While you might notice a number of fat burners and other weight loss drugs sold over-the-counter, most of these are ineffective and some are also dangerous to your body, warns the Mayo Clinic. As of 2011, only four diet drugs were approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Orlistat, sold over-the-counter as Alli and prescription under the brand name Xenical, blocks fat from the food you eat from being digested in your body. You should not take orlistat if you have a history of liver disease or problems absorbing food.
Orlistat and Bowel Movements
When you take orlistat in any form, the drug releases a lipase inhibitor in your body, notes the Mayo Clinic. Orlistat stops your digestive system from digesting the fat. However, the fat comes out of your body through bowel movements. This action can cause a number of side effects including stomach and rectal pain, oily gas, frequent bowel movements, uncontrollable bowel movements, fatty stools and loose stools.
Reducing the Risk of Side Effects
You can avoid most bowel-related side effects by taking orlistat in conjunction with a low-fat diet, according to PubMed Health. Typically, you take orlistat three times daily before meals. However, if you plan to eat a meal with more than 15 g of fat and would rather not risk severe problems with your bowel movements you should not take orlistat before that meal. Some people also choose not to take orlistat before very low-fat meals so they do not experience unnecessary issues with their bowel movements.
Liver Injury Potential
Since 2009, FDA officials have been investigating user claims that orlistat causes liver injury. If you notice light-colored stools, you may have suffered a liver injury. Other signs indicating liver injury include jaundice, severe abdominal pain and dark-colored urine. While these symptoms are rare, if you notice any of them you should seek immediate medical intervention.
Weight Loss Potential
Orlistat is the only FDA-approved diet drug and fat burner suitable for long-term use, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. But the drug will not work if you do not eat properly and consistently engage in aerobic exercise such as walking. If you take Alli, you could lose 3 to 5 lb. more per year than you would with just lifestyle changes. Xenical might help you lose up to 5 to 7 lb. more each year.
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