In this Article:
01: How does Xenical work?02: The history of Xenical03: Who is suitable for Xenical?04: Dosage and administration05: Xenical’s side effects06: Xenical’s side effects07: How long do Xenical’s side effects last?08: Is Xenical the same as orlistat?09: What to eat when taking Xenical10: Xenical at Pharmacy2UHow does Xenical work?
Xenical includes the active ingredient orlistat which is a class of medication called ‘lipase inhibitors’. Produced by your pancreas and intestines, lipase is an enzyme which is responsible for the breakdown of dietary fats. Lipase turns the dietary fats into smaller components, allowing your body to absorb them. Xenical ‘inhibits’ this enzyme and, in turn, limits the amount of dietary fat that is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Simply put, Xenical prevents the absorption of about one-third of the fat you consume. Instead, this passes it out your body when you poo rather than being digested and absorbed. Xenical can assist in managing your weight in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.
The history of Xenical
Research surrounding lipase inhibitors to reduce fat absorption dates back to the 1960s with researchers using a compound called tetrahydrolipstatin (THL). THL showed promise in early studies however it had poor bioavailability, meaning the body struggled to absorb it.
Further research led to the development of orlistat in the 1990s which was a derivative of THL but offered improved bioavailability. Roche Laboratories played a pivotal role in developing orlistat and bringing it to market under the brand name Xenical, which has been licensed since 1998.
Who is suitable for Xenical?
Xenical will only be prescribed to adults aged 18 to 75 who are:
Have a BMI 30 or over and are classed as obese.
Have a BMI over 28 if you have been diagnosed with a condition such as high
Dosage and administration
Xenical is prescribed in 120 mg capsules. The capsules are swallowed orally with water and should be taken three times a day during a meal containing fat (or up to 1 hour after eating)
It should be noted that doses above the recommended amount have not been proven to provide any additional benefit.
Xenical’s side effects
The side effects of Xenical derive from its mechanism of action. Because the active ingredient orlistat affects the way your body processes fat, the most common side effects are related to bowel movement. These include:
Fatty/oily poo
Urgent need to poo
Pooing more frequently
Oily discharge from the rectum
Increased flatulence
It should be noted that these side effects are less likely if you stick to a low-fat diet.
Less common side effects related to Xenical include:
Irritation of the rectum
Increased fatigue
Back pain
Irregular menstrual periods
Sleeping difficulties
There’s also a possibility that Xenical can affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (including vitamins A, D, E, and K), in which case your GP may recommend a multivitamin supplement to take alongside during your treatment. Before prescribing Xenical for weight loss, your GP will discuss these side effects with you and offer tailored advice.
Xenical’s side effects
The side effects of Xenical derive from its mechanism of action. Because the active ingredient orlistat affects the way your body processes fat, the most common side effects are related to bowel movement. These include:
Fatty/oily poo
Urgent need to poo
Pooing more frequently
Oily discharge from the rectum
Increased flatulence
It should be noted that these side effects are less likely if you stick to a low-fat diet.
Less common side effects related to Xenical include:
Irritation of the rectum
Increased fatigue
Back pain
Irregular menstrual periods
Sleeping difficulties
There’s also a possibility that Xenical can affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (including vitamins A, D, E, and K), in which case your GP may recommend a multivitamin supplement to take alongside during your treatment. Before prescribing Xenical for weight loss, your GP will discuss these side effects with you and offer tailored advice.
How long do Xenical’s side effects last?
Xenical’s mild side effects, such as oily stools or discharge, may improve within the first few weeks of treatment as your body adjusts to the medication. If your side effects worsen or remain persistent, consult your GP.
Is Xenical the same as orlistat?
Yes - Xenical is the brand name medication which includes orlistat as its active ingredient.
What to eat when taking Xenical
While Xenical can assist with weight management, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet to support weight loss.
It’s recommended to be in a calorie deficit to reduce body weight. For the average person, the recommended daily calorie intake is:
2,500kcal for men
2,000kcal for women
To enter a calorie deficit, you should aim to reduce your daily calorie intake by around 600kcal, which would work out as:
1,900kcal for men
1,400kcal for women.
Whilst taking Xenical aim to:
Eat whole, unprocessed foods: Fruit, vegetables, and whole grains are naturally lower in fat and calories. You should aim to eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day for a healthy diet.
Limit unhealthy fats: A balanced diet includes fats, however, you should aim to reduce the intake of saturated and trans fats from processed foods, fried foods, and fatty cuts of meat.
Take portion sizes into consideration: be mindful when plating up as it can be easy to overeat. Take small steps such as calorie counting or using smaller plates when dishing up your meals.
Pay attention to food labels: taking the time to read fat content when choosing packaged foods can help you understand what exactly you’re putting into your body.
Xenical at Pharmacy2U
Xenical is available with a prescription only, which means you can only buy it if a healthcare professional determines you are suitable for treatment. At Pharmacy2U, you can apply for tailored results from our doctors with our online consultation service and we can assist you with your weight loss journey with the right treatment for you.
