Orlistat is the active ingredient used in Xenical, a prescription obesity treatment available to people with a body mass index of 27 or above. It is also used at a lower dosage in Alli, an over-the-counter weight management supplement. The 120mg dosage of orlistat (Xenical) can help you to prevent up to 30% of the fat you take through diet from being absorbed by your body. The 60mg tablets (Alli) can be ordered by people who have a BMI of 28 or above.
Orlistat has undergone rigorous clinical testing to ensure its effectiveness in people who are seriously overweight. In a 12-month trial, participants were given a low-calorie diet in the beginning. After a month, half of the participants were given Xenical to use in conjunction with the diet. At the end of the trial, people who took the drug had lost approximately double the amount of weight as those who continued using the regular diet alone.
When you consume excess calories, your body will store them as fat, which in turn, increases your body mass. The active ingredient in Xenical and Alli, orlistat, attaches itself to the enzymes that are responsible for breaking down fat. This binding action prevents additional fats from being digested and adsorbed into the body. Undigested fat cannot be stored, and passes naturally out of your body.
To buy Xenical tablets you need to obtain a prescription from a doctor. The treatment will only be prescribed if your body mass index is 27 or more. Also, you'll also only be prescribed orlistat if dieting and exercise alone have not helped you lose at least 5.5 pounds over 4 weeks.
The medication should be discontinued if you haven't lost at least 5 percent of your body weight after 12 weeks. Alternatively you can request a course of Alli tablets, which contain a lower dosage of orlistat.
Orlistat should be used as part of a calorie-controlled diet. Take 3 tablets per day with food, for up to 1 hour after meal. When taking Xenical make sure that your meal contains no more than 30% of your recommended daily calories from fat.
Distribute the amount of fat evenly instead of eating a single low-calorie meal and two meals that contain a high volume of fat or sugar. You do not need to take this slimming pill after a meal which contains no traces of fat.