Fat Blocker
Marketers of fat-blockers purport they are the new “wonder drug” cure for obesity. But is this chemical concoction as effective as a diet pill derived from natural sources? And more importantly, is it safe?
Fat-blockers are known under the pharmaceutical names orlistat and tetrahydrolipstatin, and require a doctor’s prescription. The manufacturers claim their fat-blockers prevent the absorption of up to 25% of the dietary fats in the intestines by binding to and prohibiting the digestive action of the pancreatic enzyme lipase.
The concept sounds like the plot of an old western movie where the bandits get away with the loot only to be cut off at the pass by the sheriff and his posse. So, what happens to those fats after being ambushed, captured and handcuffed by the fat-blocking posse? Good question! If they are not absorbed by the intestines, the undigested fats must go somewhere, right? That ‘somewhere’ is out your body’s back door. Users of fat-blockers complain of distressing gastro-intestinal side effects such as:
- painful abdominal cramps
- excessive gas, sometimes with an oily excretion
- urgent, uncontrollable bowel movements and fecal incontinence
- oily, fatty stools
- oily spotting in undergarments
It has been suggested that the drug’s primary role is that of aversive therapy – in other words, users of fat-blockers learn to associate eating fatty foods with the embarrassing and uncomfortable gastro-intestinal side effects. Users also reported that they gained back any lost weight as soon as they discontinued taking the fat-blockers. Many studies have concluded that fat-blockers are ineffective for permanent weight loss.
Furthermore, fat-blockers block all fats, even beneficial ‘good fats’ like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats. They also deplete the body’s fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, F and K, which can lead to health problems such as abnormal bleeding in warfarin patients, and increased levels of oxalate in the urine of people with a history of kidney stones, just to name a few of the risks. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added orlistat to its list of drugs having a "Potential Signal of Serious Risk" and is investigating reports of liver toxicity and liver failure.
Included in the usage directions that come with the fat-blocking drugs are instructions advising people taking fat-blockers to reduce their caloric intake and follow a low-fat diet plan. H’mmm … that means even if you take fat-blockers you still need to count calories. So much for having your cake and eating it too! Our advice is to skip the gimmicky fat-blockers, eat smaller portions, make healthier food choices and take diet supplements for healthy, long-lasting and natural weight loss.
