Weight loss is big business and the need for diet pills is increasing exponentially in line with our waistlines. Xenical and Alli are currently the best known drugs available and are both manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and both contain the same active ingredient, Orlistat. This means that the medications retain many similar characteristics, although their different doses: Xenical 120 mg and Alli 60 mg mean that there are different guidelines on how these should be supplied. Alli is an (OTC)over the counter treatment for weight loss by Bayer pharmaceuticals and as such does not require a doctor's prescription, making it easier to obtain. There are some restrictions and each patient still needs to be assessed by a pharmacist to determine whether it is suitable to provide the drug. Xenical is stronger than Alli and requires a prescription. It is currently the only prescription weigh loss medicine licensed in the UK. The requirement of a prescription and doctor's authorisation creates a hurdle in the quest to obtain weight management medications, however if you suffer from health risks associated with being overweight it is highly recommended that you seek guidance from your doctor.
Both Xenical and Alli contain Orlistat a powerful fat blocking drug. Orlistat works by stopping the body from breaking fats down into tiny pieces which can be absorbed through the intestine. By stopping fat from being stored by the body Orlistat prevents you from putting on weight in the way of fatty deposits and encourages your body to use the fat reserves it already has for energy. Orlistat can stop up to 30% of fat from being absorbed depending on the dose. For significant results both treatments require you to adopt a low calorie, lower fat diet to the one you normally follow. These treatments should only be used by people who are clinically overweight.
The key differences between Alli and Xenical are determined by their different dosages. Xenical is a more powerful version of Alli and so in taking Xenical according to instructions you will notice the results more quickly. Typically Alli helps to shift 1lb more for every 3lbs you lose by yourself through dieting and exercise, and Xenical helps you lose 1lb in every 2lbs lost through your own sheer determination. The medications are not intended as a quick fix and do require the user to make positive changes to their lifestyle in order to really work well. Choosing a healthy diet and increasing how much exercise you do will give you the tools to combat your weight issues in the long run.