Everyone that has ever tried to drop a few pounds knows it’s not easy. Those that are overweight or obese have an even tougher time shedding extra pounds, but recently those struggling with their weight were given some hope as several medications hit the shelves to help. Xenical and Alli are the two hot dieting drugs on the market, but what’s the difference between the two?
Researchers set out to answer that very question. A group of 500 patients volunteered for this study. Some patients were given Xenical, some were given Alli, and others received a placebo. Researchers kept an eye on these patients for two years.
What were the results?
Initially, patients taking weight loss medication lost about 20 pounds, and then kept taking the drug for two years. Those that kept taking Xenical lost another 12.3 pounds, which is 3 pounds more than those taking Alli. The study also showed those taking Xenical kept more of the weight off. Patients taking Xenical regained about 7 pounds at the end of two years, while those taking Alli regained about 9 pounds.
How does Xenical and Alli work?
When you eat an excessive amount of fat or calories, the excess is stored as fat in the body. That fat becomes weight gain. Xenical and Alli work in your digestive system to block about one-third of the fat in the food you eat from being digested.
How do dieting pills fit into a weight loss plan?
Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say dieters should make sure they exercise and change eating habits. Dieting pills aren’t an easy answer to weight loss and are only meant to supplement, not replace, a healthy diet and regular exercise.
What are the side effects?
Side effects typically include problems going to the bathroom, like:
*Gas with an oily anal discharge
*Loose stools or diarrhea
*More frequent bowel movements
*Hard-to-control bowel movements
