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What are the Side Effects of Orlistat?

03-09-2009

Orlistat is better known as the popular over-the-counter weight loss pill, Alli. As with many diet pills and weight loss supplements there are side effects that can come from taking the medication. It is important to remember that there are many ways to reduce the side effects that occur while taking diet pills – following the weight loss plan exactly can help to decrease the side effects drastically.

The major side effects of Alli occur in patients that have consumed more than the fifteen grams of fat. These patients may experience cramping and the need to run to the nearest toilet. If these high levels of fat are consumed, the body is unable to digest these and therefore the fats travel through the digestive system at an accelerated pace and can cause side effects similar to that of “dumping syndrome” in which the undigested fat enters the large intestine causing symptoms which are similar to shock; including chills, uncontrollable shaking and in worst cases, the dieter may experience loose and hard to control stools.

It is important to realize the fat content in certain foods in order to avoid eating these foods. At a regular fast food restaurant, most hamburgers contain more than thirty grams of fat. This is double the amount of fat that is recommended within one meal – and forget about the fries and other sides that are offered with the meal. It is important to realize that if the dieter chooses to consume these foods, than they are more than likely going to experience the negative side effects that come with the over the counter diet pill.

These levels of excess fat can cause the following symptoms in a patient that has chosen to take Alli:

• Gas that can be accompanied with oily spotting.
• Loose stools that are hard to control if high levels of fat have been ingested into the body
• Frequent stools that can also be hard to control, to the point where the dieter is rushing to the bathroom halfway through the meal.

It is important to remember that these side effects of Alli can be avoided if the dieter learns to control the fat in which they consume through the meal. Orlistat supplements are to be taken three times per day and should not be used more than this, using more than the recommended dose can increase the side effects that the patient experiences and cause cramping and even bloody stools.

It is important to follow the diet plan which is provided with the Alli packaging – as this will reduce the side effects and the instances in which these negative side effects occur. This diet plan is very specific about the types of ingredients and types of foods that can cause the side effects to worsen. Along with the Alli diet plan, the patient is given access to an online database where they can find more information about the nutritional content which is found in the foods, including the fat content.