If you need to cut back on fats so much in order to avoid the side effects, is that the cause of the weight loss? Because if I cut back on my fat intake now, without the medication, I'll lose weight. But I might cheat on the diet a lot. However, if cheating means public humiliation, maybe I won't.

I wonder, is it the fat that Xenical blocks, or the fat that you don't eat because you don't want Xenical to have a chance to block it?

Interesting idea. I suppose it doesn't matter. Just so it comes off.

I think both contribute. Also, you always have the placebo effect. Whenever you commit to something, you are going to do what you can to achieve your goal. Taking medication, and planning to avoid side effects, makes you commit to eating healthier and losing weight.

I'm sure you are right, and it all factors in. Maybe just the fact that you are getting a little help does make a big difference, a sort of placebo effect except you aren't taking a placebo.