Research
Macro partitioning
Orlistat, an anti-absorptive medication, produces modest weight loss (2.8-4.8% total body weight loss) by inhibiting gastric and pancreatic lipase.
Orlistat is an oral medication that works by blocking fat absorption, leading to modest weight loss (around 3-5%). It is less effective than newer injectable options and can cause gastrointestinal side effects like oily stools and urgency, which may limit its use.
GoodSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Orlistat inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipase, preventing triglycerides from being hydrolyzed and decreasing the absorption of free fatty acids from the diet. Weight reduction (denoted henceforth with the minus [-] sign) ranges from −2.8 to −4.8% total body weight loss (TBWL).
Why this rating
Supported by multiple trials (Xendos, Kang 2010).
Source
Pharmacotherapy for Obesity: Recent Updates
Thomas W. Fredrick et al. · Clinical Pharmacology Advances and Applications · 2025
narrative_review
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