Orlistat
The FDA-approved weight loss drug found in Xenical and Alli.
BACKGROUND
Orlistat is the popular drug, developed by pharmaceutical giant Roche, to treat obesity. Orlistat is probably more recognizable under its marketed names of Xenical or the over-the-counter drug, Alli. Orlistat’s primary objective is to prevent the absorption of fat that is consumed and thereby reduce caloric intake and ultimately body weight.
Orlistat works by inhibiting the pancreatic enzyme, lipase, which is responsible for metabolizing triglycerides in the intestine. Triglycerides are a fancy name for a kind of fat that is found in vegetable oils and animal fats. Without the enzyme lipase, triglycerides are not absorbed and are instead excreted from the body. The prescription form of Orlistat is given to overweight people that also have accompanying conditions of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or heart diease. Orlistat is also used after weight loss to help people prevent gaining back the weight lost.
There are uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects that come with taking Orlistat. In addition, Orlistat’s weight loss effects are modest. Those taking Xenical, the prescription form of Orlistat, lost on average about six pounds more than those who just relied on diet and exercise alone during a one-year time frame. Taking the over-the-counter drug Alli results in an average of three pounds greater loss than just relying on diet and exercise alone within a one-year time frame.
PRO
- Taking Orlistat correctly, can reduce weight
- The FDA has approved Orlistat
- The active ingredient in FDA-approved Xenical and Alli
- Published studies proving results
- Thorough dietary guidance
CON
- There is no magic pill to weight loss
- Orlistat has many gastrointestinal side effects
- Orlistat may not be a long-term weight loss solution
- Weight loss is modest
- Must continue to take weight loss medication in order to keep weight off
INGREDIENTS
Orlistat contains a saturated form of lipstatin, a powerful natural inhibitor of lipase, the pancreatic enzyem that absorbs fat.
ADMINISTRATION
Orlistat is taken in a capsule form three times a day with a meal that contains fat. If the meal does not contain fat, then you should not take Orlistat.
At the standard prescription dose of 120mg, three times daily before meals, Orlistat prevents approximately 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed. Over-the-counter dosages, like the product Alli, contain 60mg of Orlistat. This amount prevents about 25% of dietary fat from being absorbed.Taking more Orlistat than the standard 120mg does not accelerate weight loss.
DIET AND EXERCISE
Orlistat is always used in combination with a physician-monitored reduced-calorie and low-fat diet as well as regular exercise program.
You should also not consume foods that contain more than 30% of their calories from fat. This will increase the chances of experiencing gastrointestinal side effects. While taking Orlistat, each meal that you eat should contain 15 grams of fat or less. It is recommended to eat 2-3 ounces of lean protein with each meal as well as filling your plate with good carbohydrates like vegetables and whole grains. Low-fat or fat-free versions of dairy and salad dressings should be eaten as well as asking for foods to be prepared without fat when dining out.
Since Orlistat also inhibits the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K, a multivitamin that also contains beta-carotene must be taken on a daily basis, preferably at bedtime or two hours after taking Orlistat, to ensure that your body is readily absorbing these necessary nutrients.
CONCLUSION
Orlistat is one of the only FDA-approved weight loss drugs. Even though it may help those who are overweight or obese to lose weight, it does carry some serious side effects. In addition, those who stop using the drug typically regain the weight back within a few months.
Since Orlistat also contains many contraindications, it is necessary to talk with your doctor before taking any form of Orlistat.
Common Misspellings
Orlystat, Orilistat, Orlastat, Xenical, Zenikal, Ali, Alli, Orlistat.com
Related Diets: Alli, Contrave, Xenical
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i was taking orlistat for 2 years during this time the most i lost was nearing 3 stone but towards the end it was more like slightly over 2 stones. although my eating habits hadnt changed on some weigh in's there was a slight weight gain. i was taken off the pills as a locum doctor decided i had been on them too long and it is possible that taking these kind of pills for longer than is recommended could cause them to start havin the reverse affect. after a lengthy time taking 3 a day i was just stopped. since then i have been in total agony, i am constipated and bloated and the pain i experience when i do get to go to the toilet is eye watering. i am trying to find out if i should have been weaned of them after so long,or if it is safe to just stop. i am going to go back to my gp as i cant continue like this. on the plus side whilst on the pills i didnt suffer side affects,only when i first started going to the toilet was just masses of orange oil but this only lasted about a week. apparently it was pills working against the recent intake of fat i had taken pror to taking the pills.
I just started using Alli to help with my weight loss/control. I am not overweight but not where I want to be. I have always exercised and counted calories but found my hunger to be the problem. I have lost 5 pounds in 5 months just from exercise and eating about 200 calories less per day. I am very active/fit and find that cutting calories is very difficult for me, so even if Alli does block only 100 calories per day, that will add up to an extra pound per month. It seems if I add fat calories to my total day that will help so Alli will block more. I'm interested to see if this works. Anyone who has feedback please feel free!
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If you have tried Orlistat, I would like talk with you about your experience. I'm shooting a documentary analyzing the options out there for weight loss and your story would be very helpful to people. Please contact me . You can see our work online.
Thanks, Jonathan
yael, the reason why you are probably having anal discharge is because you are eating things tha t has to much oli in it and that is the way alli or xenical get rid of the fat, by going to the bathroom for number 2. Try to cut a little more of the fat on your meal and you will see results.
I have been taking Orlistat for a month now and have been pleased with the results. I have lost 11 pounds so far, I probably could have lost more in one month but I have only been exercising 2-3 days a week.
I did not have effects like the other poster. Maybe a little gas, but orange oil wasn't leaking out of me. Honestly, in order to have orange leaking all over your bedsheets and sofa, you are probably eating very fattening, bad foods or not realizing the fat content in the foods you are eating. Remember, this is not a magic pill and you have to carefully monitor your fat intake. I hardly believe someone who calculates their food's fat content carefully will have to wear an adult diaper.
I am very happy with Orlistat and will continue to take until I reach my goal weight.
I hate this diet!!! I ws on the prescription orlistat... alli is a 50% version of the drug and it made me anal discharge bright orange pure oil.... I had to wear huge overnight pads to keep it from leaking and if it did it stained and ruined everything... (i.e. my sofa, bed linens, undergarments and clothes) I didn't even lose alot of weight... maybe 7 lbs after a few months... I followed all insructions and still the weight loss was nothing as dramatic as the side effects of oily anal discharge ... and NO i could NOT control it..... I do NOT recommend this.....
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