Orlistat Review

What You Should Know

Orlistat is a weight loss drug which is designed to deal with weight loss in overweight adults. It was approved by the Food and Drugs Administration in 1999 as a prescription drug. Orlistat is the generic name, and the prescription form of the drug is known under the brand name of Alli. In 2007, the Food and Drugs Administration approved a lower dosage over the counter form of Orlistat known as Xenical. Xenical is produced and sold by GlaxoSmithKline.

List of Ingredients

Alli (60mg), Xenical (120mg)

Product Features

Those who market and sell the various forms of Orlistat tell us that it can be taken up to three times a day with each main meal and that it is designed to be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program. Of course, synthetic drugs such as Orlistat should be a last resort solution to weight loss. We are told that Orlistat works by binding to an enzyme known as gastrointestinal lipase which inhibits the action of this enzyme. This action is said to play a role in breaking down consumed fats. Those who market and sell the prescription form of Orlistat as well as the over the counter form claim that it breaks down thirty percent of fat which is ingested and prevents it from being absorbed. We are told that Orlistat is not suitable for anyone who has had an organ transplant, suffers from a thyroid problem or suffers from diabetes. Side effects of this drug include changes in bowel movements, as well as menstrual irregularities. Some experts claim that in certain individuals it can lead to behavioural changes. It also interferes with the absorption of certain vitamins in the body.

Advantages

• Orlistat is available both in prescription form and as an over the counter drug.
• Some of the contraindications for this drug are listed on line.
• The over the counter form of Orlistat can be ordered directly online.

Disadvantages

• Orlistat is not suitable for anyone who has a thyroid problem or suffers from diabetes.
• Side effects can include behavioural changes, changes in bowel movements and menstrual irregularities.
• Orlistat is not the only enzyme inhibiting weight loss drug on the market.
• We are provided with no evidence which shows that Orlistat is more effective than other enzyme inhibiting weight loss drugs.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, due to the fact that Orlistat interferes with the chemistry of the body by blocking Enzymes, we feel that it is a weight loss solution of last resort when other avenues have been exhausted. Even though a low dosage form of Orlistat is available as an over the counter drug, we are of the opinion that anyone who wishes to take Orlistat in any form should first seek the advice of their Physician.