These drugs should be prescribed by your doctor, although
unfortunately you can buy them over the internet. It’s not
something we’d recommend however.
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Xenical (Orlistat)
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Reductil (Sibutramine)
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What is it?
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Xenical is a lipase inhibitor. Its active ingredient
is lipostatin.
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Reductil is a satiety enhancer. Its active ingredient
is sibutramine hydrochloride.
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How does it work?
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Xenical blocks the action of the fat-digesting lipase
enzymes in the intestine. This stops around 30 percent of
the fat you’ve eaten from being absorbed. It simply passes
through your digestive system and you lose weight as a
result.
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Reductil blocks the nerve cells that release and
reabsorb serotonin. This means serotonin levels increase.
These act in the brain and enhance feelings of fullness so
that you eat less and consequently lose weight.
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Who is it suitable for?
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Your doctor will decide whether Xenical is suitable
for you. It will only be prescribed if your
Body Mass
Index (BMI) is 30 or more or your BMI is 28 or more and
you have other health problems such as heart disease or
type 2 diabetes. You’ll also only be prescribed Xenical if
dieting and exercise alone have produced a weight loss of
at least 2.5kg over four weeks. In contrast, it’ll be
discontinued if you haven’t lost at least five percent of
your body weight after 12 weeks.
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Your doctor will decide whether Reductil is suitable
for you. It will only be prescribed if your Body Mass
Index (BMI) is 30 or more or your BMI is 27 or more and
you have other weight-related health problems.
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Do I still need to diet and exercise?
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Yes! To avoid unpleasant side effects, you should
follow a reduced-calorie diet where no more than 30
percent of calories come from fat. Taking more exercise is
also recommended.
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Yes! Reductil should be used in conjunction with a
reduced-calorie diet.
Taking more exercise is also
recommended.
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Is there any proof that it works?
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Xenical has been extensively studied. In clinical
trials, almost twice as many patients who received Xenical,
achieved an average weight loss of 10 percent or more of
their body weight in one year, compared to those on diet
alone.
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Reductil has also been studied. When used in
combination with a reduced-calorie diet and appropriate
physical activity, 77 percent of patients achieved weight
loss that benefited their health.
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What support do patients get?
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Patients have access to the Medical Action Plan (MAP).
This 12-month plan provides information to help patients
follow a reduced-calorie diet providing less than 30
percent of daily calories from fat. It also includes
advice on how to
increase activity levels.
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Patients have access to the Change for Life programme.
This 12-month package provides motivational support and
advice on healthy eating and physical activity to
encourage permanent behavioural and lifestyle changes.
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Are there any side effects?
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Unabsorbed fat can cause loose stools and flatulence.
Xenical also interferes with the absorption of the
fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, so you might need to
take supplements.
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The most common side effects include insomnia,
constipation, a dry mouth and small increases in blood
pressure.
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You can follow a low calorie, low fat diet with the diaries,
databases and tools in WLR,
try it free for 24 hours.
