Orlistat is a diet drug that helps block fat from being digested and thus can promote weight loss, according to PubMed Health. The medication is available as prescription Xenical or a lower dose, over-the-counter strength marketed under the name Alli. But no matter what strength orlistat a dieter chooses to take, he must follow specific dietary guidelines to avoid unpleasant side effects and also promote weight loss.
Fat Consumption
If you eat a meal with too much fat, you can experience uncontrollable and oily bowel movements. Thus, you should eat lean cuts of meat and skinless poultry. Each meal should consist of no more than about two to three ounces of lean protein and 15 grams of fat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Instead of using oils, use cooking sprays to prepare your food. Your total fat intake should be no more than about 30 percent of the calories in your daily diet. If you must eat fast food or processed foods, cut down on your normal serving sizes to promote weight loss and avoid problems with your bowel movements.
Number of Meals
You should eat at least three moderate meals per day when taking any type of orlistat, advises PubMed Health. If you eat a meal that consists of very little or no fat, you can skip an orlistat dose if you wish to do so. Also, because orlistat causes malabsorption of nutrients including essential vitamins you should take a daily multivitamin. Take your vitamin two hours before or after taking orlistat.
Weight Loss Potential
If you take Alli which consists of 60 mg of orlistat, you can expect to lose three to five pounds more each year than you would with just diet and exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic. If your doctor prescribes Xenical with its 120 mg of orlistat, you can lose up to seven pounds more annually than you would have with just diet and exercise.
Potential Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects associated with orlistat are problems with bowel movements, according to PubMed Health. Other potential side effects include rectal pain, stomachaches, irregular menstrual periods, headache, anxiety and signs of allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or itching. Since 2009, representatives of the Food and Drug Administration have been investigating patient allegations that orlistat causes serious liver injury. If you experience jaundice or dark urine, contact your doctor immediately.
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