Orlistat for the management of overweight individuals and obesity: a review of potential for the 60-mg, over-the-counter dosage.
Orlistat, in the 60-mg over-the-counter dose, was recently approved by the FDA. This lipase inhibitor blocks absorption of ~25% of ingested fat and has ~85% of the efficacy of the 120-mg dose for weight loss. Over 16 weeks weight loss with diet and orlistat 60 mg averages ~5% of initial body weight. The 60-mg dose is better tolerated than the 120-mg dose and the gastrointestinal side effects are minimal when individuals consume < 30% of their energy from fat. In addition to facilitating modest weight loss, orlistat use decreases serum LDL-cholesterol values by ~10%. When taken three times daily before meals, orlistat 60 mg modifies lifestyle behavior, encourages lower fat-consumption and sets the stage for other healthy lifestyle changes.
Endocrine Division, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 50536-0298, USA. jwandersmd@aol.com
James W
JW
Anderson
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004304:Dosage Forms; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000077403:Orlistat; D050177:Overweight / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
D004304:Dosage Forms; D007783:Lactones; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D000077403:Orlistat