Orlistat

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Orlistat (pronounced: or-li-stat) is a pharmaceutical drug designed to treat obesity. Its primary function is preventing the absorption of fats from the human diet, thereby reducing caloric intake. It is marketed under the brand name Xenical by Roche in most countries, and is sold over-the-counter as Alli by GlaxoSmithKline in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Etymology

The term "Orlistat" is derived from the Greek words "oros", meaning "mountain", and "statos", meaning "standing". This is in reference to the drug's ability to stand against the absorption of fats.

Usage

Orlistat is used for the treatment of obesity. The amount of weight loss achieved with Orlistat varies. In one-year clinical trials, between 35.5% and 54.8% of subjects achieved a 5% or greater decrease in body mass, although not all of this mass was necessarily fat. Between 16.4% and 24.8% achieved at least a 10% decrease in body fat.

Side Effects

Treatment with Orlistat may potentially cause side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues like steatorrhea (oily, loose stools), due to the unabsorbed fats reaching the large intestine. Other side effects can include frequent or urgent bowel movements, and the inability to control them.

Related Terms

  • Lipase inhibitor: Orlistat works by inhibiting the enzyme lipase, which breaks down fats in the diet.
  • Steatorrhea: A potential side effect of Orlistat, characterized by oily, loose stools.
  • Obesity: The condition Orlistat is primarily used to treat.

See Also

External links

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