Xenical [Orlistat]
Potential health benefits and research finds
Dr. Raj S. Padwal and Dr. Sumit R. Majumdar, from the University of Alberta Hospital in
Edmonton, Canada, note in their article: Orlistat (Xenical) reduces weight by an average
of 3 kilograms, whereas sibutramine (Meridia) and rimonabant (Acomplia) each reduce
weight by 4 kg to 5 kg, on average. [1]
[1] Long-term data needed on anti-obesity drugs Reuters Fri Jan 5, 12:19 PM ET 2007 [2] Sjostrom L. Analysis of the XENDOS study (Xenical in the Prevention of Diabetes in
Obese Subjects). Endocr Pract. 2006 Jan-Feb;12 Suppl 1:31-3. Torgerson JS, Hauptman J, Boldrin MN, Sjostrom L. XENical in the prevention of diabetes in obese subjects
(XENDOS) study: a randomized study of orlistat as an adjunct to lifestyle changes for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in obese patients. Diabetes Care. 2004
Jan;27(1):155-61[3] Use of orlistat (xenical) in the treatment of women with obesity and disorders of menstrual cycle Georgian Med News. 2006 Oct;(139):20-2. [4] Ametov AS,
Demidova TIu, Tselikovskaia AL. Complex assessment of metabolic parameters in obese patients treated with xenical Ter Arkh. 2004;76(1):49-53. [5]  FDA Consumer
Information Revised: 11/16/00

Does Xenical benefit diabetes?
In the XENDOS [a] study of 3,305 participants, who had either normal or impaired glucose
tolerance, orlistat therapy reduced the incidence of diabetes beyond the result achieved
with lifestyle changes only, an effect that was especially evident in patients with baseline
impairment of glucose tolerance. The patients were randomly assigned to lifestyle plus
placebo intervention or lifestyle changes plus orlistat (Xenical) (120 mg 3 times daily). After
4 years of treatment, the cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes was 9.0% in the placebo
group and 6.2% in the orlistat group. [2]

What are the impacts of Xenical on lipid profile?
In a study of 60 patients with body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m2, mild and moderate
arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes mellitus
(DM) type 2, researchers found combination of xenical (dose 120 mg 3 times a day for 24
weeks) and hypocaloric diet improved lipid profiles of patients with metabolic syndrome. In
the study, patients reduced their weight by 10.8 +/- 7.5 kg and fat tissue mass by 9.4 +/- 9.2
kg. They also observed improvement of fatty, carbohydrate metabolism, arterial pressure.
After 24 weeks of therapy xenical lowered cholesterol by 15%, LDLP cholesterol by 20%,
triglyceride by 28%, systolic and diastolic pressure by 5 and 4%. [4]

Does Xenical benefit patients with menstrual cycle disorder?
A study of 17 patients of reproductive age with I-III degree of obesity showed that Xenical
might benefit women with obesity and menstrual cycle disorders. In the study, all the patients
received orlistat (xenical) 120 mg 3 times per day for 6 months. Orlistat (xenical) therapy
resulted in reduction of body weight (12.3%), body mass index (13.3%), improvement of
lipid and carbohydrates metabolisms. [3]

What are the common side effects of Xenical? [5]
*  Oily spotting
* Gas with discharge
* Urgent need to have a bowel movement
* Oily or fatty stools
* Oily discharge
* Increased number of bowel movements
* Inability to control bowel movements

How does Xenical work?
Xenical is used to help obese people who fit certain weight and height requirements lose
weight and maintain weight loss. Xenical works in your intestines, where it blocks some of
the fat you eat from being absorbed. This undigested fat is then eliminated in your bowel
movements. Use Xenical together with a reduced-calorie diet. The weight management
effects of Xenical continue only as long as you are taking it.
THIS WEBSITE TALKS ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBS, SUPPLEMENTS,