Xenical Proven to Be Effective for Weight Loss

enical is a prescription weight loss drug primarily intended for adults who are obese, with a body mass index of 30 or higher. It can also be used effectively in those who are considered overweight (BMI of 27-29). Persons with other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or diabetes can also benefit from taking Xenical (orlistat) for weight loss.

Xenical must be taken in conjunction with a regular exercise program and a nutritionally balanced diet containing no more than 30% calories from fat. Taking a daily multivitamin supplement is also important, as Xenical reduces the absorption of vitamins from food.

his weight-loss drug works differently from other diet drugs, as it does not suppress your appetite. Instead, Xenical blocks the absorption of a portion of your dietary fat intake to produce weight loss. As a result, Xenical produces gastrointestinal side effects that usually occur in the first weeks of treatment.  Side effects usually taper off after the first few months. You may experience side effects such as gas with oily discharge, underwear stains, and an increased number of bowel movements. These side effects can be minimized by staying within the 30% dietary fat guidelines.

If side effects become distressing, discuss the symptoms with your prescribing doctor or pharmacist. You should not take Xenical if you are pregnant, nursing, have food absorption problems or reduced bile flow. Children should not be given Xenical for weight loss.

Xenical Proven to Be Effective for Weight Loss

Several clinical studies have shown that after 52 weeks, persons on a reduced fat diet who took Xenical as prescribed lost an average of twice as much weight as those (in the control group) on the diet alone. That is, 13 pounds, compared to about 6 pounds. Within the first three months, those on Xenical had lost 3% of their body weight. There is clear scientific evidence to demonstrate that obese or significantly overweight persons who lose as little as 5% to 10% of their body weight can improve their health.

The clear health benefits of the effects of weight loss with Xenical on other weight-related health problems such as high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure have been assessed in seven studies of 1 to 2 years. These studies involved multicenters, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trials. More than 4,100 patients took part.

Clearly, there is now a weight loss drug that effectively takes weight off and helps improve general health if your excessive pounds put you at risk. The question is, will the side effects be tolerable to you?  Will you be motivated to do the following:

• Set realistic, achievable weight-loss goals with your doctor?
• Take Xenical three times daily with meals?
• Record your food intake each day, and eat a reduced-calorie diet with 30% or less calories from fat?
• Take one multi-vitamin daily — 2 hours before or after taking Xenical or at bedtime?
• Maintain a realistic exercise program?

An over-the-counter version of Xenical, a reduced-strength version, is now being sold under the name “alli.” This drug is approximately half-strength of the prescription version. Alli is also intended for use along with diet and exercise programs. Taking the drug without the other components is unlikely to produce the desired results.

The FDA recently approved the sale of alli without prescription. The agency cautioned that people who had organ transplants should not take orlistat (Xenical) or alli because of possible drug interaction side effects. Those taking blood-thinning medications or being treated for diabetes or thyroid disease should also consult a doctor before using alli, according to the agency.

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