How does Xenical work
Xenical, known chemically as Orlistat, is a lipase inhibitor. Some weight management drugs act in the brain or central nervous system to suppress appetite or to speed up metabolism. Xenical on the other hand, works in your intestines to block about one-third of the fat in the food you eat from being digested.
Lipases are enzymes in your digestive system which help break down (digest) fat (lipids). When taken with meals, Xenical attaches to the lipases and blocks them from breaking down some of the fat you have eaten.
Because of blocking the fat absorbtion there are present also some side effects. You will probably experience some changes in bowel habits. These bowel changes are a natural effect of blocking the fat from being absorbed. They generally occur during the first weeks of treatment; however, for some people they may continue for six months or longer while on Xenical.
These changes may include gas with oily discharge, an increased number of bowel movements, an urgent need to have them, and an inability to control them, particularly after meals containing higher amounts of fat than are recommended.
It is recommend that you combine the medication with a reduced calorie diet that contains no more than about 30% of the calories from fat. If you need help with the implementation of a healthy eating plan, your doctor can be of assistance. In addition, the American Heart Association has developed a
plan that is available freely on the Internet.
