Orlistat is a medication that is prescribed for the treatment of obesity. It works directly on the digestive system to reduce the amount of fat that is absorbed from your food so that it can be excreted in your stool.

This medicine can be purchased in the form of capsules at a pharmacy, and is sold under its generic name "orlistat" or brand name "Xenical". A prescription is needed to obtain this medication.

Orlistat should be used as prescribed and under close monitoring by a doctor. It should be taken together with a low-calorie diet, as advised by a registered dietitian, so that weight loss can be achieved in a healthy and sustainable way.

What it's for

Orlistat is indicated for the treatment of obesity in adults and is prescribed alongside a healthy, low-calorie diet. It can also be prescribed to maintain weight loss that has already been achieved to prevent a rebound effect with weight gain.

Because it promotes weight loss, orlistat can also play a role in treating other obesity-related conditions, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver. It can also promote a reduction in the overall amount of visceral fat in the abdomen.

How it works
Orlistat works in the digestive system by inhibiting the action of lipases. Lipases are enzymes that help with the breakdown of fat into smaller compounds that can be absorbed by the gut and into the bloodstream. By reducing fat digestion, the amount of fat absorbed is also reduced.

Fat this is undigested remains in the intestinal tract, and is then excreted from the body through the stool.

How to take

The normally recommended dose of orlistat is one 120 mg capsule taken 3 times a day with your main meals.

Orlistat should be taken with a glass of wate, either with your food or within an hour of eating.

Treatment with orlistat can be stopped by the doctor if after 12 weeks, there is no weight loss of at least 5% of the initial weight.

This medication is only effective when taken with meals, and therefore you should not take orlistat if you are not eating a main meal, or if you are consuming a fat-free meal.

During treatment, your doctor may also prescribe vitamin supplements, as orlistat can interfere with the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins require the presence of fat to be absorbed in the gut. In these cases, vitamin supplements should be taken at night before bedtime, or at least 2 hours before or after taking an orlistat capsule.

How to get better results

To enhance the effects of orlistat, you are advised to consult a registered dietitian for a custom meal plan that adheres to a calorie-deficit diet and incorporates a variety of healthy foods. This meal plan should prioritize fresh fruits and vegetables is prioritized and aim for an average of 30% of total calories coming from fat.

It is also important to avoid consuming foods that contain fat between meals, such as cookies, chocolate or chips.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of orlistat treatment are:

Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Nausea
Fatty and oily stools
Excess intestinal gas
Urgency to evacuate with fecal incontinence
Oily fecal incontinence
Increase in bowel movements

Severe diarrhea can interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. In these cases, an additional contraceptive method may be advised. recommended.

You should stop treatment with orlistat immediately and seek urgent medical assistance if you experience symptoms such as severe stomach pain, lower back pain, blood in the urine, dark urine, pain when urinating, decreased blood pressure, reduced urine output, swelling in the feet, hands or ankles, excessive fatigue, shortness of breath, white stools or yellowish skin and eyes.

Contraindications for use

Orlistat should not be taken by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also contraindicated for anyone with a history of chronic intestinal absorption problems, diarrhea, gallbladder problems, organ transplant or cyclosporine treatment.

People who are taking medications for diabetes or high cholesterol should consult their doctor before taking orlistat, as weight loss that occurs from orlistat treatment may require adjustments to other treatments.

This medication should also not be used by people who are allergic to orlistat or any other component of the formula.