Xenical andTeenage Weight Loss

WebMD analyzes a recent study comparing the effectiveness of Xenical (orlistat) on overweight teenagers. There conclusions are that the diet pill does help - just be prepared for the side effects.

Participants either took 120 milligrams of Xenical or a placebo three times per day for a year. The pills were identical, except the placebo lacked Xenical's active ingredient. The participants did not know which pill they were taking.

Xenical doesn't affect appetite. Instead, it helps promote weight loss by blocking about 30% of fat from getting absorbed into the bloodstream.

Guidelines for diet and exercise were issued, but the study doesn't say how many teens stuck to those plans.

What about those side effects?

"No major safety issues were raised" in the Xenical group, says the study. Gastrointestinal problems were the most common side effects. Those were seen more with Xenical and included abdominal pain, nausea, and fatty or oily stools.