Xenical

Xenical is a weight control medication for the management of significant obesity.

As a nation, New Zealanders are eating too much fat and approximately 54% of us are overweight and 10% of us are obese. Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases including diabetes and high blood pressure, amongst others. We're on average heavier than we were just a decade ago and diet and a lack of exercise are the main culprits. XENICAL from Roche Products is a revolutionary new product that reduces the amount of fat you absorb from each meal by about 30%. It is only available with a doctors prescription and together with a managed and well planned diet and exercise programme looks to have a bright future.

XENICAL targets the absorption of fat in your body rather than acting as a appetite supressant.

Dietary fats are large molecules which need to be broken down by enzymes called lipases before they can be absorbed into the body. When taken with a meal, XENICAL interferes with the activity of these enzymes. This allows about 30% of the fat eaten in the meal to pass through the gut undigested. Your body therefore cannot convert these excess calories to fatty tissue or use them as a source of energy. This will therefore help you to reduce your weight, maintain your lower weight and minimise any weight regain.

XENICAL can also help to improve risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar which, if not treated, could lead to other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

Diet

- Plan your meals - aim for less than 40 to 50 grams of fat per day and choose a well-balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains (pasta, rice, breads and cereals). Fish, skinned poultry and lean low fat meats.
- If you can't get by without a snack, try a piece of fresh fruit or a muesli bar.
- Alcohol stimulates the storage of fat and is also high in calories.
- Eat at least three well planned meals every day including breakfast.
- Drink plenty of water - 5 or more glasses daily.
- A low fat soup or salad at the beginning of a meal will fill you up.
- Watch how much you eat and avoid second portions! It takes time for your brain to recognise that your stomach is full.
- Eat slowly - don't rush your food.

Exercise:

Increased physical activity is an important component of losing weight. Stop thinking about exercise and start thinking about being active. Try these ideas:
- Get out of your chair and go for a walk for ten minutes - do that two or three times a day.
- Take the stairs instead of the lift.
- Go for a walk for 20 minutes, do some gardening or something enjoyable which involves physical activity every day.
- Start at a level you can manage and build up your level of physical activity over time.

Being physically active will help increase energy and reduce weight. As your weight is reduced it's easier and more fun to be active.

Xenical Side Effects

Along with its desired effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking XENICAL. The majority of unwanted effects related to the use of XENICAL result from its local action in your digestive system. These commonly include:

- urgent or increased need to open the bowels
- flatulence (wind) with discharge, oily discharge and oily or fatty stools.

These symptoms are generally mild, occur at the beginning of treatment, go away after a short period of time and are particularly experienced after meals containing high levels of fat. Normally, these symptoms disappear if you continue treatment and keep to your recommended diet. If you are concerned about these you should inform your doctor or pharmacist about it.

More Information
Xenical prescription info from Roche