Orlistat is a medication used to aid in weight loss or to help reduce the risk of regaining weight already lost. It works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down fats in your diet, preventing the absorption of some of the fats from the food that you eat. Orlistat does not block the absorption of calories from sugar and other non-fat foods, so you still need to restrict your total intake of calories.
Positive effects:
- Orlistat can help you lose weight and maintain weight loss.
- Losing weight and keeping it off can lessen the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and a shorter life.
- Orlistat has been found to have a statistically significant impact in reducing the incidence of diabetes in patients with impaired glucose tolerance.
- Orlistat is safe and effective for treating obesity with heart failure.
Negative effects:
- Orlistat can cause some side effects, including fecal spotting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anal fissures.
- High-fat meals taken in combination with orlistat can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects on your stomach or intestines.
- More fat in your diet will increase the side effects of this medicine.
- Orlistat may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Ingredients or materials:
- Orlistat is the active ingredient in the medication.
- Inactive ingredients may vary depending on the specific brand of orlistat.
