Weight loss is a million dollar industry. Look through the pharmacy shelves and search the Internet. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of products, programs and promises that offer solutions to those who want to lose weight. Recently, the FDA approved a weight loss pill that is over the counter.
Previously a prescription medication, Xenical (generic Orlistat), is a fat blocking pill that is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. This is the first FDA weight loss pill approved for over the counter sales.
In a six month clinical trial using Xenical and a placebo (a sugar pill that has no metabolic effects) people were able to lose approximately 5-6 more pounds than people who took the placebo. The drug company believes that the drug should be discontinued after six months but because it is an FDA weight loss pill that has been approved for over the counter use, there is no way to police it’s use.
Julie Golden, medical officer at the FDA stated that in a previous study people who used Orlistat (the generic name for the FDA weight loss pill Xenical) showed a progressive weight gain after discontinuing the drug.
The FDA approved weight loss pill, Xenical, works by reducing the ability of the body to absorb fat from the diet. This impacts the ability to also absorb essential fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins. The FDA recommends that people using Xenical also take a multi-vitamin supplement.
Related to the way the pill works are the side effects. As mentioned above the body has no effective way of absorbing essential nutrients and you can fast become vitamin deficient with the multiple health risks associated with that. Xenical also increases the amount of fat that is expelled through the stool. This increases the chances for diarrhea and cramping that can be uncomfortable and occur at inopportune times.
Although many people use the terms interchangeably overweight and obesity do not have the same meaning. Overweight is an excess body weight that includes all tissues (fat, muscle and bone) while obesity refers only to excess fat. This distinction can be important when determining the particular weight loss program or supplement that you intend to follow.
There is no shortcut or easy way to a goal. If the promise sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. Many people are searching for a simple answer to a complex problem. Seeking an easy path to thinness is a recipe for failure. While the FDA weight loss pill Orlistat will help to block fat absorption and therefore lead to weight loss, unless you change your eating habits you are destined to gain all of the weight you lost and even more once you stop taking the pill. AND you can not take the pill more than six months without health risks.
Obesity and overweight is now considered a disease and not a failing. People who suffer from increased weight are at increased risk for other medical problems that lead to premature illness or death. Decreasing weight by even a relatively small amount will likely lower blood pressure, reduce blood glucose and bring cholesterol under control.
The FDA weight loss pill Xenical (Orlistat) is a short term answer to a long term problem. With additional support, diet changes and motivation, this supplement can be effective in jump starting a new healthier lifestyle. However, relying solely on this method will result only in failure.
You have the ability to change your life. It comes from you. You make choices. Chose to find support. Chose to find help. Chose to live a healthy life!
Resources:
RxList: Xenical
http://www.rxlist.com/xenical-drug.htm
FDA: FDA Drug Safety Communication
Drugs: Xenical
http://www.drugs.com/pro/xenical.html
HealthCentral: Xenical Oral Uses and How to Use
http://www.healthcentral.com/obesity/r/medications/xenical-oral-17218
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