Will Xenical Help Me Lose Weight?

What is Xenical?

Xenical (orlistat) is a prescription medication designed to assist in weight loss. It's typically prescribed to individuals with obesity who haven't achieved their weight loss goals through diet and exercise alone. This drug is approved for use in adults under two specific conditions:

• For those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m^2 or higher, indicating obesity.
• For individuals with a BMI of 27 kg/m^2 or higher who also have comorbid weight-related health risks. These risks include conditions like type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Xenical works by interfering with the body's ability to absorb fat from the diet, thereby reducing calorie intake. It is meant to be taken orally, three times a day, with each fat-containing meal. This approach emphasizes the importance of combining the medication with a healthy diet and regular exercise for more effective weight loss.

How Does Xenical Work?

Xenical operates by targeting enzymes in the body known as "lipases." These enzymes are responsible for breaking down dietary fats into smaller components that the body can absorb for energy and storage. When taking Xenical, it inhibits the action of these lipases in the stomach and intestine. This inhibition prevents the complete breakdown and absorption of some fats, leading to their elimination through bowel movements instead of being stored in the body. Consequently, this process contributes to weight loss over time.

An important aspect of Xenical's mechanism is its impact on the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Since it reduces fat absorption, it can also reduce the intake of vitamins that are typically absorbed alongside fats. Therefore, patients using Xenical are advised to supplement their diet with a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins. To ensure proper vitamin absorption, the multivitamin should be taken at least two hours before or after taking Xenical. This precaution helps maintain an adequate level of essential nutrients while using the medication.

What to Expect

Xenical has been shown to enhance weight loss when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet, more effectively than dieting alone. Research indicates that over 20% of individuals using Xenical, alongside dietary changes, lose at least 5% of their body weight. In some cases, more than 15% of users even experience a loss of at least 10% of their body weight.

However, weight regain can occur once the medication is discontinued. This highlights the importance of continuing a balanced diet and regular exercise regimen even after stopping Xenical. The medication should be viewed as an initial boost in a weight loss journey, rather than a long-term solution. Sustainable weight management relies on ongoing lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and physical activity.

Side Effects

Xenical is known to have common side effects, primarily due to its mechanism of reducing fat absorption. These side effects are mostly related to the presence of unabsorbed fats in the intestines and stools. The typical side effects experienced by users of Xenical include:

• Oily rectal leakage
• Flatulence accompanying bowel movements
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Oily or greasy stools
• Increased frequency of bowel movements
• Bowel incontinence

It's important to note that these side effects are the primary reason for some users discontinuing Xenical. Over 20% of individuals may experience these side effects in the first year of use. However, the incidence of these side effects tends to decrease significantly if the medication is continued into a second year. This reduction over time may be due to the body's adaptation to the drug or adjustments in dietary habits in response to the medication's effects.

Cost of Xenical

At a typical pharmacy, the cost of a 3-month supply of Xenical is about $780. However, there is also an over-the-counter version of Xenical, called Alli. This medication contains a lower dose of orlistat but is less expensive and does not require a prescription.

Prices mentioned in this article are based on average retail price at major box chain pharmacy in the U.S. as of Decmber, 2023.