Energy balance
Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, promotes modest weight loss (approx. 2-3 kg over 24 weeks) by blocking the absorption of dietary fat, but is associated with gastrointestinal side effects and potential fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies.
Orlistat is an older weight loss drug that works by blocking fat absorption. It leads to modest weight loss (around 2 kg over 6 months) and requires taking a capsule with each meal. Common side effects include oily stools and abdominal pain, which can be managed by keeping dietary fat low. You should also take a multivitamin at a different time of day to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
Orlistat works by blocking gastric and pancreatic lipases... This results in a smaller amount of free fatty acids in the digestive tract being absorbed into the bloodstream... At the recommended dosage, orlistat decreases the dietary fat absorption by approximately 30%.
Why this rating
Cites randomized studies showing statistically significant reduction in body weight vs placebo.
Source
Review of upcoming and currently available anti-obesity drugs in Europe
Patryk Gryszkiewicz et al. · Journal of Education Health and Sport · 2023
DOI 10.12775/jehs.2023.30.01.005
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