Orlistat for the management of overweight individuals and obesity: a review of potential for the 60-mg, over-the-counter dosage

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2007 Aug;8(11):1733-42. doi: 10.1517/14656566.8.11.1733.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Body Weight / physiology
  • Dosage Forms
  • Humans
  • Lactones / administration & dosage*
  • Lactones / chemistry
  • Nonprescription Drugs / administration & dosage*
  • Nonprescription Drugs / chemistry
  • Obesity / drug therapy*
  • Obesity / physiopathology
  • Orlistat
  • Overweight / drug effects*
  • Overweight / physiology

Substances

  • Dosage Forms
  • Lactones
  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Orlistat