What is Xenical?

The safest way to lose weight is through a combination of a low-fat, high-fibre diet and exercise. Most drug treatment for obesity has been withdrawn from the market because of long-term safety concerns. However if your BMI is more than 30 – or more than 28 if you have other risk factors for CHD such as hypertension – treatment with a drug called Orlistat (brand name Xenical) may be suitable. This drug stops you absorbing fat from your bowel, which instead passes out unchanged in your motions. There are side-effects such as diarrhoea and flatulence, but these are not inevitable providing you also eat a low-fat diet. Properly used, Orlistat can lead to significant weight loss. Ask your GP for more details.