Orlistat
and 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.
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.
NOTE: Before using any form of diet pills or weight loss
supplements, please consult your doctor.
|
