The Science Behind Weight Loss: How Your Body Burns Fat with Xenical 120mg Capsules

03/22/2025

 

What is Xenical, and How Does it Function?

Xenical is a brand-name anti-obesity drug containing orlistat as its active ingredient. The medication is usually prescribed to individuals who are overweight to shed extra weight in conjunction with a low-calorie diet. Orlistat 120mg capsule belongs to the class of drugs known as lipase inhibitors, which function by minimizing fat absorption from the food. The medication prevents the enzymes present in the gut from fat absorption, and the unabsorbed fat is excreted from the body along with stool. Thus, the medication reduces the overall calorie intake, which aids in weight loss.

Orlistat is an FDA-approved drug available in capsules of 60mg and 120mg. 60mg can be obtained over the counter, whereas 120mg is a prescription medication. Your doctor will suggest the correct dosage based on your overall condition. In addition to Xenical, Orlistat is also available under the brand name Alli.

Precautions to be taken while taking Xenical

To get the maximum benefits from this medication and mitigate the risks, you must follow the below guidelines.

• Please go through the list of ingredients in this medication and inform your doctor if you are allergic to either its active or inactive ingredients. You must also disclose to your doctor if you have any other allergies.

• Please inform your healthcare provider of any health conditions you might have, especially liver, kidney, seizures, thyroid, eating disorders, gallbladder, and slow food absorption issues (malabsorption syndrome).

• The medication is generally taken thrice a day with each meal; however, you must check with your doctor first before administering this medication.

• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for the same. Orlistat should not be taken during pregnancy as it could impact the unborn.

• Do not eat meals with a high fat content (more than 30% of calories from fat), as this may lead to severe consequences.

• Orlistat may restrict the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, so you must check with your healthcare provider. You might be recommended some multiple vitamins to counterbalance the same.

• It is important to inform your doctor of all the medications you might be taking, including prescription, non-prescription, herbal drugs, and health supplements.

Side Effects

Along with the benefits, Orlistat may, at times, bring unwanted consequences as well. However, not all the side effects need medical care. The common side effects would fade away as the body adapts to the medication. A few of the common side effects are listed below:

• Gas and increased bowel movement

• Increased frequency of bowel discharge

• Oily bowel and oily leakage

• Reduced control to hold the bowel movement

• Stomach ache and discomfort

The serious side effects of Orlistat are mentioned below. If you witness any of these symptoms, discontinue using this medicine and consult your doctor.

• The medicine could damage the liver. Contact your doctor if you notice reduced appetite, dark urine, skin or eyes turning yellow (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, or light-colored bowel.

• Orlistat may cause kidney stones and damage to the kidneys, as well as gallstones. Therefore, you must inform your doctor if you experience a change in urine volume, pain while urinating, urine accompanied by blood, swelling in the ankles or feet, or stomach ache.

• The medication may also cause severe allergy characterized by hives, itching, and swelling of the lips, mouth, face, neck, and throat.

Some Other Tips for Weight Loss

Apart from taking medication, there are certain lifestyle changes one must inculcate in their daily routine to boost weight loss and stay healthy.

• You must monitor your diet closely and avoid foods with high fat content. Instead, you should eat low-fat dairy products such as skimmed milk, low-calorie yogurt, and low-fat cheese spread.

• Keep a check on daily calorie intake and regularly track your body weight.

• You stay physically active and include exercise in your daily routine.

• You must avoid using tobacco products and limit the consumption of alcohol.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy body weight is not only crucial for leading a healthy life, but it also helps in preventing serious health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart issues, and some forms of cancer. For individuals who are struggling with excess body weight and are keen on shedding those extra pounds, numerous weight loss medications are available, such as Alli, Saxenda, Wegovy, Xenical, etc. In addition to taking medication, one must strive to eat a healthy, balanced diet with less than 30% fat and stay physically active. Though losing the extra body fat is not an easy task, it can certainly be achieved by practicing a healthy lifestyle along with medication. By staying optimistic and maintaining consistency in their regimen, one can gradually attain an optimal body weight and improve overall quality of life.