having took xenical in the past, one positive thing about taking it is that by knowing what the side effects are it can educate you (albeit by worry of side effects) to a healthier way of eating.
i did lose weight when taking them,in combination with a heathy "calorie controlled" diet. i know i would have lost weight anyway without the pills, but it seemed to come off a little quicker which if you have a lot to lose as i did then it gives you a little encouragement to begin with. the reason i stopped was the cost. in the uk you can get them cheaply via national health service prescription and your dr. many drs are reluctant to prescribe and i got mine off the net.
as a prevoius poster said, read and research before thinking about taking them. you shouldnt get any side effects if you stick to the recommendations on the leaflets. i didnt. slim
