Orlistat works by stopping the enzyme lipase which normally allows the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats into the bloodstream. Without lipase 25-30% of the...
Orlistat works by stopping the enzyme lipase which normally allows the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats into the bloodstream. Without lipase 25-30% of the dietary fat consumed is not absorbed and is instead excreted in your stool. This mechanism of action begins to work immediately after taking Orlistat but its effects on actually producing weight loss take some time.
Orlistat has been proven to help you lose 5% of your body weight within 12 weeks when used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and regular exercise. Your healthcare provider will help advise a suitable reduced calorie diet and exercise plan to help with weight loss. Most Orlistat users start to show results for weight loss within the first 2-4 weeks itself.
Individual factors such as normal dietary fat content, individual metabolism and adherence to the diet and exercise regimens can influence your weight loss effects with Orlistat. Please speak to your healthcare advisor for more information on how long does orlistat take to work specifically for you.
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Orlistat is a weight loss medication designed to help obese or overweight people achieve weight loss. Orlistat is available both as a prescription medication (Xenical at a dose of 120 mg) and an Over the Counter Alternative (Alli at a dose of 60mg).
Orlistat works on the gastrointestinal (GI ) tract of the body to reduce the amount of fat absorbed from the food one would normally eat. It inhibits enzymes called lipases which traditionally breakdown dietary fat to help the body absorb it. Without enzymes, fat and overall calorie absorption is reduced by 25-30% from taking orlistat.
The reduction in calorie deficit by the body helps weight loss, especially when Orlistat is used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
You can begin to see the results of Orlistat use very quickly but its effects on weight loss take time to show and depend on factors like consistent use, adhering to a low calorie diet and regular physical activity.
Orlistat begins working immediately with the first dose by blocking absorption of fats from the intestines in all subsequent meals after you take it. You may begin to notice the effects of these changes such as more oily stools or increased bowel movements.
Weight loss effects are seen in the first 2-4 weeks when taking Orlistat alongside a reduced calorie diet and adhering to a regular exercise program. This is typically water weight that accompanies normal fat storage.
Within 3 months of continuous orlistat use, you can see a loss of 5% of initial body weight and 10% of loss of body weight within 6 months to a year if used consistently.
Factors that influence the speed of results from orlistat use include dietary choices, exercise, consistent use of orlistat and starting body weight .
When using orlistat you should work with your doctor or healthcare provider to plan your weight loss journey.
If, after 3 months of consistent orlistat use and you have not experienced a 5% reduction in body weight since before you started, please consult your healthcare provider for a check up on your health and progress on your weight loss journey.
Alternative medication to Orlistat may include Wegovy or Ozempic, injectable medicines which use the active ingredient Semaglutide for Weight Loss.
To maximise the effectiveness of Orlistat, it’s important to take the medication correctly and consistently as well incorporate important lifestyle changes.
Take either prescription (120mg Orlistat) or Over the Counter (60 mg Orlistat) once with each main meal that contains fat either during the meal or within 1 hour of eating it.
Lifestyle changes involve eating a reduced calorie diet, limiting fat intake to at most 15 grams of fat per meal and choosing healthier food options like lean meats, whole grains and vegetables, and fruits. While implementing dietary changes, you may also consider portion control as a way to reduce calorie intake and optimise Orlistat results. Please consult your healthcare provider or dietician to help you plan a suitable diet.
Its also important to get regular physical activity, such as 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week (including activities like brisk walking and cycling) to maximise weight loss.
To ensure you maintain good health while on Orlistat, its important that you take supplements of fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E and K) as the reduced fat absorption by Orlistat can limit dietary intake of essential vitamins. Please also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help your body support digestion and function normally.
While Orlistat has proven clinical effectiveness for weight loss, its effectiveness can vary on an individual basis based on factors such as diet and food intake, starting weight, lifestyle changes, consistency of use, individual metabolism and the presence of other medical conditions.
Orlistat works by stopping fat absorption in the intestines by 20-30%, therefore those patients who incorporate dietary changes to a low fat diet as well as using Orlistat see better weight loss results and experience fewer side effects (such as oily stools).
People who start with an initially higher body weight experience more rapid weight loss in the early stages whereas those with a lower initial body weight experience slower progress.
Using Orlistat in conjunction with increased regular physical activity can also enhance its effectiveness.
Using orlistat consistently and regularly (with each fat containing meal) can maintain its effectiveness and allow for optimal results.
An individual’s general metabolic rate and genetics can also influence the rate of weight loss, people with higher metabolic rates experience more weight loss with Orlistat as opposed to those with lower ones. Certain health conditions such as Hypothyroidism or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can make the weight loss journey more difficult.
While Orlistat is a clinically proven effective medication to help with weight loss, individual factors influence how fast Orlistat works and how effective it is. These factors include:
There are several signs to show that Orlistat is effectively working in stopping fat absorption and helping weight loss.
Orlistat begins its mechanism of action by stopping fat absorption in the intestine as soon as its first taken. The initial signs of this include increased bowel movements and increasingly oily and soft stools.
Orlistat’s prevention of dietary fat absorption can help weight loss. In the first 2-4 weeks, moderate weight loss is a common sign that Orlistat is working.
Within 3 months, people taking orlistat in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity should see a loss of 5% of their initial body weight
Within 6 months to a year, people taking orlistat in conjunction with lifestyle changes should see a reduction in 10% of their initial body weight.
Some side effects of Orlistat that could indicate that its exerting its effect are:
If you don’t notice a 5% reduction from your initial body weight after taking Orlistat consistently for 3 months in conjunction with lifestyle changes, please consult your healthcare provider about a possible re-evaluation of your weight loss strategies on your journey.
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