Orlistat is sold under a number of brand names, the most well known of which are Xenical and Alli. It works by preventing the fat absorption, and therefore reducing the calorie intake, and is used in treatments of obesity.

Combined with reduced-calorie diet and exercise, the medication helps users lose more weight gradually and its effectiveness has been proven in clinical trials. While on Xenical, eating plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, fish, and lean meat as well as meals, which do not contain more than 30% fat is highly recommended.

The medication also reduces blood pressure and works as a prevention of onset of type 2 diabetes.

It works by inhibiting certain enzymes, which are responsible for the fat absorption an unlike most of the available on the market diet pills, it does not suppress the patient's appetite.

For longer lasting effect and maintenance of optimal weight, healthy and balanced diet and regular exercises should be used even after the end of the treatment with Xenical (Orlistat).

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to the main or some of the inactive ingredients, if you have chronic malabsorption syndrome or gallbladder problems.

Before taking Xenical (Orlistat), tell your doctor if you suffer or have suffered from underactive thyroid, gallstones, eating disorder, liver disease, pancreatitis, type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other weight-loss pills, as well as any other supplements, medications, and remedies.

Since the medication prevents the absorption of certain fat-soluble nutrients and vitamins, you might have to take vitamin supplements while on Xenical. Although highly effective, the medication works best when it is combined with doctor prescribed diet and exercise!

Xenical should be used only after is has been recommended by a doctor, even though it is available without prescription in various countries, including the United States and the European Union.

The treating physician would take into account the patient’s Body Mass Index and health conditions and will supervise the treatment as well; if in the first three months do not result in 5% of weight loss of the first six months do not result in 10% weight loss, alternative treatment might be sought.

The medication should be used by patients between the ages of 18 and 75 only. Xenical is known to interact with various other drugs, including certain blood thinners, some diabetes medications, thyroid diseases medications, blood pressure control medications, and other weight loss drugs.

Side Effects

The most common side effects, which Xenical causes are gastrointestinal-related and include urgent or frequent bowel movements, oily stools, and loose stools.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rectal pain, vomiting, itching, loss of appetite, and itching are possible as well.

The side effects are common at the beginning of the treatment and might subside with time; in the case they do not, switching to low-fat diet could greatly help reduce their occurrence.