What is Orlistat (Xenical)?

Orlistat is a prescription based medication used to treat excessive weight gain and obesity. Orlistat capsules work by blocking the amount of fat getting absorbed by your body. When combined with a calorie controlled diet, Xenical can be very effective in reducing fat.

Xenical

Xenical is the branded version of Orlistat; both products are identical in ingredients and are manufactured the same way; however for those that are familiar with the Xenical brand, the branded product would be more ideal.

Alli weight loss medication

Alli is also very similar to Xenical, a branded version of Orlistat but is available over the counter without a prescription. It is also not as strong the prescription based medication, however there is little or no supply of these products due to the manufacturer pulling the Alli products from the shelves due to production issues.

Who should use Orlistat?

If you have found that diets or exercising is no longer working and your BMI (body mass index) is not dropping below 30, it could be advisable to use prescription based capsules such as Orlistat. Orlistat is a very effective drug and can dramatically reduce weight loss; however, lifestyle changes have to be made in order for it to be successful. The patient must continue exercising and incorporate a healthy diet.

How does this medication Work?

When eating excessive amounts of calories and fatty foods your body will try to the break this down in order for it to be digested and absorbed. Fatty foods are usually the components of weight gain especially if they are not broken down effectively in the body. 

Orlistat works by blocking the amount of fat getting absorbed into the body. The body contains several enzymes called lipases which work by breaking down and absorbing fat. Orlistat actually attaches itself to these enzymes and blocks them from absorbing any fat. The fat that would normally be absorbed by the body is then passed through in the form of waste.  

While most weight loss treatments work by suppressing appetite which can be harmful to the body, Orlistat is the only clinically proven medication which actually blocks fat being absorbed into the body; however it must be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and continuous exercise for it to be effective.**

How long before I see results?

Orlistat is a very effective medication however results will depend on your lifestyle and diet.. Patients who begin the treatment are given a 3 month target in which you must lose 5% of your body weight; if you are successful in this target you will be able to continue the treatment for a maximum of 2 years. It is important to keep track of your weight and record as much data as possible, this will help your doctor and prescriber determine what effect Orlistat is having on your body and if there any areas such as diet or exercise that can help the treatment and make the medication more effective. Once your body mass index reaches below 28 you will most likely be asked to stop the treatment and to continue your diet and healthy lifestyle.**

Does Orlistat Work?

In 1998 a study was undertaken to see the effects of orlistat on a controlled group over a 2 year period.

The trial was conducted on 743 patients with a body-mass index of 28-47 kg/m2.  These patients were recruited at 15 European centres.  They entered a 4-week, single-blind, placebo lead-in period on a slightly hypocaloric diet (600 kcal/day deficit). 688 patients who completed the lead-in were assigned double-blind treatment with orlistat 120 mg (three times a day) or placebo for 1 year in conjunction with the hypocaloric diet. In a second 52-week double-blind period patients were reassigned orlistat or placebo with a weight maintenance (eucaloric) diet.

The orlistat group lost, on average, more bodyweight than the placebo group (10.3 kg) vs (6.1 kg). During year 2, patients who continued with orlistat regained, on average, half as much weight as those patients switched to the placebo. Patients switched from placebo to orlistat lost an additional 0.9 kg during year 2.*

*(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9683204)

*Disclaimer. Individual results may vary

Please click on the relevant Patient Information Leaflet to view or download:

• Orlistat 120mg - Patient Information Leaflet

• Xenical 120mg - Patient Information Leaflet
  
  
• Mysimba 8mg/90mg - Patient Information Leaflet

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