Orlistat for Weight Management

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How does orlistat work?

Orlistat works by inhibiting gastric and pancreatic lipases, the enzymes that break down triglycerides in the intestine. When lipase activity is blocked, triglycerides from the diet are not hydrolyzed into absorbable free fatty acids, and instead are excreted unchanged.

What are the most common orlistat side effects?

Common orlistat side effects are caused by its fat-blocking action. These are signs that the medicine is working properly. These side effects are usually temporary and may lessen as you continue using this medicine: loose stools, or an urgent need to go to the bathroom, inability to control bowel movements;

What is orlistat Xenical used for?

Orlistat, sold under the brand name Xenical among others, is a medication used to treat obesity. Its primary function is preventing the absorption of fats from the human diet by acting as a lipase inhibitor, thereby reducing caloric intake. It is intended for use in conjunction with a healthcare provider-supervised reduced-calorie diet.

Is orlistat good for weight loss?

Orlistat only prevents about a third of the fat you eat from being absorbed so it is also important for you to eat a lower-fat weight-reducing diet, and to exercise regularly. Orlistat is available on prescription, and lower-strength capsules (Alli® brand) can also be bought from pharmacies.

How much weight can you lose with orlistat?

Pooled data from clinical trials suggest that people given orlistat in addition to lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, lose about 2–3 kilograms (4–7 lb) more than those not taking the drug over the course of a year.

What are the FDA-approved indications for orlistat?

The FDA-approved indications of orlistat include: Patients with obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 kg/m Patients with a BMI greater than 27 kg/m and the presence of risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemias Reduction of the risk for weight regains after prior weight loss .

What Is Orlistat

1. https://www.drugs.com/orlistat.html
2. https://patient.info/healthy-living/obesity-overweight/orlistat-weight-loss-medicine
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlistat

Orlistat Information

1. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/orlistat/
2. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/obesity/prescribing-information/orlistat/
3. https://patient-info.co.uk/alli-previously-orlistat-gsk-69877/patient-leaflet
4. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601244.html
5. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01083
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542202/