The obesity rates in the UK are soaring with nearly one fourth of the adult population now classed as clinically obese. A recent study revealed that 1 in every 11 deaths in the UK was linked to excess body fat. Moreover, it suggested that of all the deaths that were linked to excess body weight, obesity accounted for nearly 66 % of the deaths. One of the most common forms of obesity that affects nearly 30% of adult men is stomach obesity, where the fat is accumulated around the tummy. Two effective drugs available in the market that can help you combat obesity are Xenical and Reductil.
Comparison Between Xenical and Reductil
Here we have compared several aspects of Xenical and Reductil, to help you make a sound buying decision:
Xenical
This anti-obesity drug acts as a lipase inhibitor. The generic name of the drug is Orlistat. The drug works directly on the digestive system and blocks the action of gastric and pancreatic lipases that break downs fat molecules into small parts for absorption. Orlistat gets attached to the lipase enzyme and prevents them from performing their normal function.
Xenical can block up to 30% of the fat that has been consumed from the diet. According to several clinical studies, obese patients who received Xenical lost twice as much body weight than those on a diet and exercise regime. Moreover, 70% of the subjects shed 3% of their weight after just three months and lost 19lbs within a year.
The recommended dose for Xenical is 3 capsules per day during or shortly after the main meal. However, the fat content of the meal should not be more than 30%. Some common side effects of the drug are headache, change in bowel movements, sudden bowel motions and loose, fatty or oily stools and oily discharge. However, these side effects can be minimized with the help of low fat meals.
Reductil
This anti-obesity medicine works as an appetite suppressor. The active ingredient of this drug is sibutramine hydrochloride, which is an oral anorexiant. Reductil aids weight loss by altering neurotransmitters present in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals, which are stored in the neurons. Their main purpose is to communicate messages between the neurons. Reductil prevents two such neurotransmitters, serotonin and noradrenaline, from being reabsorbed by the nerve cells. These neurotransmitters are responsible for governing the feeling of hunger and moderating the mood. Since the neurotransmitters are not being reabsorbed, they are available in increased amounts in the brain. This gives a feeling of fullness and reduces the appetite.
Studies suggest that 77% of the patients who received Reductil in conjunction with appropriate physical activity and a low calorie diet experienced weight loss. Patients on Reductil may experience a 5-10% reduction from their baseline body weight.
The medicine is available in form of 5mg, 10mg and 15 mg capsules. It is preferable to start the treatment by taking a 10mg capsule daily. Some common side effects of the drug are insomnia, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness and slight increase in blood pressure.