Oil-cutting capsules help lose weight before taking them

Chinese people love to lose weight. As long as they hear that a certain drug is effective in weight loss, they will "tell others how good it is". Recently, two weight loss "indicative drugs" called "Oil-cutting Capsules" have caused a buying frenzy among the public. However, doctors say that the side effects of indicated medications are lower than those of prescription drugs, and people can buy them at large pharmacies or drugstores. However, it is recommended that people first have their symptoms diagnosed by a doctor or consult a medical professional before use to confirm whether they are suitable for taking the medication and the dosage to be taken to avoid harming their health.

The obesity prevalence rate in the country is high, and many people like to go to pharmacies and drug stores to buy diet pills, creating huge business opportunities.

Main ingredient: Orlistat reduces fat absorption rate

The main ingredient of "Si Dan Kou-Miao Ke Xiu Oil-cutting Capsules" and "Zhong Mei-You Mei Xiao Oil-cutting Capsules" currently sold in pharmacies or drugstores is Orlistat (Roche Fresh), which has become a generic drug. It is an inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipase. Because its structure is similar to triglycerides, it can compete with triglycerides for lipase, reduce the body's fat absorption rate, and achieve the effect of weight loss.

The dose is halved and the prescribed drug becomes the indicated drug

Zhu Nianfeng, director of the Department of Health's Taitung Hospital, who specializes in obesity medicine, said that there are two types of weight-loss drugs with Orlistat as the main ingredient: the 120 mg dosage form is a "prescription drug", which requires a doctor's diagnosis and prescription, and is delivered for use after adjustment by medical staff; the 60 mg dosage form is an "indicative drug", because the side effects of the ingredients in clinical treatment are mild and predictable, and there is less safety controversy. The public can purchase and use it on their own under the guidance of a doctor, pharmacist or pharmacist.

However, "indicated medications" are still medicines, and improper use may still cause side effects. Currently, the two types of "Oil-cut Capsules" containing Orlistat 60mg are both "auxiliary weight loss" drugs. They are suitable for severely obese people with a BMI greater than 25 and who are 18 years old or older. They still need to follow a low-calorie and low-fat diet before consumption.

The two types of oil-cutting capsules on the market are "indicated medications" approved by the Department of Health to assist in weight loss. People can buy them on their own, but Dr. Zhu Nianfeng reminds people to pay attention to the indications and usage to avoid harming the body. (Photography by Luo Huiwen)

Indicative medication is still medication. Use with caution to prevent side effects.

Dr. Zhu Nianfeng said that if people follow the instructions and reminders and take the medicine carefully, there will not be any major problems in principle even without the instructions of medical staff. However, if you are underweight or take a dose exceeding the recommended amount to accelerate weight loss, it can easily cause fat-soluble vitamin A, D, E, K deficiency, as well as side effects such as cholecystitis, colorectal disease, and liver disease.

Dr. Zhu Nianfeng reminds that although low-dose indicated medications do not require a doctor's prescription and can achieve some of the therapeutic effects of prescription drugs and help relieve discomfort, any disease has potential causes. For example, obesity may be caused by excessive intake of high-fat foods or hypothyroidism. It is recommended that people who need to lose weight should first confirm the cause of the disease after diagnosis by a doctor before purchasing and taking indicated medications to reduce the possibility of side effects.