There are countless medicines available in the market today that can help you lose weight. However, given the number of side effects, their usage is not widely recommended.

Contrary to popular practices, Orlistat is a drug that incorporates exercise, lifestyle changes and a diet plan to help you lose weight. It can be safely used by people who have been classified as grossly overweight or obese. In this way, Orlistat can help keep the weight away and also prevent the occurrence of many diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.

How is Orlistat used?

You have to take this medicine sometimes during and sometimes one hour after a meal that contains fat up to three times a day. Your doctor will prescribe the proper way of taking this medicine once your lifestyle and weight have been carefully analyzed.

If you are planning to skip a meal, or your meal does not contain any fat then you have to skip that dose of the medicine. One factor that will greatly decrease the side effects of this drug is to make sure that your 30% of your total caloric intake comes from fat.

You can get free advice about Orlistat online.

What are the conditions required for Orlistat to take effect?

The following factors are required to make sure that you can have the proper advantages of Orlistat:

• You should have three proper meals.
• You should not alter the frequency or the duration of treatment without your doctor’s recommendation.
• You should take a multi vitamin (containing fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K) during the course of your treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
• If you are taking other medications, ask your doctor how to take these medicines together.
• Talk to your doctor if you are unable to measure any weight loss after two weeks of treatment.

What are the side effects of using Orlistat?

The following are the side effects of using Orlistat. These can, however, be controlled of you regulate the amount of fat you intake.

• Changes in bowel function
• Oily stool
• Oily spotting
• Flatulence
• Increased frequency of bowel movements
• Poor bowel control

These side effects are rare and should not make you consider giving up treatment options. The advantages of this drug are far greater than the chance for any of these side effects to occur. Many people who have used this medicine have reported a quick and sustained pattern in weight loss.

However, you should consult your doctor immediately if any of the following occurs:

• Liver disturbances
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes
• Kidney stones
• Back pain
• Pain during urination
• Blood in urine

What precautions to take before commencing treatment?

Before you start treatment, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Allergies
• Digestive illnesses or problems
• Gall bladder problems
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Kidney stones
• Seizures

You can read more about the side effects and precautions relating to Orlistat here.