Orlistat - Weight Loss Drug
Orlistat Weight Loss Drug
Orlistat (Xenical) is a powerful inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipase
and as such, reduces fat absorption. Unlike other weight-loss drugs it
is minimally absorbed and has no effects in the CNS. Orlistat is indicated
for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 kg/m2 or 28 kg/m2
in the presence of obesity-associated complications, such as hypertension,
diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Orlistat Weight Loss Drug Trials
In diet trials, orlistat (120 mg t.i.d.) in combination with life-style
modification and a hypocaloric diet (30 percent of energy from fat) induced
significantly more weight loss and improved health complications of obesity
(diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia) compared to patients treated
with diet alone.
Orlistat Weight Loss Drug Side Effects
Side effects related to fat malabsorption, occurred in more than 20 percent
of subjects during the first year of treatment and included oily faecal
spotting, abdominal pain, flatus with discharge and fatty/oily stool.
Side effects from orlistat diminished in the second year of treatment.
Plasma concentrations of fat soluble vitamins decreased in orlistat-treated
patients but did not usually fall below the normal range. No studies have
evaluated the efficacy of orlistat or side effect profile beyond two years.
Source: A. Ballinger, 2000 Ashley Publishing.
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