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Patients taking Xenical are advised to follow a low-calorie diet that contains no more than 30 per cent of calories from fat. This helps to avoid unpleasant effects, such as loose stools, increased defecation and oily spotting from the rectum as a result of large quantities of unabsorbed fat in the gut. Data from five clinical trials following patients over a period of two years has shown that 20 per cent of patients taking Xenical lost 10 per cent or more of their body weight, compared with patients on a placebo who lost 8 per cent of their body weight. While all patients are advised to follow a diet rich in fruit and vegetables to ensure an adequate intake of vitamins, Xenical can potentially impair the body’s absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Patients taking Reductil may experience side effects during the first month of treatment, but they should diminish over time. These can include increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, dry mouth, insomnia, headaches, sweating and changes in taste. Clinical trials reported in medical journals like the Lancet, Cardiology, and Obesity Research have shown that Reductil successfully helps patients lose weight by reducing food and calorie intake.

Many doctors believe that Xenical and Reductil do have important roles to play in obesity treatment. According to Dr Wendy Doyle of the British Dietetic Association, while the gastrointestinal side effects of Xenical mean it isn't for the faint-hearted, it can be effective for those patients who are sufficiently determined to follow the diet that accompanies the drug. She believes Reductil may be more useful for patients who aren’t as strong-willed because it helps them to feel full, making it easier to eat less. However, the associated side effects of raised blood pressure and increased heart rate may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

However, neither of these drugs address the shifts in lifestyle required to successfully keep weight off in the long term. Without a regular fitness routine or a change in eating habits, it is likely that some of the weight lost will be regained. In addition, drugs like Reductil, which only diminish the physical signs of hunger, don’t address the psychological aspect of eating or overeating – a key factor in obesity.

If you are concerned about your weight or think you might be a candidate for anti-obesity drugs, consult your GP.

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