Currently, a silent pandemic is being experienced, “obesity” . According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “it affects people of all ages from all social groups in the Region of the Americas and the world.”
Obesity rates continue to rise, in fact, the isolation caused by SARS-CoV-2 favored this problem. It is estimated that 28% of the world population suffers from obesity.
Although this problem can be countered with physical exercise and a healthy diet, there are drugs that can help reduce the absorption of fat in the body, one of them is Orlistat.
In this post we will explain how and when this type of drug can be taken.
What is orlistat?
- Formula: C 29H 53 NO 5
- Metabolism: Hepatic
- Half-life: 1 to 2 hours
- Weight: 495.7
Orlistat is a drug that belongs to the class of drugs “lipase inhibitors”, whose chemical composition allows it to be used to treat obesity. Its mechanism of action is the “selective and reversible inhibition of gastric and pancreatic lipases”.
This medication is approved for weight loss in those with a body mass index of 30 or greater (BMI).
Orlistat acts in the digestive system preventing ingested fats from being hydrolyzed, so that when they are not digested, the body discards them. Of course, it is vital to consume low-calorie foods.
For which conditions is orlistat prescribed?
Orlistat helps prevent some fat from food from being absorbed in the intestines, therefore undigested fat is eliminated naturally.
This drug can help improve the health of obese patients who suffer from other medical conditions :
- It is highly beneficial in patients with diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Prevent body weight gain.
Orlistat can be obtained with a prescription, in this way, the specialist will analyze the particular case of each patient and indicate some recommendations for appropriate use, so that it does not alter other health conditions.
Orlistat brands
- Alli®
- Xenical®
How is Orlistat used?
This medicine is taken orally. There are several presentations, among which chewable tablets or capsules stand out.
It is recommended that the corresponding dose be taken with each main meal. Food eaten must contain fat for the drug to perform its function.
This medication can be taken up to one hour after a meal.
In general, between 180 and 360 mg a day, three times a day (with each main meal) is recommended .
This treatment should not extend beyond 6 months. You should go to a medical consultation after 12 weeks to determine the evolution of the patient.
What special diet should be followed while taking Orlistat?
It is necessary to combine this treatment with a healthy diet that includes fats, carbohydrates and proteins .
Although the consumption of fat in food is recommended, it should not exceed 30% of total calories, since there may be a greater chance of developing adverse effects.
The specialist will indicate some examples of foods that can be consumed every day. In general, a higher consumption of cereals, fruits and vegetables is recommended .
How many kilos are lost in a month taking Orlistat?
This is a very frequent question when using this lipase inhibitor.
Well, a specific weight loss cannot be indicated, since this will depend on the indications that are followed (exercise and healthy food), but according to certain statistical data it is estimated that up to 6 kilos can be lost with Orlistat in a month of treatment. There are many factors that influence fat loss: age, weight, fat percentage, physical activity, dietary habits… that is why it is impossible to “hit” the possible loss.
Orlistat Side Effects
Inappropriate consumption of Orlistat can be dangerous. This drug can cause side effects that can range from mild to severe.
It is necessary to consult with the doctor if the symptoms worsen or become persistent.
- Changes in stools, soft or oily.
- Oily discharge on underwear
- discomfort in the rectum
- urgency to defecate
- Difficulty holding bowel movements
- Increased regularity of defecation
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in the menstrual period
- headache
- Anxiety
Unusual but serious symptoms may occur. In this case, you should urgently go to a nearby health center.
Some of these side effects are: changes in urine, yellowing of the skin, loss of appetite, rash, itching, fatigue, difficulty swallowing or breathing, severe stomach pain.
What precautions should be taken before using Orlistat?
This medicine is usually obtained with a prescription, however, some presentations can be obtained without a prescription. It is advisable to visit a specialist to ensure the proper use of this type of medication.
Despite this, it is extremely important to consult a doctor, since the use of Orlistat can interact with other drugs. In addition, certain pathologies can be aggravated by this medication.
Here are some important precautions:
- Orlistat can alter the action of other drugs, such as anticoagulants, cyclosporine, amiodarone, AIDS treatments, drugs for anxiety or depression. The specialist should be told what other medications are used, including vitamin supplements or even natural medicine.
- Indicate what kind of diseases you suffer from. For example, epileptic patients on medication should be aware that Orlistat reduces the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, so seizures may occur.
- You should notify your doctor if you have previously suffered from anorexia, bulimia, kidney stones, diabetes, thyroid .
Orlistat contraindications
This medicine should not be used in the following circumstances:
- It should not be administered in patients allergic or hypersensitive to Orlistat.
- It is contraindicated in children.
- Patients who have received an organ transplant or have cholestasis should not use this medicine.
- Orlistat is not recommended for use during pregnancyor lactation .
- It is not recommended in patients suffering from malabsorption syndrome.
