Mixed
A modified-release combination of orlistat (120 mg) and acarbose (40 mg) produces significantly greater weight loss (mean -7.73%) compared to modified-release orlistat alone (-5.78%) or conventional orlistat (-5.13%) over 26 weeks.
Take the specific combination pill (EMP16) containing 120mg modified-release orlistat and 40mg modified-release acarbose daily with meals for 6 months. Follow a diet limiting fat to 30% of calories and focusing on low-glycemic foods. Expect roughly 7.7% body weight loss, which is significantly better than taking orlistat alone.
Mean relative weight loss was −7.73% for the EMP16 group as compared to −5.78% for the MR- O group and −5.13% for the Conv- O group (p < 0.01).
Why this rating
Randomized, double-blind, multi-arm phase 2 trial with 240 participants, though funded by the manufacturer.
Source
The Supportive Effect of Acarbose to Orlistat in Weight Management—A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Multiarm Phase 2 Trial
Ulf Holmbäck et al. · Obesity · 2025
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