Weight Loss

What is it?

Xenical (orlistat) is a prescription weight loss treatment, which along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise can have good results for people who wish to lose weight.

Xenical is not an appetite suppressant and does not have a direct effect on the brain.

How does it work?

Xenical works by blocking about one-third of the fat in the foods you eat from being absorbed by your body.

It does this by inhibiting lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat in the intestine. Without this enzyme, fat from the diet cannot be absorbed and are excreted undigested. By consuming fewer calories, your body will automatically tap into its fat stores and use them for the energy it needs.

Main points to consider

• The recommended dose is one 120-mg capsule. Take generally three times daily during (or up to one hour after) each main meal that contains fat. Your daily intake of fat, protein and carbohydrate should be evenly spread over three main meals. If a meal is occasionally missed or contains no fat, skip that dose of the medication.
• Typically, people begin losing weight within 2 weeks of starting Xenical, and may continue to lose weight for 6 to 12 months, at which point weight loss usually begins to level off.
• Possible side-effects include; Fatty / oily stool, oily spotting, bowel movement urgency
• Xenical can interfere with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., A, D, E, K), a daily multivitamin supplement containing these nutrients is recommended. Take the multivitamin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after this drug.

For further Information please read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully

What is it?

Orlistat the generic version of Xenical (see above), a prescription-strength medicine to facilitate weight loss. Xenical is a branded treatment manufactured by Roche containing 120mg orlistat per capsule. Orlistat is the generic name of the medicine, i.e. the name of the active ingredient. As of December 2011, the Roche patent on Xenical has expired which means that it is now legal for other pharmaceutical companies to manufacture orlistat 120mg capsules for weight loss and sell them either under different brand names, or simply the generic name. At present, generic orlistat is manufactured by TEVA and available in the UK.

Orlistat acts on the digestive system, it is not an appetite suppressant. Best results can be obtained through a combination of treatment with orlistat, increased levels of physical exercise and a calorie-reduced diet.

How does it work?

Orlistat works by blocking about one-third of the fat in the foods you eat from being absorbed by your body.

It does this by inhibiting lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat in the intestine. Without this enzyme, fat from the diet cannot be absorbed and are excreted undigested. By consuming fewer calories, your body will automatically tap into its fat stores and use them for the energy it needs.

Main points to consider

• Take one 120mg capsule of orlistat with every meal (unless it is fat-free), which is usually three times a day. Your daily intake of fat, protein and carbohydrate should be evenly spread over three main meals.
• Most people start noticing weight loss after about two weeks, which may continue for between six to twelve months until a plateau phase is reached.
• Possible side-effects include; Fatty / oily stool, oily spotting, bowel movement urgency
• Orlistat can impact the absorption of certain vitamins such a E, A, K or D as they are fat-soluble. It is therefore recommended that you take a vitamin supplement. Please note that it should be taken at least either two hours before or after taking Xenical.

What is it?

Reductil (sibutramine, marketed as Meridia in the United States) is a medicine to help you lose weight if you are obese, or overweight with additional risk factors such as diabetes and/or elevated lipids.

Reductil makes you feel full sooner so you eat less food.

How does it work?

Reductil enhances feelings of fullness by inhibiting chemicals in the brain (namely noradrenaline and serotonin) which in turn reduces appetite.

By suppressing the appetite, Reductil makes it easier to eat the amount of food required to succesfully lose weight.

Main points to consider

• CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE: One of the side effects can be increased blood pressure and/or heart rate. It is important that blood pressure is monitored every two weeks for the first three months of use and then monthly thereafter. You will have to stop taking this medicine if your blood pressure or resting pulse rate increase after you start taking it. You can have your blood pressure checked at your GP, gym, or a local pharmacy. Home monitors are also available to buy either online or from your local pharmacy. It is very important that you disclose your full medical history as Reductil can be dangerous if taken in certain circumstances.
• The normal prescribed dose for Reductil is one 10mg or 15mg tablet a day at least one hour before eating. The starting dose for Reductil is 10 mg. For best results, take Reductil in the morning just before your first meal. Try to take it at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• It should be used for no more than 12 month period and combined with a low calorie diet and an increase in your physical activity.

For further Information please read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully

It's important to make an objective assessment of your size. Looking at yourself in the mirror or at those around you isn't a good assessment method.

You can work out whether you're a healthy weight or putting your health at risk by calculating your body mass index (BMI). Take your weight in kilograms and divide it by your height in metres and then divide the result by your height in metres again.

• Underweight = BMI less than 18.5
• Healthy weight = 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight = 25 to 30
• Obese = 30 to 40
• Severely obese = 40-plus

If you are very over weight or obese it is important to seek treatment. Your GP can advise whether additional measurements such as blood pressure, resting heart rate, blood cholesterol, and fat and glucose tests are necessary.

The cause of obesity falls within two main categories. Obesity caused due to a medical reason or obesity caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Genetics and medical: Some people are predisposed to storing fat and gaining weight. Another reason for obesity is illness or disorders that affect metabolism - the most widespread is hypothyroidism.

Environment and life style: The main reason for excess weight and obesity is simply eating more calories than you burn. If you eat more than your body needs and don't take enough exercise, the spare energy is stored as fat which in the longterm will inevitably led to becoming obese.

Being overweight puts your health at risk. Over 30 medical conditions relate directly to obesity and excess weight can also aggravate most of overall health problems. Obesity causes serious health conditions, such as: high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stress, anxiety and depression.

Food Standards Agency

Weight Wise