Losing weight can be a challenging journey. If you’ve been exploring weight loss medications, chances are you’ve come across Clavitanol and Orlistat. In fact, there are lots of different options for weight loss medication out there with different ingredients, and it can be difficult to know which is best for you. Choosing weight loss medication is a bit like picking the right shoes for a marathon; you need to understand what works best for your body before setting off on your journey. So in this blog post, we’ll explore Clavitanol vs Orlistat to help you decide which, if any, could be the one to suit your needs.
What is Clavitanol?
Clavitanol is an active ingredient that comes from natural plants. It’s mainly found in a weight loss product called XLS-Medical Max Strength. When we eat foods like bread, sweets, and oily snacks, our body breaks them down to use for energy. Clavitanol steps in and stops our body from breaking down too much of these foods. So, less of these foods turn into extra weight.
Do I need a prescription for Clavitanol?
Clavitanol is found in XLS-Medical Max Strength, which is available over the counter in the UK.
What is Orlistat?
Orlistat is an active ingredient that comes from a chemical process in a laboratory. Much like Clavitanol, it works by inhibiting the absorption of fats from the diet, thereby reducing caloric intake. Whenever you eat fatty foods, your body breaks them down so it can use or store them. Orlistat stops your body from using some of this fat, which then leaves your body when you go to the toilet.
Orlistat is found in Orlistat, alli and Xenical, which are all weight loss medications.
Do I need a prescription for Orlistat?
Orlistat is found in Orlistat and alli, which both require a prescription from a licensed pharmacist or doctor in the UK.
Clavitanol vs Orlistat: At A Glance
Now we’ve established that Clavitanol and Orlistat both do the same things to help you lose weight, let’s look at what makes them different. In the below table, we’ve broken down the differences between Clavitanol and Orlistat at a glance so you can see how they differ.
| Feature/Aspect | Clavitanol | Orlistat |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Natural (derived from plants) | Synthetic (made in a laboratory) |
| Function | Blocks enzymes to reduce absorption of carbs, sugars, and fats | Blocks enzymes to prevent fat absorption |
| Main Target | Carbohydrates, sugars, and fats | Dietary fats |
| Mechanism | Limits both carb and fat digestion | Inhibits fat digestion |
| Usage | Often found in products like XLS-Medical Max Strength | Available as a prescription drug and over-the-counter as alli or Orlistat 120mg |
| Typical Side Effects | Possible minor gastrointestinal issues | Possible gastrointestinal issues, including oily or loose stools |
| Additional Benefits | Might help manage sugar levels | Specifically targets fat absorption |
How Do These Weight Loss Medications Work?
Imagine you’re eating a delicious sandwich. As your body starts to digest it, Clavitanol steps in and blocks certain enzymes, making it harder for your body to break down those carbs and fats from the sandwich. It also has a say in glucose metabolism, helping to manage sugar levels.
Orlistat is a bit different. As you munch on your favourite meal, Orlistat is busy in the background, reducing the amount of fat your intestines can break down. Less fat broken down means less fat absorbed. You may remember earlier we mentioned that this fat leaves your body when you go to the toilet, so you may find you use the toilet more often when taking Orlistat to lose weight.
Are Clavitanol and Orlistat Effective for Weight Loss?
The world of science backs Clavitanol with research and studies. Many individuals report positive weight loss outcomes, with some added bonuses for their overall health. In a recent clinical study, Clavitanol was found to demonstrate promising effects in reducing sugar and starch digestion when splitting participants into two groups, one with a placebo and one taking Clavitanol. Those who were taking Clavitanol lost on average 3.29kg more than those who were taking the placebo on the trial. As it offers a reduction in sugar digestion, Clavitanol has also shown promising results for diabetes.
Orlistat also stands tall with clinical trials championing its cause. On average, with regular usage, people have experienced encouraging weight loss results went taking weight loss medications containing Orlistat. In a similar clinical study, participants were split into two groups, one taking Orlistat 120mg three times per day and the other a placebo. This study was carried out over 1 year and the results found that participants taking Orlistat lost on average 3.9kg more than those taking the placebo.
Clavitanol vs Orlistat: What About Side Effects?
Let’s face it; no one likes side effects. It’s also important to note that not everyone who takes weight loss medication experiences side effects. However, for some unlucky individuals, there are some side effects when taking Clavitanol or Orlistat that you may want to consider when deciding what’s best for you.
Clavitanol Side Effects
Potential side effects of products containing Clavitanol include:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: This can include flatulence, soft stools, or diarrhoea. These side effects might be due to the fact that unabsorbed carbohydrates can ferment in the colon, leading to these symptoms. The gastrointestinal side effects usually reduce over time as the body gets used to the product.
- Stomach discomfort or pain: Some users might experience stomachache or discomfort when starting the product.
- Bloating: This can occur due to the fermentation of unabsorbed carbohydrates.
- Risk of nutrient deficiency: If taken in high amounts or for extended periods, there’s a potential risk of not absorbing enough essential nutrients, although this is more of a theoretical concern with Clavitanol itself.
- Allergic reactions: As with any product, there’s always a potential risk of allergic reactions, although these are rare.
While severe side effects from taking Clavitanol are rare, it’s always best to be aware and chat with your GP or pharmacist if you have concerns. If you experience any concerning symptoms from taking Clavitanol-based weight loss products, we recommend you see a doctor ASAP.
Orlistat Side Effects
Here are some of the common and less common side effects of Orlistat:
Common Side Effects
- Oily spotting on underwear: This can occur due to unabsorbed fats being passed out of the body.
- Flatulence (gas) with discharge: Again, related to unabsorbed fats.
- Fatty or oily stools: Due to the excretion of unabsorbed fats.
- Increased frequency of bowel movements: This can be due to the increased fat content in the stool.
- Urgent or hard-to-control bowel movements: Because the medication affects fat absorption, it can lead to sudden bowel movements.
Less Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Back pain
- Upper respiratory infection
- Flu symptoms
- Gum or tooth problems
Rare but Serious Side Effects
- Allergic reactions: Symptoms can include itching, rash, hives, difficulty breathing, and severe dizziness.
- Liver disease: Symptoms might include persistent nausea or vomiting, severe stomach or abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing eyes or skin (jaundice).
- Kidney problems: Symptoms like changes in the amount of urine or blood in the urine might be observed.
- Gallbladder problems: Orlistat may be associated with an increased risk of gallbladder problems, though this is still a matter of research.
- Pancreatitis: Severe stomach or abdominal pain that may spread to the back, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, can be a symptom of pancreatitis.
It’s important to mention that while some of these side effects can be unpleasant, they often act as a deterrent for users, encouraging them to consume a low-fat diet, which further assists with weight loss.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting Orlistat, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are on other medications. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, you should seek medical attention straight away.
Can I use Clavitanol and Orlistat together?
As Clavitanol and Orlistat both have effects on fat consumption, it is not recommended to take them together. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the weight loss medication you are taking is safe and appropriate for you.
Clavitanol vs Orlistat: Final Thoughts
Clavitanol and Orlistat are both champions in their own right, each with a unique approach to aid your weight loss journey. The main takeaway from this post should be to always chat with an expert to find out what’s best for you before starting any new weight loss medication.
At Click2Pharmacy, our team of licensed UK pharmacists and doctors are ready to guide you on your journey to a healthier you. Start a free consultation with our online weight loss clinic to receive your prescription and start your weight loss journey in as little as 48 hours.
