Everything You Need to Know About Xenical (Orlistat)

If you’ve tried diets that just don’t stick, you’ve probably heard of Xenical. It’s a prescription pill that blocks about a third of the fat you eat, so your body absorbs fewer calories. The idea sounds simple: eat a normal meal, let Xenical do the heavy lifting, and watch the pounds drop. In reality, it works best when you pair it with a balanced diet and a bit of movement.

How Xenical Works and How to Take It

Xenical’s active ingredient is orlistat. It sits in your gut and stops the enzyme lipase from breaking down dietary fat. That undigested fat then passes out of your body in the stool. Because it only blocks about 30% of fat, you still need to watch portion sizes – the drug isn’t a magic wand.

Take one 120 mg capsule with each main meal that contains fat. If a meal has no fat, skip the pill. The usual schedule is three pills a day, but you can adjust if your doctor says it’s safe. Swallow the capsule whole; don’t crush or chew it, otherwise it won’t work right.

Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them

The most talked‑about side effects are oily stools, gas, and the occasional urgent bathroom run. Those happen because the unabsorbed fat needs to leave your system. To keep things under control, aim for about 30 g of fat per meal – roughly the size of a small handful of nuts or a tablespoon of olive oil.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat‑soluble, so Xenical can lower their levels. A daily multivitamin taken at least two hours before or after the pill can prevent deficiencies. If you notice persistent diarrhea or severe abdominal pain, call your doctor right away.

Another practical tip: drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps your digestive system cope with the extra work and can reduce the intensity of gas.

Remember, Xenical isn’t a stand‑alone solution. Pair it with a diet rich in fruits, veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. Adding a 20‑minute walk after dinner can boost results without adding stress.

Finally, keep realistic expectations. Most people lose about 3–5 % of their body weight in the first three months. If you don’t see changes after that, talk to your healthcare provider – the dosage might need tweaking or another approach could work better.

In short, Xenical can be a helpful tool if you use it the right way: take it with a modest‑fat meal, cover your vitamin needs, stay hydrated, and combine it with healthy eating and light exercise. With those habits, you’ll give your body a fair chance to shed the extra weight safely.