title: First clinical studies with orlistat: a short review.
abstract: Lipase inhibition, leading to decreased intestinal fat adsorption can be used in the treatment of obesity. Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, in a dose of 50 mg three times a day leads to a significant increase in weight loss compared to placebo in moderately obese people. These results are confirmed in a multiple-dose study using 10 mg, 60 mg and 120 mg Orlistat three times a day vs. placebo. The use of lipase inhibition has no significant influence on fasting levels of several hormonal systems, including thyroid hormones, catecholamines and IGF-I. The same is true for the responses of several gastrointestinal and pancreatic hormones after a liquid high-fat mixed meal. In general, Orlistat is tolerated very well, although a higher occurrence of gastrointestinal side effects is seen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Drent
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: van der Veen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008049:Lipase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077403:Orlistat; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D007783:Lactones; D000077403:Orlistat; D008049:Lipase