This much we know!
Orlistat, also known as Xenical, is taken in capsule form at mealtimes to facilitate weight loss.
I asked my GP for mine. It is only prescribed for people with a lot of weight to lose. Whether or not it is prescribed depends on your GP, my friend asked her GP for Orlistat and was told no. However, a half strength version is due to be brought out this year (2008) which you'll be able to buy from pharmacies.
Yes! Xenical has helped me lose weight. Your GP will monitor your weight loss, and if you haven't lost 5% of your total body weight after taking Orlistat for 3 months you must stop taking it because it isn't working for you.
I believe that I was able to lose weight by making slight adjustments to my life style and eating. I didn't have to make the terrible changes that you have to when you go on a serious diet, I didn't count calories, or buy tasteless diet food, or have no sweet things. I didn't join the gym or go jogging every day. Those are things that make me miserable about being on a diet and are the reasons no diet has ever worked for me in the past.
The thought of the side effects and worrying about how I would deal with them whilst at work nearly put me off trying Xenical.
On balance I think the side effects were useful and helpful because I didn't like them and wanted to decrease their impact. The best way of decreasing their impact was to eat less fat which meant I made healthier choices when selecting food.