Xenical for Weight Loss

Xenical^® (orlistat) is a medication that is available by prescription only. It is used for weight loss in people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. It may also be recommended for those with a BMI of 27 or greater who also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

 

Xenical works by decreasing the absorption of fat from your diet. The stomach and intestine have enzymes (called lipases) that break down fat into smaller molecules which are then absorbed from your digestive tract. Xenical binds to lipases and inhibits their activity, helping to decrease fat absorption. The medication does not have any effect on carbohydrates or protein.

 

This medicine comes in capsule form and is taken by mouth with each fat-containing meal, up to three times per day. Xenical should be combined with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet; eating too much fat increases the risk of side effects. In general, you should try to limit your fat intake to less than 30 percent of your total daily calories.