It has been used by 28 million people worldwide. It helps to reduce weight by reducing the absorption of dietary fat from the intestine. The fat which is not absorbed is, of course, excreted via the faeces, and does not therefore contribute to calorific intake. Studies suggest that, at the doses recommended here, approximately 30% of dietary fat is prevented from being absorbed.
As high fat intake is associated with cardiovascular disease, the reduction attained with Orlistat may also, in fact, reduce the risk of such disease. It should be used in conjunction with a low fat diet and regular exercise in order to have maximum effect on weight loss. Indeed, takers of Orlistat usually find that a reduced fat diet is preferable also in order to prevent some of the possible side effects of the drug .
The associated low fat diet can also have beneficial long term effects. It is well known that a change in dietary habits can, after a while, actually change the individual’s food preferences so that they are more likely to continue with a healthier diet that before even after weight loss has been achieved. The use of Orlistat has been licensed for prescription in most of Europe and Canada.
Being overweight is associated with diabetes, gallstones, cardiovascular disease and osteoarthritis. If you wish to lose weight, improve your health, and reduce the risks of disease associated withobesity it is very important to have a good look at your lifestyle and make changes accordingly.
In some individuals there may be a genetic component in the tendency to put on lots of weight more easily than others, although this probably applies to a minority of people.
Factors which aggravate the tendency to put on weight are depression and other psychological problems. If this applies to you then a change in lifestyle may well help in overcoming some of these problems.
If you have severe difficulties with depression etc, you should see a doctor for advice and treatment. It is recommended that, in conjunction with Orlistat, you should take steps to improve your diet and start doing exercise. A low fat diet is particularly recommended with this drug. Remember, Orlistat can help you lose weight but you still need to make some effort yourself.
Final Word
Some people were concerned by an early (1999) study of the effects of Orlistat, that it may increase the incidence of Breast Cancer. However, It transpired that many of those individuals with breast cancer had already been diagnosed with such before taking Orlistat, and others had been diagnosed within the first six months of taking Orlistat which meant that the drug had simply not had time to be held responsible for contributing to the acquisition of the disease.
Recent studies have suggested some benefit to breast cancer patients when Orlistat is used in conjunction with another drug, although it is early days for firm conclusions to be drawn.
Xenical acts as a reversible inhibitor of lipases preventing the initial breakdown of fats, and thus, instead of passing through the wall of the intestine into the bloodstream, they are passed out through the faeces unchanged. These fats therefore do not contribute to your daily calorific intake. It has been found that around 30% of ingested fats pass through without absorption if the dose recommendations above are followed. Studies have shown that increasing the dose above the recommended level does not result in further decrease in fat absorption.
It should also not be used by individuals with Chronic Malabsorption Syndrome, or Cholestatis.
Drug Interactions:
The manufacturer advises that Orlistat should not be used if you are also taking: Acarbose – an anti-diabetic drug. Do not use with Orlistat Ciclosporin – Orlistat may interfere with absorption of this drug therefore should be used with caution Coumarins – an anticoagulant – needs to be monitored if Orlistat also being used Amiodarone – and anti-arrhythmic drug. Orlistat may interfere with Absorption of this drug therefore should be used with caution.
If, however, you stick to a low fat diet these side effects can be minimised. And you will be helping your weight loss programme at the same time.
Other possible side effects include fatigue, headache, anxiety, hypoglycaemia, respiratory or urinary tract infections, menstrual disturbance, and tooth and gingival disorders.
A rare side effect is rectal bleeding and very rare side effects are diverticulitis, hepatitis, cholelithiasis, and bullous eruptions.
If you forget to take your tablet at meal time you should omit that dose from your regime and continue normally from the next meal. Do not double dose.
Orlistat can interfere with Vitamin D absorption, so many people also take Vitamin D supplements to counteract this, Ensure that you eat plenty of foods containing Vitamin D. Any vitamin supplement should be taken at least 2 hours after Orlistat, or at bedtime.
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