What is Xenical?
In the last 40 years many weight loss pills have been developed. The majority have been derivatives of the addictive drug, amphetamine. While these drugs have been effective, they also have had serious side effects including physical dependence. Now there is a new weight loss pill known as Orlistat (Xenical).
How is it administered?
Xenical is available as a prescription pill and can help one reduce weight.
How does it work?
Orlistat works by preventing absorption of fat from the intestine. For a normal person, before fat can be absorbed into the blood stream, it has to be broken down into smaller fragments by an enzyme in the intestine. This enzyme, lipase, is blocked by Orlistat. Once the enzyme is blocked, any ingested fat is simply excreted into the feces. The maximum inhibition of the enzyme by Orlistat is not 100 percent but ranges anywhere from 50%-80%
What happens to the fat one eats?
Because the fat is no longer broken down, it is excreted and appears in the stools. The stools appear frothy, bulky and have a distinct smell. The stools also appear greasy and can fill up the entire toilet because of the froth.
When does one take the pill?
Orlistat is best taken at least an hour before a fatty meal. If you are not going to eat fat, there is no point in taking the pill
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