Throughout the years,prescription weight loss pills have dominated the market.    Some have been pulled from the market and more are being monitored for serious side effects.   Even with the adverse conditions these drugs can cause, countless consumers fill the waiting rooms of the medical doctors to obtain these “wonder drugs for weight loss”.

The most talked about diet drug on the market today is orlistat.   Orlistat, also known as xenical, for prescription strength or alli , the over the counter variety of lesser potency.

The mechanism of this drug is to prevent digestion and absorption of fat, and is combined with a reduced calorie diet.   Not only does orlistat block fat, but also prevents the absorption of Vitamin A, D, E and beta-carotene since they bind to the fat. Therefore the vitamins pass through the stool before absorption can occur.   A multivitamin is recommended when taking orlistat and must be taken two hours before a meal so it is not bound to the fat at the time orlistat is taken and would be excreted.

Some of the most common side effects of orlistat are jaundice,abdominal pain,increased bowel frequency,urgent bowel movements and increase risk for kidney stones.  Listed above are just the most reported side effects, but there are more associated with this drug. Symptoms are lessened if you keep your diet below a thirty percent fat intake. But now tables have turned and this new “miracle pill” is under FDA scrutiny according to new studies.

Right now, there are 32 pending cases filed with the FDA on reported liver damage.   Thirty of the cases were reported to come from out of the country and could not be substantiated.   Orlistat is now on the watch list of the FDA, but no deaths have been reported. 

Another problem consumer’s face is the counterfeit alli is now in the marketplace.   The FDA has reported numerous cases in which “fake” alli did not contain orlistat.  This phony alli contained a drug called sibutramine, which is found in the weight loss drug meridia.  Sibutramine should not be taken with out medical supervision since it has many drug interactions with several other prescriptions and conditions.   The side effects of sibutramine are more potentially dangerous than orlistat so the need to contain this bogus alli is critical to weight loss customers.

While researching this dieters dream drug made me shudder at all the impending threats to one’s health.    Are there more impending complications forthcoming in the future for consumers swallowing this weight loss remedy?  I left the most fascinating news for last to conclude this article.  Based on several studies, people who were prescribed orlistat for six months to one year lost an average of 12.4 – 13.4 pounds.  Are you rolling on the ground with laughter also? All the possible dangers for 13 pounds a year?  Wouldn’t the prescribed low fat diet create that minimal weight loss on its own?  So what does the orlistat do again?

Weight loss help along with tips and resources are available for you at my blog. Weight loss support is important to help you win your diet goals.