Why Is Orlistat/Xenical Prescribed?

Orlistat is a medication that goes by several names. The most popular of these names are Xenical and alli. Its main usage is to treat obesity in patients for whom normal diet and exercise haven't worked. There are various benefits to taking Orlistat for weight loss, but there are also many potential downfalls.

Function

• Orlistat's main function, when it is prescribed as Xenical, is to help patients achieve heightened weight loss. In order to perform this feat the Orlistat essentially blocks the body's absorption of some fat. Orlistat inhibits pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that helps to break down the fat in a person's diet so that it is easily absorbed. When a patient absorbs less fat, which they do while taking Orlistat, they absorb fewer calories and are able to lose weight more rapidly.

Types

• There are two major types of Orlistat available to the public. The first is Xenical. Xenical is a prescription drug manufactured by Roche. The term "Xenical" is simply a trade name that was established by Roche to market Orlistat. Xenical is generally prescribed in 120 mg doses to the majority of patients.
  The other type of Orlistat that is commonly available is called "alli." Alli is a trade name that was established by GlaxoSmithKline to market its over-the-counter Orlistat medication. Alli comes in doses half the size of Xenical, at 60 mg.

Time Frame

• The amount of time involved in treatment with Orlistat depends on personal rationales. To begin with, some patients may cease using alli or Xenical relatively quickly if they experience unpleasant side effects. For those for whom the medication works, however, Orlistat may become a lifelong staple that is used to lose weight and to keep it off, alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan. Others may simply use Orlistat to try and speed their weight loss process, then elect to stop taking it and try to maintain their new weight naturally.

Benefits

• There are many benefits associated with using Orlistat, whether as alli or as Xenical. To begin with, the medication may help those who are discouraged by slow weight loss to stick to a dietary plan. Also, because of the negative side effects that are prevalent when Orlistat is taken with the consumption of fatty foods, the drug may help some to reform their diets through a process of psychological reinforcement. Likewise, those with extremely slow metabolisms who have difficulty dropping pounds, or those who are unable to exercise for some reason, will find that Xenical or alli can assist them as they try to lose weight.

Warning

• Both Xenical and alli are intended for use in concert with a strict dietary regimen. Disregarding this directive can lead to extremely unpleasant side effects, especially for those who are taking the higher-dose Xenical. Eating large quantities of fat while taking Orlistat can cause severe diarrhea and oily discharge. Also, it bears mentioning that Orlistat is not a magical solution and simply won't work if not applied with proper dietary efforts and exercise.