Xenical, or orlistat, is a medication that helps with weight loss. This drug is available in prescription strength or as an over-the-counter product under the brand name Alli. Taking prescription Xenical without following the proper diet can cause problems, such as oily stools, and reduce the effectiveness of the product. Ask your doctor about food sources and diet maintenance while taking Xenical to avoid complications.
How Does Xenical Work?
Xenical is a lipase inhibitor. This means it prevents the body from absorbing a portion of the fat in the foods you eat. Lipase is an enzyme found in the digestive tract. Without lipase, fat will not be broken down, but will continue to move through and leave the body as waste. The Xenical website states the drug will prevent you from absorbing 30 percent of fat in food. The theory is that by reducing the fat your body absorbs, you raise you chance of successful weight loss.
Fats
While on Xenical, you must follow a proper diet. This requires that you keep your fat intake at 30 percent of calories or lower. For example, if on a 1,500-calorie-a-day diet, your fat calories should total no more than 450. Food labels that provide calorie information will also list fat calories. This will help you monitor fat intake. Xenical recommends you stick to fewer than 15 g of fat with each meal. Exceeding 45 g may cause digestive problems, such a gas.
Balanced Diet
Xenical is not meant to replace a healthy diet. It is only a tool to support a complete program with a low-fat diet and exercise. Weight loss will only occur when you burn more calories than you consume. Xenical's role is to reduce your fat intake. The combination of low calories and the fat reduction will force the body to burn stored body fat for energy. Your doctor will provide you with a daily calorie target, based on your health and age. Create meals that include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Monitor your calories per meal and total them at the end of the day. Do not deviate from the number of calories your doctor tells you to stick to.
Considerations
Side effects of taking Xenical include oily stools, oil stains on clothing, loss of bowel control, rectal irritation, irregular menstruation, headache and nervousness. If you vomit or get a yellowish tint in the skin or the eyes, stop taking the drug and call your doctor. Hives, an itchy rash, or difficulty breathing, may indicate an allergic reaction. Exercise will improve your chances of success while on Xenical. Ask your doctor about taking a multivitamin while on Xenical. The manufacturer recommends you supplement vitamins D, E and K and beta carotene while taking the drug.
Member Comments