Orlistat is a medication used to manage obesity and assist with weight loss. It functions by blocking the absorption of fat in the body, limiting the amount of fat that is absorbed by the digestive system. Developed by Roche, it was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 under the brand name Xenical. In 2007, a lower-dose over-the-counter version of the medication was released under the brand name Alli.
Mechanism of Action
Orlistat works by inhibiting the action of pancreatic lipase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down fats in the intestine. By reducing the activity of this enzyme, less fat is absorbed into the body, resulting in decreased calorie intake. The medication is not an appetite suppressant but rather a lipase inhibitor, meaning that it does not interfere with the brain’s hunger signals.
Dosage and Administration
The recommended dosage for Xenical is one 120mg capsule taken with water three times a day before meals. It should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan. Alternatively, Alli is available at a lower dose of 60mg and can be purchased without a prescription. The recommended dosage for Alli is one capsule taken three times a day with meals containing fat.
Effectiveness
Studies have shown that orlistat can result in significant weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program. One study found that patients who took Xenical in combination with a low-calorie diet lost more weight than those who only followed a low-calorie diet. Patients who took orlistat also experienced improvements in cholesterol levels and insulin sensitivity.
Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects of orlistat are gastrointestinal in nature, including oily spotting, flatulence, and fecal urgency. These symptoms may occur because of the medication’s effect on the digestive system and the reduced absorption of fat. Another side effect is the potential for vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin A, D, E, and K, which are fat-soluble vitamins that require fat for proper absorption.
Patients taking orlistat should also be aware of the rare but severe side effects associated with the medication. These include liver damage, pancreatitis, and kidney stones. Patients who experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or clay-colored stools should seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindications
Orlistat is contraindicated in patients with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis, a condition where bile flow from the liver to the intestines is blocked. It should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Patients taking cyclosporine, warfarin, or other blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider before taking orlistat, as it may interfere with these medications.
Conclusion
Orlistat is an effective weight loss medication that works by reducing the absorption of dietary fat. While it has been shown to result in significant weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program, it can cause gastrointestinal side effects and may lead to vitamin deficiencies. Patients taking orlistat should be aware of potential interactions with other medications and should consult their healthcare provider before taking the drug.
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