Diet

What is Xenical? The Effects and Usage of the Medical Diet Drug that Blocks Fat Absorption


Xenical (orlistat) is a prescription diet medication that cuts the absorption of dietary fats by approximately 30%. Unlike GLP-1 agonists that suppress appetite, Xenical takes a different approach by "preventing the absorption of consumed fats." Therefore, it is suitable for individuals who haven't found success with appetite suppressants or those who frequently consume fried or fatty foods. This page provides a detailed explanation, from how it works to proper usage, side effects, differences from the over-the-counter drug "Alli," and pricing.

  • Orlistat: A medical weight loss drug that cuts fat absorption from meals by approximately 30%
  • It's a different approach from GLP-1 agonists, which suppress appetite, and can be considered for use in combination with other drugs such as metformin.
  • You only need to take it when you eat oily meals, so there's no need to take it every day.
  • THINCAL, available at our clinic, contains 120mg, a higher dose compared to the 60mg found in over-the-counter "Alli" (Orlistat).
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Available daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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5-minute walk from the station
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A clean clinic with a white-based interior
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Online consultations: same-day shipping at the earliest
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Cosmetics and supplements sold exclusively at medical institutions are also available for purchase.

Xenical is available online

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What is Xenical (Orlistat)?

Xenical (generic name: orlistat) is a prescription diet medication that inhibits the action of the digestive enzyme lipase, thereby suppressing the absorption of approximately 30% of dietary fat. Unabsorbed fat is then excreted with stool.

Unlike GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Mounjaro or Ozempic) which suppress appetite, Xenical promotes weight loss by "preventing the absorption of consumed fat." This treatment is particularly suitable for those who do not tolerate appetite suppressants or who consume a lot of fatty meals.

THINCAL, which we carry, is a generic drug of Xenical with the same active ingredient (Orlistat 120mg). Taisho Pharmaceutical's "Allai" also contains the same ingredient, but the over-the-counter product has a different dosage of 60mg.

Recommended for:

  • Those who often eat fried or fatty foods
  • Those for whom appetite suppressants (GLP-1, etc.) were not suitable
  • Those who find diet restrictions difficult but want medication support
  • Those who want to use it only on days with high-fat meals
  • Those who want to combine it with other diet medications

Mechanism of action of Xenical

Fat cutting by lipase inhibition

Dietary fat (triglycerides) is only absorbed into the body after being broken down by the digestive enzyme lipase in the small intestine. Xenical inhibits the action of this lipase, thereby suppressing fat breakdown and absorption. Unabsorbed fat is then excreted from the body with stool.

Differences from the over-the-counter drug "Allai"

Comparison Item Xenical・THINCAL (Our Clinic) Allai (Taisho Pharmaceutical・OTC)
Ingredient Orlistat 120mg Orlistat 60mg
Dosage 120mg (Prescription) 60mg (OTC)
Availability Requires doctor's prescription Available at drugstores
Fat cut effect Approx. 30% Approx. 25%
Target users Those deemed appropriate by a doctor Ages 18 and over, BMI 25 and over, etc.

How to take and use

Basic Usage

Take one tablet (120mg) with a fatty meal or within one hour after. You can take it up to three times a day (with breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Key Points for Taking

  • No need to take it with low-fat meals (e.g., vegetable-focused, Japanese cuisine)
  • No need to take it if you are not eating
  • If more than one hour has passed since your meal, skip that dose
  • Take with water

Choosing between 14 and 28 tablets

Plan Best for
14 tablets (1 month) Those who use it only on days with 1-2 fatty meals
28 tablets (1 month) Those who want to use it with every meal or have fatty meals daily

Pricing Plans

Plan Number of Tablets Price
14 tablets (1 month) THINCAL 120mg x 14 ¥4,000
14 tablets x 3 (3 months) THINCAL 120mg x 42 ¥11,400
14 tablets x 6 (6 months) THINCAL 120mg x 84 ¥21,600
28 tablets (1 month) THINCAL 120mg x 28 ¥7,000
28 tablets x 3 (3 months) THINCAL 120mg x 84 ¥19,950
28 tablets x 6 (6 months) THINCAL 120mg x 168 ¥37,800

About Side Effects

Most side effects of Xenical are gastrointestinal symptoms caused by unabsorbed fat remaining in the intestines.

Main Side Effects

Side Effect Description Countermeasures
Oily stools/Steatorrhea Unabsorbed fat is excreted with stool Use panty liners or sanitary napkins until accustomed
Fecal incontinence/Oily leakage from the anus Oil may leak from the anus without awareness Common early in treatment. Reduced by decreasing dietary fat intake
Frequent bowel movements/Soft stools/Diarrhea Fat irritates the intestines, increasing bowel movement frequency Easily reduced by limiting fatty meals
Abdominal bloating/Gas Gas generation due to undigested fat in the intestines Often reduced with continued use

Side effects tend to be more pronounced at the beginning of treatment or after fatty meals, and can be significantly mitigated by being mindful of dietary fat intake. While "side effects occurring" can indicate "the medication is working," please consult us if symptoms are severe.

Beware of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency

Xenical inhibits the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, K) along with fat. Please note the following for long-term use:

  • Take multivitamin supplements at least 2 hours after taking Xenical
  • Deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins can lead to risks such as osteomalacia and weakened immunity
  • We can also prescribe vitamin supplements at our clinic. Please consult us if desired.

Combination with other diet medications

Combination with Metformin

"Xenical Metformin combination" is a frequently searched combination. Metformin is a drug that inhibits sugar absorption and improves insulin resistance. Its mechanism of action differs from Xenical (fat absorption inhibition), so theoretically, they may work synergistically. However, it is crucial to consult a doctor for proper assessment before combining them.

Combination with Mounjaro/GLP-1

While GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) suppress appetite, Xenical inhibits fat absorption. Since their approaches differ, a synergistic effect may be expected when combined under a doctor's judgment.

Precautions and Contraindications

Who cannot take it

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Those with chronic malabsorption syndrome
  • Those with cholestasis (absence of bile flow)
  • Those taking warfarin (anticoagulant) (consultation required)
  • Those taking cyclosporine

Those who need to take it with caution

  • Those with hypothyroidism (caution with thyroid hormone drugs)
  • Diabetics taking blood glucose-lowering drugs (blood sugar may drop more easily)
  • Those taking antiepileptic drugs

Information on Unapproved Drugs

THINCAL, which our clinic handles, is an unapproved drug in Japan for the purpose of obesity treatment. It is imported through proper import procedures. An identical ingredient drug to a domestically approved drug is Taisho Pharmaceutical's Allai (Orlistat 60mg).

Prescription Process at Our Clinic

Step ① Provisional Payment・Pre-consultation

Please select your desired plan and place an order. After ordering, please answer the medical questionnaire sent via LINE or email. Please accurately provide information on medications you are currently taking and your medical history.

Step ② Online Consultation

A doctor will check your symptoms and health condition via video call and propose an appropriate plan. All you need is a smartphone or PC.

Step ③ Same-Day Shipping (Fastest)

Orders for which video calls are completed by 3:00 PM daily will be shipped the same day. Your privacy is protected with discreet packaging.


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よくある質問

Frequently Asked Questions

Q How long does it take for Xenical to work?
A

The fat-blocking effect is immediately active for the meal you consume. The impact on weight varies depending on the amount of fat in your diet and frequency of use, but consistent use can lead to gradual weight loss.

Q Do I need to take this even on days when I don't eat fatty foods?
A

Not necessary. Xenical should be taken during or within one hour after a fatty meal. If you have a low-fat meal or skip a meal, you do not need to take it.

Q I am concerned about oil leakage as a side effect.
A


This side effect is likely to occur in the initial stages of taking the medication or after consuming fatty meals. It can be managed with sanitary napkins or panty liners. Reducing the amount of fat in your diet can alleviate the side effects. For most people, symptoms tend to subside as they get used to the medication.

Q Is it safe to take with metformin?
A

Since the mechanisms of action are different, they can be combined. However, please be sure to use them under a doctor's prescription.

Q How does it differ from commercially available Arai helmets?
A

The main ingredient, orlistat, is the same, but the dosage differs: THINCAL from our clinic contains 120mg, while over-the-counter ALLI contains 60mg. The medical version has a higher dosage and a stronger fat-blocking effect.

Q How much does it cost?
A

How much does it cost?
A. 14 pills (1 month) ¥4,000~, 28 pills (1 month) ¥7,000~. We also offer discounted plans for bulk purchases of 3-month or 6-month supplies. For more details,please refer to our pricing page.