Xenical FAQs - A Helping Hand For Weight Loss

Jun 12, 2023 Weight Loss

 

Losing weight can be difficult. For many, it can feel like a rollercoaster of weight gains and losses and gains and losses. Despite best intentions, plans and effort, some people find losing weight to be an uphill battle. 

There are many reasons that someone may be overweight. It could be for physical or mental health reasons, their lifestyle and environment or something else. Losing weight for many is not simply a case of eating better or getting motivated. Sometimes extra help and support can be needed. Slimming groups and similar provide excellent support and information for many. When dieting alone isn’t doing the job, turning to a weight loss aid medication such as Xenical can be the best course of action.

Our pharmacist can send out Xenical (discreetly, as with all of our medications) if it is appropriate direct to your door. We look at what Xenical is, how it works and answer many of the most frequently asked questions. This will hopefully give you the information you need to decide whether Xenical could help you reach your weight loss goals alongside healthy eating and exercise.

 

What is Xenical?

Xenical is a prescription medication designed to assist individuals who are classified as overweight or obese. It comes in tablet form and is taken no more than three times a day with main meals that contain fat. Xenical helps you lose weight by restricting the absorption of dietary fat in your body. When less fat is absorbed fewer calories are taken on board. Fewer calories aid weight loss.

 

How Does Xenical Help Someone Lose Weight?

We know that Xenical stops some of the fat in your food from being absorbed, but how? Xenical targets the enzymes in the digestive system that break down fat. By halting this process, or limiting it, Xenical helps to reduce calorie intake and therefore can aid weight loss. Xenical can reduce the absorption of up to a third of the fat you eat.

 

What is the Recommended Dosage for Xenical?

Xenical should be taken three times a day (1 x 120mg capsule) with main meals that contain fat. It should be taken with water. Do not take more than three tablets maximum in a twenty-four-hour period, as per the instructions.

 

How Long Does it Take for Xenical to Work?

Using Xenical to aid weight loss is not a quick fix. It can take a few weeks for the effects to start being noticeable but for many, regular weight losses become noticeable after several months of taking Xenical regularly alongside a suitable diet and exercise plan.

 

Is Xenical the Same as Orlistat?

Yes, Xenical and Orlistat are the same medication. Xenical is the brand name for the medication and Orlistat is the generic name. Both Xenical and Orlistat contain the same active ingredient, which is Orlistat. They both work the same way in that they reduce the absorption of dietary fat in the gut to reduce calorie intake to boost weight loss. While Xenical and Orlistat come in different packaging and are named differently they are fundamentally the same product. 

 

Can Anyone Take Xenical to Help Lose Weight?

While Xenical is useful for many it is not suitable for all. For example, you should not use Xenical if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have digestive issues which may be worsened by taking this medication. Speak to your GP if you have any concerns about whether it is safe for you to take Xenical. 

Xenical should only be prescribed to those who are overweight and who have a starting BMI of over 28. Those with a higher BMI are typically more at risk of weight-related issues such as type 2 diabetes.

 

What are the Side Effects of Xenical?

When taking Xenical some people report side effects such as oily or fatty stools. This is the most common side effect and can be worse when the meal you have had is high in fat. You might find that you need to poo more often and experience increased flatulence or bloating/discomfort. These are common and often reduce once you get the balance right with the amount of fat you are ingesting. 

Other less common side effects include headaches, nausea and abdominal pain. If you are concerned about side effects please speak to your pharmacist or health health care provider.

 

Is Xenical a Safe Weight Loss Medication to Take?

As long as you take Xenical as per the instructions it is considered a safe medication to take. It is very important to read the instructions contained within the packet thoroughly. Speak to your GP before starting Xenical if there is a risk of other medications you are on being affected or if you have other medical issues which might be aggravated. 

 

Do You Use Xenical Alongside Other Weight Loss Methods?

Xenical alone will not help anyone lose weight if you are eating a high-calorie, high-fat diet. It is important to enjoy a healthy and balanced diet and increase your exercise where possible alongside taking Xenical. If you attend a slimming group or utilise an online diet plan you can use Xenical alongside that to give your weight loss efforts a boost. Do not use Xenical alongside other weight loss medications. Speak to your GP for advice.

 

Xenical Frequently Asked Questions - In Conclusion

We hope that this blog has answered your questions about what Xenical is, how it works and whether it might be suitable for you. 

When used alongside a healthy, balanced diet Xenical can offer a weight loss boost for many who have struggled to lose weight in the past. It is effective and considered safe (always follow the instructions and check suitability with your GP). Xenical can reduce up to a third of the dietary fat in each of your meals from being absorbed. This reduces the calories you consume which can help you lose weight. 

Again, it’s important to remember that Xenical is not a wonder drug and will not help anyone lose weight on its own. Xenical is a tool to be used alongside other weight loss methods, such as a reduced-calorie diet.

Here at Simply Meds Online, we understand that losing weight is hard and that many people struggle, despite their best efforts, to reach a weight that is healthier and that they are happy with. Xenical has helped many who have found themselves “stuck” on the weight journey rollercoaster or who have reached a plateau when trying to lose weight.