by day.

Xenical (Orlistat) has been extensively studied. In clinical trials patients who received Xenical (Orlistat) achieved an average 10% weight loss and more of their body weight in one year, compared to patients with diet only.

One of Xenical (Orlistat) main advantages is that it does not stop working after body lose unwanted weight. Xenical (Orlistat) also helps to prevent regaining weight previously lost. Xenical (Orlistat) works by blocking some of the fat normally digested by the intestine. This way Xenical (Orlistat) preventing obesity and other fat related diseases getting back.

For patients with specific conditions who cannot take full version of Xenical GlaxoSmithKline sell a half dose version of Xenical called Alli which was approved in 2007 for over-the-counter use.

Although the most know trade name of Orlistat is Xenical and Alli, there are another brand names of Orlistat such as Crisplus, Fingras, Xeniplus, Xinplex, Viplena.

 

How Xenical (Orlistat) work

Xenical (Orlistat) block some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body. In the intestine, a specific enzyme called lipase that produced primarily in pancreas breaks apart fat in food so that it can be absorbed into the body. Xenical (Orlistat) will block the action of lipase and thereby prevents the breakup and absorption of fat. Xenical (Orlistat) decrease fat absorption of about 30% of the fat in a meal and unabsorbed fat will be excreted in the stool.

For everyone who consume an excessive amount of calories, the excess is stored as fat by the body with weight gain result. The fat we eat breaks down into its simplest components so that it can be digested. Unlike some weight loss medicines that work in the brain or/and central nervous system and suppress appetite or speed up body metabolism, Xenical (Orlistat) works in digestive system to block about one-third of the fat in the food you eat from being digested.

The fat is digested by enzymes (also called called lipases) in our digestive system. When we take some fat with meals, Xenical (Orlistat) attaches to the lipases and this way blocks them from breaking down. Approximately amount the fat blocked such way from digestion is 25% - 30% depend on fat and your body condition.

The undigested fat cannot be absorbed and simple eliminated in bowel movements. Shortly, usual dosage of Xenical (Orlistat) block absorption about 1/3 of the fat from the foods you eat, thereby reducing the number of calories you get from a meal.

 

Xenical (Orlistat) indications

Xenical (Orlistat) is a prescription medication indicated for overweight people lose weight and keep it off. Orlistat (prescription Xenical and nonprescription Alli) is used with an individualized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program to help people lose weight. Orlistat is used in overweight people who may also have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease. Xenical (Orlistat) is also used to prevent weight regain and fat related health issues from recurring.

 

Xenical (Orlistat) warnings

Like any medicine Xenical (Orlistat) is associated with a number side effects such as flatulence and abdominal cramps, fecal incontinence and oily spotting. Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common reason of inconvenience.

 

Xenical (Orlistat) guidelines of use

Please consult your doctor, physician, pharmacist as well as Xenical (Orlistat) label for rules how to take it correctly. Everybody who begin taking some medicine have to see how take it correctly. You have to keep Xenical (Orlistat) in dry and cool place away from pets and children. Do not store Xenical (Orlistat) in the bathroom.

Because Xenical (Orlistat) reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins, is recommended to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition. Based on fecal fat measurements, the patient will see the effect of Xenical (Orlistat) after 24 to 48 hours after dosing. In case of stop taking Xenical (Orlistat) fecal fat content usually returns to normal level within 48 to 72 hours.

 

Xenical (Orlistat) dosage

The recommended dose of Xenical (Orlistat) is one 120 mg capsule three times daily. The recommended dose of Alli is one 600 mg capsule three times daily. In case of any questions please consult with your doctor and Xenical (Orlistat) leaflet that you receive with your Xenical (Orlistat) pack.

Please keep in mind, the maximum effect of Xenical (Orlistat) you receive by take it on a regular basis. In case you miss one doses of Xenical (Orlistat) do not take double dose and consult it with your doctor. Also, doses above 120 mg 3 times a day haven't been shown to provide more benefit in comparison with usual dosage.

In case if you missed dose take it as soon as you remember unless it is more than 1 hour since you ate a main meal. If it is longer than one hour, just skip this missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

 

Xenical (Orlistat) side effects

The primary side effects of the Xenical (Orlistat) related to gastrointestinal, and include steatorrhea (oily loose stools) because Xenical (Orlistat) blocks some of the dietary fat from being absorbed, and the fat is excreted unchanged. It maybe too the fecal incontinence, frequent or urgent bowel movements, and flatulence.

Patient can minimize these side effects by avoid eating foods with high fat content. Taking Xenical (Orlistat) with a low-fat or reduced-calorie diet is recommended.