GOAL: Achievement of optimal weight loss combining lifestyle changes with the medication orlistat. In prescription form, it is called Xenical. In the new over-the-counter form, it is called Alli.
OBJECTIVES: Focus on the process, not the end result. One day at a time.
Learn to eat right by making low-calorie, low-fat food choices from the Food Guide Pyramid. Go to Eat Right! to download a copy of the Lean & Mean Pyramid.
Increase daily physical movement (as per physician approval)
Sorting Out The Facts About Xenical 
Xenical can only be prescribed by a physician or authorized health
professional. Now the medication can be bought over-the-counter in the
form of Alli.
Alli is provided in a 60 mg dose which is half the dosage of the 120 mg
prescription of Xenical. At this lower dose, the amount of weight that is lost
tends to be less than the 10% weight loss that is seen with the current
prescription drugs. Like all prescription weight-loss drugs (sibutramine,
phentermine and rimonabant), Alli should only be used to treat true obesity; it
may also be considered for use for those who are overweight but have
weight-related health complications. In addition, Alli (and all other
weight-loss drugs) need to be taken indefinitely to sustain their effectiveness.
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* http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=36091&sc=801
Xenical/Alli is indicated for obesity management including weight loss and
weight maintenance when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet.
Xenical/Alli is also indicated to reduce the risk of weight regain after
prior weight loss.
Xenical is indicated for obese patients with an initial body mass
index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30 kg/m2 or 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk
factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia). See above for Alli.
Studies show the percentage of weight loss using Xenical and diet was
almost twice the weight loss of diet alone. See above for Alli.
Studies show in a two-year period using Xenical and diet that weight
regain was significantly less then with diet alone.
Studies show weight loss as a result of the use of Xenical and diet
improved cardiovascular risk factors and glycemic control better than diet alone.
Special Considerations: Use of Xenical/Alli can cause reduced
absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta carotene and is contraindicated in
patients with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis. Experts
recommend taking a daily multivitamin when using these medications.
Most common side
effects are diarrhea, flatus with discharge, increased defecation, fecal urgency or
incontinence. Patients must be advised to adhere to dietary guidelines, i.e., follow
a low-fat, low-calorie diet (less than 30% of total calories from fat) with fat
distributed over three main meals.
We recommend discussing the use of Alli with your physician before starting it.
Follow all precautions as listed on the medication and use under the knowledge
of your physician.
If you are having a high fat meal, do not take that
dose of Xenical/Alli, as you may have severe diarrhea.
Healthy, sensible eating is not a plan we go "on" or
"off." Give ourselves all the flexibility necessary to let it become
a way of life. Adopt habits that work for us rather than against us. Begin by
experimenting and eventually we will learn what works best for us
There is no right or wrong way to eat. Healthy eating
is all about moderation and balance. Our program offers easy-to-follow
recommendations that anyone can learn to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
There are no good foods or bad foods. The greatest
barrier to adopting healthy eating habits is guilt. We feel guilty when we
eat so-called "bad" foods. "Wandering" is an essential
part of a healthy eating plan.
If we are not satisfied with the way we are eating, there is
probably something else going on. Depriving ourselves of food and beating
ourselves up for our behavior is NOT the solution. A more forgiving approach is to
figure out what situation, emotion or stress set us on this path.
We don't need to cook and eat every meal at home in order
to eat healthy. We do not need any special skills or superhuman attributes to
eat in restaurants. We do not need to forego our favorite foods or eat before we go
out. We teach a decision-making process to use at home or on the run.
Eating should be a pleasurable experience. If we are
eating a special "diet" meal that is different than what the rest of the family
is eating, we feel punished or deprived. Healthy eating patterns can only
occur when we are enjoying all the foods we are eating.
Go to "Monthly Topic" for a description of the package.
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