Orlistat & Xenical Diet Pills

Orlistat & Xenical Diet Pills

Orlistat (brand name Xenical) assists weight loss under controlled conditions. Dieters who take Orlistat and follow a low-fat diet may reduce their weight at the cost of small but sometimes unpleasant side-effects.

Lipase Inhibitors - Anti-Obesity Weight Loss Pills

Orlistat (Xenical) is one of a class of anti-obesity drugs called lipase inhibitors, or fat blockers. Fat from food can only be absorbed into the body after being digested in the intestines by enzymes called lipase. By inhibiting the action of these lipase enzymes, Xenical prevents the intestinal absorption of fat by 30%. Weight loss drugs in this class do not affect brain chemistry. Thus, theoretically, Xenical should have minimal or no systemic side effects ( side effects in other parts of the body) because most action occurs inside the gut and very little of the diet drug is absorbed.

Orlistat Weight Loss Pills

Only people that are 30% over their recommended weight, have a BMI of 30 or greater or have a BMI of 27 with other high risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension are prescribed this drug.

Studies show that people who use orlistat can lose about 10 percent of their initial weight over the course of the year, but because fat can't be digested diarrhea is common if you don't follow a low-fat diet.

Because Orlistat (Xenical) also inhibits the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) and beta-carotene which are essential to a healthy diet, people taking orlistat must also take vitamin and beta-carotene supplements.

The recommended dose for Xenical is three capsules a day, one before each main meal containing fat. If the meal does not contain fat or a meal is missed, then the dose of Xenical can be omitted.

The monthly cost of Xenical can be more than $100 (based on 90 pills).

Long Term Use of Weight Loss Pills

Studies show that while certain prescription diet pills may assist weight loss in the short term, they are not effective in the long term. Only a healthy lifestyle which includes sensible eating and exercise can achieve lasting weight control.

See also Xenical Diet Pills Usage - Precautions - Xenical Side Effects

Diet & Weight Loss Pills

Diet and weight loss drugs or pills, whether prescription or over-the-counter weight loss supplements, are only effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan. So in order to lose weight and improve your body shape, check out our diet information and advice at Best Diets or our Online Pharmacy Resources.