Hi Shelley

I've used it and in fact have some in the cupboard. The large volume trials were done in NZ where I've been living until recently and over about two years they have proved that taking zenical on a low fat diet will result in twice the weight loss that purely low fat dieting will.

It does work especially for those who are very overweight who need an edge. As far as I know it doesnt effect your metabolism but merely blocks absorbtion of up to 1/3 rd of the fat you eat. Thus theoretically, it would work incredibly on a low carb diet except that you would never do it.

Why??? Zenical has a very nasty side effect when taken with fatty food - when you go to the toilet everything is covered in oil and worse still, it can make you incontinent. If you're really strict about low fat dieting it has no side effects but step off the wagon and you will only do it once!!!! Also apart from incontinence, there's a terrible rancid odour that can follow you around. Believe me, everyone I know who has taken it - has had this experience so dont be tempted to try it for yourself.

Another concern is that it is 'relatively' new to the market and nobody yet knows the long term ramifications vis a vis long term health and side effects.

It is very expensive, in NZ - just under $100 US but it is supposed to be sold with a whole support system in place. Diet tracking, motivational telephone support etc but in my case, in three months of taking it, I didnt even receive basic literature on how to take it.

As to low carb, its possible to hybridise it with probably quite good results. My brother is a Doctor and he is following a low fat diet with 40 mins of aerobic exercise 4 or 5 times a week, he also takes zenical, stays away from 'dead' carbs - white flour and sugary stuff and supplements most of his meals with low fat protein such as soy. He has Miso Soup before dinner every night as it curbs his hunger and promotes staying power. His weight loss has been reasonable for a 45 year old who is probably only about 15 kilos over weight.

However I believe that he is putting a lot of effort into it with a weight loss result possibly less rapid than low carbing. But you know, he's a Dr and he knows that fat is a killer and that Atkins is a dangerous quack ....

Nicola