Orlistat

Orlistat is a substance that is more popularly known as Xenical, a drug marketed by Roche. Its function is to prevent the absorption of fatty acids from your digestive tract to your bloodstream, thereby reducing caloric intake. It is recommended for people who need to slim down but cannot due to certain health reasons (for example, too weak for manual exercise routines).

How does Orlistat work?

Naturally, a person’s pancreas secretes pancreatic lipase molecules, which are enzymes designed by evolution to break apart fat molecules effectively. These fat molecules are broken down even more when bile salts secreted by the gall bladder coat the fat droplets, therefore increasing their surface area and their vulnerability to the pancreatic lipase. The resulting droplets are then absorbed through the lymphatic system by a specialized vessel called a lacteal.

Orlistat’s main function is to inhibit the pancreatic lipase. Therefore, the fat molecules are not broken down into their simpler versions. These fat molecules are then unabsorbed by the body and are excreted by feces.

Orlistat Effects

During a standard prescription of about 120 milligrams, taken orally three times a day before meals, Orlistat can prevent fat absorption by about thirty percent. During clinical trials, it was found that about thirty to fifty percent of subjects received a five percent greater decrease in body mass, while about fifteen to twenty-five percent of subjects reported a ten percent decrease in body mass. In all subjects, there is an approximated thirty percent decrease in the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Orlistat Side Effects

Side-effects are common during the first few months of therapy. Because its main effect is the prevention of fatty acids from being absorbed, the oil is secreted by feces and the stool may become oily and loose. Common side-effects include flatulence and an increased rate of bowel movement. Bowel movements may become frequent and urgent. Also, the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins may be inhibited by the use of orlistat, and they include vitamins A, D, E, and beta carotene.

Also, because the body gets “starved” of some of the nutrients it may need, the person may experience some lightheadedness, fevers, difficulty in breathing and chest pains.

Things to remember when taking Orlistat:

• First of all, one must take orlistat with a goal in mind. Orlistat is not a miracle pill. Eating little fatty foods will decrease the rate of bowel movement and decrease the oiliness of the stool. Talk to your doctor for a healthy eating plan.
• To cope up with the loss of the vitamins A, D, E, and beta carotene, orlistat users must take multivitamins with these nutrients to compensate for the loss. Ask for a prescription from your doctor.
• When you have missed a dose during a meal, take note at the time. If you have missed it within one hour of your last meal, then you can still take it; otherwise, just continue with the regular dosage. Do not take two dosages during the next meal to compensate.
• Always consult your personal doctor first before taking orlistat. Set up an appointment regularly to check on the results.
• Do not take orlistat if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or nursing, as the effects of orlistat on the abovementioned are currently unknown.

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