User:Mr. Ibrahem/Orlistat

Orlistat, sold under the brand name Xenical among others, is a medication used to treat obesity. The effectiveness is modest with people losing about 2 - 3 kg more over the course of a year. It reduces the risk of type II diabetes in people who are obese similar to lifestyle changes. It is taken by mouth.

Common side effects include oily stools and loss of bowel control. Other side effects may include allergic reactions, certain vitamin deficiencies, liver problems, kidney stones, and cholelithiasis. Caution is advised during pregnancy. Its primary works by preventing absorption of fats from the diet. It is used together with diet and exercise.

Orlistat was approved for medical use in Europe in 1998 and the United States in 1999. It is available as a generic medication. In Australia, Europe, and the United States it is available without a prescription. In the United Kingdom 4 weeks of treatment costs about £25. In the United States this amount costs about 80 USD.