Weight Loss Boards

The Truth Behind Xenical

July 2nd, 2008

Xenical or Orlistat, as it can also be called, is a prescription drug that blocks approximately one third of the fat eaten from being digested. Xenical is a prescribed drug, but can also be purchased without a prescription as the diet pill alli. Xenical was approved by the FDA in 1999. As with many prescription weight loss medications, it is recommended for those who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) or 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher if other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes are present. A healthy diet and exercise plan are need for the drug to work effectively.



Xenical works by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down the fat in your intestines. Since it was not absorbed into the body, the fat will pass in regular bowel movement. In a clinical trial, 35.5% to 54.8% of Xenical users lost 5% or more body mass, while 16.4%-24.8% lost more than 10% body mass. Studies also found a 37% reduction in type 2 diabetes among Xenical users. You may want to note that not all of the body mass lost was fat, some could have been muscle. After these users stopped taking Xenical they gained back 35% of their weight, which proves the fact that if a healthy diet isn’t maintained after taking weight loss drug, the weight is likely to return.

You should take not Xenical if you are allergic to orlistat, or if you suffer from chronic malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly) or if you have gallbladder problems. Always remember to talk to your doctor about any other prescription drugs you are taking or if you have an underactive thyroid, a history of kidney stones, a history of pancreatitis, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia), or if you take any other weight-loss medications (prescription or over-the-counter). Be sure to take a multi-vitamin wile talking Xenical because some nutrients such as beta carotene will not be absorbed as efficiently.

The most common side effects of Xenical deal with the digestive system. These effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rectal pain, and noticeable changes in your bowel movements, including oily spotting in your undergarments, oily or fatty stools, loose stools, an urgent need to go to the bathroom, inability to control bowel movements, an increased number of bowel movements. These results are generally natural and are a sign that Xenical is working properly. However, these side effects are usually triggered by too much fat intake. Lowering your fat consumption will help rid yourself of the effects.

More serious side effects that can be caused by taking Xenical include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. You should stop taking Xenical and call your doctor at once if you experience any of these effects, as well as if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, or a fast heart rate. The latter could be signs of pancreatitis.

Xenical is believed to be one of the safer weight loss medications out there, due to the fact that it doesn’t affect the workings of the brain. Instead it works on the digestive system to reduce absorption of fat into the body. Most of the side effects can be easily decreased, and maybe even prevented, by having a low fat diet. It is still recommended that you speak with your doctor about whether Xenical or Orlistat is right for you.

Entry Filed under: Prescription Diet Pills