Difference between Orlistat, Xenical, and Alli

Of all the slimming pills available on the market, Orlistat, Xenical, and Alli are the most recognized brands. These medications are usually administered or suggested to anyone who wants to shed some weight. Even if their active ingredients are the same, each of these products is promoted in a different way and has a slightly different function. In this article, you will learn about the distinctions between Orlistat, Xenical, and Alli, as well as discover how it operates, whether it is effective, and what side effects are possible. If you are thinking of using these weight loss medications or you just want to know more about them, this guide is for you.

Alli vs. Orlistat vs. Xenical: Comparison table

Here is a comparison table outlining the differences between Orlistat, Xenical, and Alli:

What is Orlistat?

Orlistat is the generic name for the weight loss pill that reduces the amount of fat that can be absorbed from the food that you take. Orlistat works by inhibiting the body’s ability to digest about 30 percent of the fat consumed in the diet, and thus decreasing the number of calories taken in by the body. The medication is usually administered to those with a BMI of 30 or more or with a BMI of 27 and above but with other risk factors, including diabetes and hypertension.

There is one thing that has to be said – Orlistat is not a pill that can make you slim magically. It is most effective when used in combination with a low fat diet low in calories and moderate physical activity. Orlistat is marketed as a prescription medication and as a non-prescription product based on the strength of the doses.

What is Xenical?

Xenical is a prescription medicine which is the trade name for Orlistat produced by Roche. Like its generic version, Xenical also comes with 120 mg of orlistat per dose and is also prescribed in the treatment of obesity as it helps in the reduction of the amount of fat that is absorbed by the body. The only disadvantage of Xenical is that it is a branded product and therefore is usually more costly than the generic Orlistat though the active ingredient and the effects that the two products have on the body are the same.

Xenical is prescribed by a doctor and is intended for people with a BMI of 30 or more coupled with other obesity-related conditions. Most of the people who take Xenical are often encouraged to adopt certain measures that are likely to help them shed some weight, such measures include dietary changes, exercise and changes in their lifestyle.

What is Alli?

Alli is an over-the-counter drug, an OTC version of Orlistat with the dose of the active component being 60 mg per capsule. Though it is similar to Orlistat and Xenical in that it hinders the ability of the body to absorb fat, Alli is available over the counter and therefore more easily accessible to those seeking help with their weight loss.

Thus, Alli has half the dose of prescription Orlistat or Xenical, may have less effective outcomes, but it has fewer side effects, too. It is usually prescribed for overweight persons (with a BMI of 25 or higher) who are in need of an easy to access, effective and safe way of managing their weight.

How do these weight loss medications work?

Orlistat, Xenical, and Alli all share the same active ingredient: The drugs are called: orlistat. Orlistat acts through the inhibition of the lipase enzyme which is responsible for the breakdown of fats in the gastrointestinal tract. Lack of this enzyme means that the fat in the food that one takes will not be absorbed into the body hence lowering ones calorific intake.

It is eliminated from the body through feces and this is the reason why such drugs are usually taken together with low fat diets so as to reduce on side effects that affect the bowel. Because the purpose of these drugs is to decrease fat intake, they are best used in conjunction with diet and physical activity.

How do you take these medications?

Orlistat

The recommended dose of Orlistat is 120 mg while the dose taken is three times a day with the meals rich in fats. Orlistat is best taken during or up to one hour after a meal. If you miss a meal or have a meal that isn’t high in fat, you should also not take Orlistat.

Xenical

Orlistat and Xenical are administered in the same way because the latter contains the same dose of the active substance (120 mg). Patients should also ensure that they take it with a meal that contains fat and should also ensure that they take low fat, reduced calorie diet in order to avoid side effects such as oily stools or too frequent bowel movements.

Alli

Alli contains a smaller amount of orlistat – 60 mg, and it is taken three times a day before meals containing fats. As it has been with Orlistat and Xenical, Alli is even more effective when used in combination with a low-fat diet. Alli users are also encouraged to include exercise for better outcome as they take the product.

How long do they take to work?

It is also important to note that the time it takes for Orlistat, Xenical, or Alli to work and get results may differ from one individual to another. The average patient experiences weight loss effects of these medications within two weeks of their use, but only if he/she is on a low-calorie, low-fat diet and also exercises regularly.

But the maximum impact of the drug for the purpose of weight loss is achieved only after three months of the course. Orlistat based drugs have been tested in clinical trials and the patients who take them usually lose 5% to 10% of their body weight within one year.

Side effects

The side effects of Orlistat, Xenical, and Alli are fairly similar because these products contain the same active substance. Common side effects include:

• Oily or fatty stools

• Frequent or urgent bowel movements

• Flatulence with discharge

• Abdominal discomfort or cramps

• Possible deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

These side effects are worse when the user takes a diet that contains large amounts of fats. Hence, it is advised that one should adhere to a low-fat diet while under these medications to avoid stomach complications.

Which one is the best weight loss medication?

Deciding which of these medications is better is impossible because it depends on the individual needs and situations. It has been reported that Xenical and Orlistat have the same efficacy due to the fact that they both possess the same active ingredient in the same proportion. Xenical will be more suitable for people who are willing to take branded products, while Orlistat is cheaper.

Alli, on the other hand, is a half-strength version that is available without prescription because it is sold as a weight loss supplement. If compared to Orlistat and Xenical, Alli can also provide good weight loss effects, but it is better for people with lower BMI or those who want to start with a milder treatment.

How to buy Alli, request Orlistat or Xenical

If you are interested in buying Alli, Orlistat, or Xenical, you can get Alli without a prescription from most drug stores. Orlistat, on the other hand, and Xenical require a prescription.

Orlistat or Xenical can be ordered online at Click Pharmacy, where you can also ask for an online consultation. They sell these weight loss medications and give customers professional advice on how to use them in the right manner. This one makes it easier, and you can order your weight loss medications from the comfort of your home.