Xenical (Orlistat) is used to help obese people who fit certain weight and height requirements lose weight and maintain weight loss. Xenical works in your intestines, where it blocks some of the fat you eat from being absorbed. This undigested fat is then eliminated in your bowel movements. Use Xenical together with a reduced-calorie diet. The weight management effects of Xenical (Orlistat) continue only as long as you are taking it.

Xenical is a unique new medicine that helps you to lose weight. It targets the absorption of fat in your body rather than suppressing your appetite. Dietary fats are large molecules that need to be broken down by enzymes before they can absorbed into the body. Xenical blocks the enzyme that helps break down the fat molecules.