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Is Orlistat Intake Effective In Weight Loss?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Jun 2014
Question: I am a 39 year old woman, 5'6 and weigh 180. I am married, work full time, and have three small children (9,7 and 3...all boys). I recently had a health screening for work as part of our insurance program and they listed my BMI as 29.1. Less than one point away from being obese. I have tried so much in the last two years to lose weight. Because of my job and children, my time for exercise is very limited, but I joined a boot camp for about 6 months and went twice a week. I tried to fit in at least one other workout during the week. After 6 months I definitely felt better, but had not lost any weight at all. I have since joined a gym and try to go a few times a week, but again, my time is limited by kids and work. When I can't get to the gym I try to play basketball or kickball outside with my boys. I even went to my family doctor for a check up. He ran blood work, etc. and just said to work harder at exercise and watching what I eat. I have tried to log my calories in myfitnesspal and stay below 1500 but then I'll have a bad week and struggle to get back on track. I talked to my doctor about Orlistat but he said I was not overweight enough and he is really opposed to such methods anyway. I understand that in theory but I am wondering if Orlistat might help me. I looked into ordering online, but I have very good insurance and would prefer a legitimate prescription that I can get through my local pharmacy that is covered by my insurance. My question is do you think Orlistat would be a legitimate option for me and if so can I get a legitimate prescription sent to my local pharmacy?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
medications used in overwt if complications presen

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Orlistat and other weight loss medications can be helpful in weight loss. The FDA criteria for use are: (1) can be used in obese persons (2) can be used for persons in overweight persons if they have any of the weight related conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes , high cholesterol

If you have any of these complications then you do qualify for the use of orlistat or one of the other medications. The other medications are phentermine, loscaserin, qsymia.

This would have to be written up by your doctor unfortunately this site is not able to order or send prescriptions.
A lot of persons need one of these medications to help with weight loss.

It can be difficult to lose weight and when it is lost, it can be difficult to maintain the weight loss.

You have the low calorie/low fat option (stated reduced calories to 1500). You may want to try the low carbohydrate option to see if this helps you.

It is based on the premise that when any person uses carbohydrates, the body releases insulin.
Insulin not only reduces blood sugars but also prevents the body from breaking down fat.
By reducing carbohydrates and therefore insulin secretion, fat is broken down.

This would involve: (1) reducing the use of rice/pasta/bread/biscuits/potatoes/high carb vegetables and fruits/normal sodas and juices

(2)use of salads and low carb vegetables with meals. 1-2 salads a day and 1 to 2 vegetable portions with protein (either animal or plant if you are vegetarian)

(3)use of water, diet drinks

(4)not skipping meals or going hungry because want to keep metabolism going and also when skip tend to over eat later

(5)use protein snacks like nuts, meats, egg, cheese

(6)consider joining a low carb forum or web site like XXXXXXX for meal plans and advice

I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16835 Questions

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Is Orlistat Intake Effective In Weight Loss?

Brief Answer: medications used in overwt if complications presen Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic Orlistat and other weight loss medications can be helpful in weight loss. The FDA criteria for use are: (1) can be used in obese persons (2) can be used for persons in overweight persons if they have any of the weight related conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes , high cholesterol If you have any of these complications then you do qualify for the use of orlistat or one of the other medications. The other medications are phentermine, loscaserin, qsymia. This would have to be written up by your doctor unfortunately this site is not able to order or send prescriptions. A lot of persons need one of these medications to help with weight loss. It can be difficult to lose weight and when it is lost, it can be difficult to maintain the weight loss. You have the low calorie/low fat option (stated reduced calories to 1500). You may want to try the low carbohydrate option to see if this helps you. It is based on the premise that when any person uses carbohydrates, the body releases insulin. Insulin not only reduces blood sugars but also prevents the body from breaking down fat. By reducing carbohydrates and therefore insulin secretion, fat is broken down. This would involve: (1) reducing the use of rice/pasta/bread/biscuits/potatoes/high carb vegetables and fruits/normal sodas and juices (2)use of salads and low carb vegetables with meals. 1-2 salads a day and 1 to 2 vegetable portions with protein (either animal or plant if you are vegetarian) (3)use of water, diet drinks (4)not skipping meals or going hungry because want to keep metabolism going and also when skip tend to over eat later (5)use protein snacks like nuts, meats, egg, cheese (6)consider joining a low carb forum or web site like XXXXXXX for meal plans and advice I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions