Side Effects and Safety Information - Risks and unpleasant side effects

While Orlistat is actually traded under a number of different names which include Xenical, Alli and Tetrahydrolipstatin there are many common issues, benefits and side effects between them all. However, unlike many traditional dietary treatments such as drugs which suppress the appetite, gastric bands, and other surgical treatments, Orlistat has very few significant negative side effects, in fact many have noticed a number of positive side effects which will be covered in more detail.

In order to appreciate any side effects the user needs to understand exactly how the treatment works, described in a manner which they can understand, rather than blinding them with science. In layman’s terms Orlistat works by physically reducing the amount of the lipstatin enzyme produced by the body. This enzyme is the body’s natural way of converting fatty food into fatty acid, which can then be absorbed into the body. By reducing the production of the enzyme the untreated fatty content is passed straight out of the body. Less fat intake means reduced fat content in the body, which means more fat will be burnt off than added to the body - i.e. weight loss!

Orlistat Side Effects

Negative Side Effects of Orlistat

When Orlistat, or any of the other variations available are used in conjunction with light exercise and an improved diet, the results will be even more impressive. However, as you would expect with any treatment which reduces the intake of food into the body, this untreated food needs to go some where. This is where one of the major areas of side effects come in to play. Bowel related side effects can include :-

· loose or oily stools
· increased flatulence
· sudden unexpected bowel movements

While at first glance these side effects may look a little uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing, they are not really serious side effects. Doctors have also found that patients who also look to reduce the content of fatty food in their diet will be able to reduce the effects of the side effects - and those willing to increase their exercise program will see even more benefits.

As the body, and patient, adapt to these feelings associated with the treatment, both the user and the body will become more comfortable and the effects will reduce over time. Many patients have found it beneficial to take a selection of simple vitamins to top up any weak points in their diet.

Positive Side Effects of Orlistat

Perhaps one of the main side effects of Orlistat which is overlooked by many is the potential to lift that dark cloud of depression and anxiety from which many millions around the world suffer, mainly as a result (and because of) their weight situation. Depression is often a condition which is ridiculed by those unaware of its power and the sufferer is often mocked the longer the condition goes on.

When considering the full impact of anxiety and depression around the world, these conditions are probably to blame for millions of lost working hours, and a large part of government health budgets (whether directly or indirectly). Imagine the potential change of thought and outlook on life when an obese person is able to exercise again, live again and begin to get back to normality. For many of these sufferers the vicious circle of anxiety, depression and comfort eating has remained unbroken for years - becoming a “normal” way of life.

Research has shown that when a person feels good about themselves, they are less likely to suffer from depression or anxiety, thereby increasing their own standards of living. The knock on effect to family, friends and the work place often goes unnoticed as well.

While there was talk of a potential increase in the chances of breast cancer for Orlistat users, further trials and tests have shown that Orlistat in its many forms has the potential to actual stem the growth of breast tumours, thereby allowing more time for the condition to be discovered. It must be noted that these particular issues only occurred in a small number of trialists.

The Risks in Taking Orlistat

As mentioned above, the risks of using Orlistat (or Alli with a reduced over the counter dosage) are minimal, mainly because there is no surgical procedure and no suppressing of the need for food. The process is a simple and straight forward - reduce the amount of fatty acid absorbed into the body which will reduce the level of fat retained by the body - simple!

It would be foolish to say that there are no risks what so ever with a new treatment, because the treatment may not work as well for all potential users. This is why a visit to your doctor for a check up is vital, even if it is just to put your mind at rest.

The main risk with any dietary treatment is the risk of putting on the weight you lost, as and when you stop the treatment. As with any dietary treatment it is essential that you make changes to your dietary habits, and also introduce a program of light exercise. Orlistat will immediately reduce your fat intake by 30% and instigate weight loss after a very short period of time, but as with any treatment, the rest is really up to the patient.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Orlistat, and especially Alli with its over the counter approval, is set to change the whole landscape of the dietary industry - an industry which has often been blighted by conmen and broken promises. The fact that the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approved the treatment in its many forms, should result in fast track approval for many other countries around the world.

Early reports are suggesting that the over the counter treatment, Alli, is literally “flying off” the shelves with customers desperate to see if it really does work. The over the counter treatment has opened up a whole new market for the drug, a market populated by people who were either unable or unwilling to visit their doctors. They now have the chance to begin a new phase of their lives, a phase which may well lead them on to bigger and better things.

I wonder how good that is, though. If overweight people take medication to lose weight, but don't start eating less, won't they become dependent on the medication. Is it really a good thing that their appetite hasn't been suppressed?