Should Xenical be Approved for OTC Use?

For Immediate Release Should Xenical be approved for OTC distribution? Brea, CA - January 25, 2006; Yesterday, Xenical, also known as Orlistat, was the big story in the news. The FDA is considering approval of Xenical for OTC (over the counter) use. The question is: Should Xenical be approved for over the counter use? What is Xenical? Xenical is a "magic bullet" marketed to obese people who are looking for a weight loss miracle drug. It is touted as a drug that should only be taken by obese people because of its dramatic weight loss effects. How does it work? Xenical blocks some fat from being absorbed by the body. In other words, if you take Xenical, some of the fat that you eat will go in one end and out the other without ever being absorbed by the body. The manufacturer of Xenical states that it will only work when used with a reduced calorie diet. The manufacturers suggest that your meals should contain no more than 30% of calories from fat and that you should follow a healthy eating plan. If you eat a meal high in fat there will be an increase in digestive side effects (we'll talk about those in a minute). Is Xenical Safe? Xenical will decrease your body's absorption of the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E& K. These vitamins are essential to proper bodily function. * Vitamin A plays an essential role in vision, growth, and development. * Vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones. * Vitamin E is an antioxidant which acts to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. * Vitamin K is used in the body to control blood clotting. What are the possible side effects of Xenical? Note: All side effects listed were obtained from the manufacturer's website. Serious side effects include: shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; and hives. The most common side effects include: * Oily spotting * Gas with discharge * An urgent need to go to the bathroom * Oily or fatty stools * An oily discharge * An increased number of bowel movements * An inability to control bowel movements * orange or brown colored oil in your stool This is a quote from the manufacturer of Xenical: "The bowel changes listed above are a natural effect of blocking fat and indicate that Xenical is working." In a clinical study, obese people taking Xenical lost an average of 5 pounds over a 6 month period. Yes, you read that right; after taking Xenical and soiling their underwear for six months they lost a measly 5 pounds! That is crazy! In another study of 30 obese people taking Xenical, 10 of the 30 people had to stop taking the Xenical due to severe adverse reactions. The remaining 20 had negligible results and still suffered from the "less severe" side effects. Add this to the fact that any fat lost while on the drug will be gained back once the drugs' use is discontinued and you can see why I am opposed to the use of this drug or its approval for over the counter use in America. A poll on MSN showed that 59% of Americans said that they would try this pill when it becomes available OTC. However, this "magic pill" is not the answer for those of us who want a permanent weight loss solution. Is there a better solution? Yes there is. The only time tested proven approach to healthful permanent weight loss comes from what is known as a paradigm shift, a shift in the way you are currently thinking. You must accept the fact that the "magic pills" do not work and that healthful permanent weight loss will only be achieved through a change in lifestyle. In order to achieve your weight loss goals you will have to adopt a lifestyle which consists of supportive nutrition and proper exercise. Supportive nutrition, as opposed to just healthy eating, will support your new active lifestyle. According to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, M.D. "To be healthy and maintain normal weight, we need all of the food groups. Our protein sources need to be pure...free of hormones and antibiotics. Our carbohydrates need to be fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably organic. And we need good fats..." Proper exercise is a combination of moderate aerobic exercise and resistance training performed in the proper amounts and intensity. Al Morentin is a practicing Clinical Exercise Specialist at the My Fit Life Health & Wellness Center in Brea, CA. For more information: Al Morentin C.E.S. Tel: (714)585-7551 e-mail: axfitness@hotmail.com # # #