Xenical is a prescription-only fat blocker designed exclusively for people dealing with clinical obesity (BMR over 28) but beneficial for individuals suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure) and yperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) as well.
Approved by the FDA in 1999 and considered one of the most efficient slimming pills known today, the Orlistat-based drug is responsible for helping millions of overweight people finally overcome their problem and maintain a healthy weight for long term. This explains the impressive surge in popularity that the pill enjoyed since its release!
Available only by prescription, the product and its less generic version Alli are not recommended to pregnant and breastfeeding women, as they reduce the absorption of nutrients and vitamins, threatening both the mother’s and the baby’s health. At the same time, Xenical is contraindicated to people taking cyclosporine or thyroxine because of the potential interactions between the active ingredients in these drugs.
The prescription strength formula comes in oral form, each Xenical 120 mg capsule being typically taken with meals or after meals containing up to 30% fats. The recommended dosage is up to three capsules per day, preferably doubled by multi-vitamin supplements.
Xenical in action
The active principle in this product is Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that acts by combining with the dietary fats reaching the intestines, blocking them from being absorbed. By binding the lipids together, the powerful drug prevents new fats from accumulating inside the body therefore it sustains the processes of body fat reduction and weight-loss.
The pill is proven to block a third of the eaten fats, which are no longer stored around your waist, hips and thighs but passed out in normal bowel movements. As long as you continue taking the medicine you’ll experience less cravings thus you’ll progressively reduce the calorie intake, this step being essential for achieving your weight loss goals.
Positives / Pros
- Generic Xenical promotes healthier eating habits as it normalizes insulin levels and curbs sugar cravings.
- Combined with a high calorie diet, the pill leads to controlled bowel movements so the daily intake of the drug compels you to stick with a low calorie diet for maintaining an easier digestion.
- By restoring normal blood sugar levels, Xenical prevents type 2 diabetes from progressing and getting worse.
- The slimming pill is rated as the safest weight-loss aid available on the market as it has little to no side effects when taken according to labels and dosage recommendations.
Negatives / Cons
- Although extremely effective in trimming down fats, the pill is only prescribed to obese individuals and it’s contraindicated to people dealing with digestion problems, reduced bile flow, hypothyroidism and eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
- Administered inappropriately, Xenical can trigger certain side effects, such as anal oil seepage, urinary tract infections, fecal urgency or incontinence, gall stones and allergic reactions – swelling of the face, tongue or lips, difficult breathing and hives.
While not considered a first choice when it comes to weight loss, the pill is proven to trigger a reduction of about 5% of body weight after 10 months of daily intake, which is quite significant for an overweight individual. For more impressive results, a low calorie diet (for example 2200 calorie diet) and a constant workout program should be followed simultaneously with the use of Xenical.
You can also read our article about Orlistat (also known as Alli)