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Orlistat

Those who are seriously obese may qualify to take prescription diet pills. In order to qualify, these patients have a body mass index of 30 or higher. Others whom doctors may consider for prescription diet pills are those whose BMI exceeds 27, and who have other obesity complications such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other weight-related health concerns. One of the most common prescription diet pills is called orlistat. It is manufactured under the brands Alli, and Xenical.

How it works

Orlistat is a diet pill that blocks the body’s ability to break down and absorb fat. The chemical in orlistat inhibits digestive enzymes that normally break down triglycerides. Triglycerides are found in many foods including beef, dairy products, eggs, starchy foods, and fried foods. When triglyceride breakdown ceases, these fats are not absorbed into the body, but are excreted.

Effectiveness

Studies show that the success of orlistat is only moderate. Clinical trials represent that those taking orlistat medications lose 4-6 pounds more than those not taking the medication, or those taking a placebo. In one study, one third to one half of the patients lost 5% of their weight.

Side effects

Surprisingly, orlistat has some positive side effects. One of these is that it reduces high blood pressure. Additionally, it is thought that it prevents type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, orlistat comes with its share of negative side effects, too. One of these is that is causes immense gastrointestinal discomfort in some patients. This comes in the form of oily bowel movements, and incontinence. Some studies suggest higher breast cancer occurrence among patients taking orlistat. Because orlistat absorbs fat-soluble nutrients, it can also reduce the body’s absorption of important vitamins. To avoid any deficiency, one should take a multivitamin tablet when using orlistat.

Over the counter varieties

Alli is an over-the-counter formulation of orlistat. In 2007, it became the first weight loss drug that received official government approval as an OTC drug. Despite some opposition, it continues to be sold over-the-counter, but only contains half of the amount of orlistat as the prescription variety, Xenical.

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