Xenical is one of the brand names of a weight loss drug called orlistat. Xenical does not allow a person's body to absorb all of the fat he eats, and therefore helps him lose weight. Xenical must be used carefully in order to reap the benefits and to stay healthy. According to Roche Laboratories, Inc., the makers of Xenical, the medication is aimed toward people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. People who want to take Xenical should be committed to adopting a healthy lifestyle as they begin their weight loss journeys.
Follow Dosage Instructions
Xenical can be part of a healthy weight loss routine if it is used correctly. The medication needs to be taken with water at every meal that contains any amount of fat. The medicine should not be taken with a fat-free meal, because there is no fat to be blocked from absorption in these cases. People who take other medications should speak to their doctors about specific dosage instructions to prevent potentially unhealthy reactions between medications.
Read Food Labels
Following a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet while taking Xenical can lead to a healthy rate of weight loss. Reading food labels is essential, according to Drugs.com's information about Xenical. The drug works best when a person consumes no more than 30 percent of her daily calories in fats. Keeping track of calories, particularly fat calories, along with serving sizes is a responsible way to integrate Xenical into a weight loss plan. A person who does not pay attention to the foods she eats and continues to eat high-fat foods will not see the same results as someone who implements a healthier eating style.
Supplement Nutrients
Malabsorption of essential vitamins and minerals can become a problem with some people who take Xenical, according to the Mayo Clinic. To combat this problem, many people who take Xenical also take a multivitamin to be sure they are getting the nutrients they need. Vitamin supplements should be taken either two hours before using Xenical or two hours after taking the weight loss medication to avoid negative interactions between the two substances.
Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle
Committing to a healthy lifestyle can help Xenical do its job. Eating a heart-healthy diet with lots of whole grains and fresh produce promotes regularity and reduces the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Participating in a form of aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming or playing sports, is a healthy component of any weight loss plan. Weight-bearing exercise also protects women from osteoporosis and loss of bone density.
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