Only weight loss drug approved in Canada, orlistat (Xenical) works by blocking the absorption of fat by the body. That sounds encouraging, but in a study conducted in the United States from 5000 overweight or obese subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes, weight loss drug had little effect on those who took it. Some have very little increased their weight loss (1%), while others have lost less weight than subjects who stuck to dieting and exercise.
Of course, we can not be content with the results of a single study. In fact, experts believe that weight loss drugs may slightly accelerate the effects of a program combining diet and exercise. Each account gain, however small it may be. Thus, losing only 5% of your body weight, you will make less insulin resistance, better control over your blood sugar and will lower your blood pressure.
Am I a good candidate?
If you have a BMI of 27 or more, the answer is yes. Doctors often recommend such a drug to those patients who have failed to lose enough weight after a few months of diet and a frequent exercise program.
How much weight will I lose?
You could lose 2.25 kg to 2.75 kg in combination with diet and exercise. Researchers also found that the administration of an antidepressant could afford to lose 2.75 kg to 5 kg. However, keep in mind that you may regain the lost weight after stopping the medication.
Are there any side effects?
Yes, including the risk of making steatorrhea or abnormal concentration of fat in the stool. This can result in a greasy diarrhea, fecal incontinence, urgency of bowel movement and an accompanying loss oily flatulence, especially if you consume more fat than recommended amounts. Orlistat can also cause stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness, and in rare cases, serious liver damage. According to the authors of an article recently published in The Lancet, its abuse may lead to nutritional deficiencies undiagnosed.
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