Orlistat (Xenical) can help about one third of obese patients with modest weight loss, and can assist in long term maintenance of weight loss. It reduces the body's absorption of fat from foods, reducing weight and cholesterol. Orlistat blocks the action of lipase, an enzyme in the intestine that breaks down fat.

Studies have found that at the end of the first year Orlistat users achieve an average of 5% to 10% drop in body weight. Studies are also reporting that the drug may delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, improve cholesterol levels regardless of weight loss, and reduce blood pressure. It should be noted that some people who take this drug experience an increase in blood pressure. The drug can cause gastrointestinal problems and may interfere with absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E and other important nutrients.

Thousands of new U.S. users flock to the drug each month. But discouraged by the cost, lack of overnight results, and the occasional nasty side effects—diarrhea after a high-fat meal, many drop it more quickly than the average diet. As a result, the Swiss company has had to launch costly marketing and hand-holding efforts, and even offers months of free pills to get patients to stay on the drug.

Roche installed a phone counseling-support program called Xenicare several years ago, which may/may not be operating today. Only 15% of Xenical users were enrolled in that support program. Fewer than half of Xenical patients got refills beyond a month of two. Abbott Labs may have a support program for Meridia similar to Xenicare's. But it, too, has struggled with prescription renewals.

Xenical is generally taken three times a day, with each meal that contains fat. The cost runs about $100 per month, and there are no time limitations as to how long it may be used.

These prices are for "traditional" prescriptions obtained after an in-person visit with your physician. Internet pharmacies generally charge higher prices, since they are also selling the "convenience" of obtaining these drugs without a visit to your doctor. This is a practice that will be coming under greater scrutiny by Congress in the near future. It is a very dangerous practice and is not advocated by BestDietForMe.com analysts and many others. Many feel that it is simply not possible to adequately evaluate a person’s complete health status over the phone or by filling out a brief survey on the Internet, for the purpose of prescribing medications.

Low-Dosage Xenical (alli) Hits Retail Shelves June 15th...

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare began marketing the weight-loss product orlistat 60 mg capsules for over-the-counter (OTC) use in the United States on June 15th. Print, online and TV ads are now running. GSK Consumer Healthcare is marketing OTC orlistat under the brand name alli ™ (pronounced AL-eye).  Approved for use by overweight adults in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet, alli helps people lose 50% more weight than with diet alone.  Alli is the only FDA-approved weight loss product available to consumers without a prescription, and it is the first clinically-proven over-the-counter product to be combined with a comprehensive support program. This approval marks the start of an educational program that includes a series of resources online at myalli.com.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare announced Feb. 11th that the US Food and Drug Administration approved the weight-loss product orlistat 60 mg capsules for over-the-counter (OTC) use in the United States.

GSK Consumer Healthcare selected alli as the brand name because it conveys the concept of partnership with consumers in their weight-loss efforts.  With alli, consumers have access to an individually tailored online action plan that provides support and the necessary tools to help them lose 50% more weight than with diet alone, says GlaxoSmithKline.

Unlike other products on store shelves, alli is a proven medicine with a comprehensive support program. To help consumers get off to a successful start, the alli package will include Welcome and Companion Guides, a Guide to Healthy Eating, a Daily Journal, a Calorie and Fat Counter, Quick Fact Cards, and free access to an individualized online action plan at:  www.myalli.com.

"With alli , we're excited to offer a revolutionary approach to weight loss," says Steven L. Burton, Vice President, Weight Control, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. " alli is more than a pill - it's a comprehensive program that works in conjunction with a sensible diet to increase weight loss. Because weight loss doesn't happen overnight, we're starting to educate consumers now about the importance of realistic expectations, gradual weight loss and lifestyle changes. That's the way to see results, and with alli, we know they can do it."

alli is indicated for weight loss in overweight adults 18 years and older when used along with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet. The recommended dose of alli is one 60 mg capsule three times a day with meals containing fat.

Taken at meal-time, alli works by blocking about 25% of the fat in the food a person eats. Because of the way it works, alli must be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet containing about 15 grams of fat per meal.