Weight Debate

Orlistat – pronounced OR-li-stat. Orlistat is a weight control prescription drug that keeps your body from absorbing fat from the food you eat.

Alli and Xenical
The weight loss drugs Alli and Xenical both contain orlistat. Xenical contains 120 mg (milligrams) of orlistat, and is available by prescription only. Alli contains 60 mg of orlistat and is sold over-the-counter in stores without a prescription.

How Orlistat Works
Orlistat blocks the enzyme lipase. Lipase is responsible for breaking down dietary fats to prepare them for bile and absorption. When fat isn’t broken down, the body can not absorb it, so you will take in fewer calories. Also… the fat will go right through you, making you spend a lot of time in the bathroom. Eating a low-fat diet can help prevent this.

Side Effects of Orlistat
Orlistat may cause:

• Severe liver damage – Signs of liver damage:
  • Itching
  • Yellow eyes or skin
  • Dark urine
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light colored stools
• Diarrhea
• Cramping
• Gas with oily spotting
• Leakage of oily stool
• Loose stools
• Oily or fatty stools
• Increased number of bowel movements
• Difficulty controlling bowel movements
• Pain or discomfort in the rectum (bottom)
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Headache
• Anxiety

Orlistat may prevent your body from absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E from the foods you eat. Talk with your doctor about whether you should take a multivitamin.

Ask your doctor about the benefits and the side effects before taking Orlistat.