Orlistat weight loss tablets aid weight loss effectively but require adjustments in how they’re taken, consistency, and regular monitoring to succeed
What is Orlistat?
Orlistat is a medication designed to help in losing weight and can be a valuable addition to the journey to better health. It is the active ingredient in Xenical and Prolistat. Orlistat belongs to a group of medicines called lipase inhibitors.
It is used to treat people with a BMI greater than 30. Also can be considered for those with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 27 with other risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other heart disease.
Why is weight loss important?
Losing weight, about 5% of your body weight, has been proven to be really good for health. It’s important to realise that all weight loss management aids work more effectively when living a healthier lifestyle through good diet and increased physical activity.
How to get better results
Orlistat are weight loss tablets and though effective in nature, they require adjustments in consumption, consistency and regular monitoring for success.
Reduced Fat diet
It works by targeting the absorption of dietary fats in the body rather than suppressing appetite. Orlistat is to be used with a reduced calorie diet with lean protein sources, whole grains, fruits and vegetables while limiting high-fat foods. An effective diet and exercise program can enhance weight loss.
Planning the meals
Individuals should distribute the fat intake evenly throughout the day to avoid overloading Orlistat’s fat blocking capacity. The weight loss tablets work by managing fat absorption without compromising its effectiveness.
Take it with meals
Xenical capsules are 120 mg in strength and are to be taken one with each meal (3 times a day). Orlistat is most effective when taken with meals or up to one hour after eating. This ensures the medication is present in the digestive system hours after taking orlistat to aid fats being broken down.
Stay hydrated
It is essential to drink adequate amounts of water for overall health and to support the effectiveness of Orlistat. Water helps the digestion process and aids in eliminating fats from the body. It is also beneficial as loose stools are common on Xenical and being hydrated could be very beneficial.
Consistency
Whilst taking Orlistat, it is important to consistently adhere to the dosages to ensure a steady outcome. This will allow the medication to be in the system at most times promoting fat absorption and allowing the body to get used to common side effects. Oily stools is a common side effect which disappears as the body gets used to the medication.
Regular exercise
While Orlistat can aid in weight loss, combining it with regular exercise enhances overall results. Being physically active burns calories and contributes to improved metabolism which affect overall well being.
Monitor progress
Weight loss is a challenging journey and keeping track of weight goals is crucial. It is important to monitor progress, celebrate the wins and make necessary adjustments to diet and lifestyle where needed.
Individual responses vary and it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance. Some individuals may have malabsorption syndrome so consulting with a doctor about the weight loss options is extremely important.
Alternatives to Orlistat
Where Orlistat may not be beneficial to individuals due to side effects profile or their medical history, there are other options to consider. There are many prescription drugs available which are either designed for weight loss or have weight loss as an added benefit so are used off label.
Liraglutide (Saxenda) or Semaglutide (Wegovy) are medications designed to aid in weight loss whereas a different strength of semaglutide in Ozempic is for type 2 diabetes, however is used off-label to aid in weight loss.
To begin or continue the weight loss journey, having a team of doctors and dietitians can be extremely important for a successful outcome.
