Weight loss drugs & Weight loss supplements - Orlistat

Orlistat is an intestinal lipase inhibitor that causes peripheral action in gastrointestinal tract. In simple words, this means Orlistat reduces fat absorption in the intestine – 30% of fat eaten is malabsorbed. The fats in the diet have to be broken down into smaller pieces before the body is able to process and subsequently store them. Orlistat works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down fats in the diet. This undigested fat then passes out of the body in the bowel movement. However, Orlistat is not able to block the absorption of calories from sugar and other non-fat foods, so total intake of calories would still need to be restricted. It should also be noted here that Orlistat can cause gastrointestinal problems and the user must strictly be on a low-fat, reduced calorie diet to prevent them.

Studies have shown that Orlistat is capable of producing 70% more fat loss than an intensive lifestyle program alone. Orlistat is associated with reductions in cholesterol over that to be expected with weight loss, falls in blood pressure and serum triglycerides, as well as improvements in insulin sensitivity. Taking Orlistat can also help prevent the user from regaining the weight he or she had lost.

Absorption of fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E & K may be compromised with long term usage, but levels of these vitamins remain in the normal range after four years of treatment with Orlistat. However, to be on the safer side, it would be advisable to take a multivitamin supplement at night after a year of treatment, to compensate for any issues.

Use of this drug is indicated is indicated for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥ 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia).

The common gastrointestinal adverse effects include Oily Spotting, Flatus with Discharge, Fecal Urgency, Fatty/Oily Stool, Oily Evacuation, Increased Defecation and Fecal Incontinence.

Please note that this posting does not include all possible adverse effects. Therefore, before using Orlistat, check with your doctor and inform him/her about all the medications you are taking.

Weight loss drugs & Weight loss supplements - Sibutramine

Sibutramine is a derivative of fluoxetine. Apart from having a mild thermogenic action, it is also a proven central appetite suppressant. Sibutramine is capable of acting as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). In simple words, this means that Sibutramine works by acting on the area in your brain that is responsible for controlling hunger and providing you with a sense of fullness and satisfaction.

Sibutramine has been shown to produce 50-100% additional weight loss above that identified with significant lifestyle changes. Obesity related medical conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea are also believed to reduce in proportion to the weight lost. Also studies have shown that Sibutramine has a specific effect of raising HDL levels quite markedly.

Sibutramine should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor if you have: eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa), uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure, severe heart disease (coronary artery disease, history of heart attack, congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms), and stroke. Also, Sibutramine should not be used with certain other weight loss medicines like diethylpropion and phentermine, since very serious interactions may occur.

When on Sibutramine, do not consume large amounts of beverages that contain caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, energy drinks like red bull, battery etc), since side effects like increased heart rate can get aggravated.

Please note that this posting does not include all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Sibutramine, inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.