Orlistat: Clinically Proven Weight Management Support
| Product dosage: 120mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per cap | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $3.87 | $116.10 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $3.47 | $232.20 $208.12 (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $3.33 | $348.30 $299.28 (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $3.26
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| Product dosage: 60mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per cap | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.69 | $50.74 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.32 | $101.48 $79.12 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.19 | $152.22 $107.50 (29%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.13 | $202.96 $135.02 (33%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.07 | $304.44 $191.78 (37%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $1.03 | $456.66 $276.92 (39%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $1.00
Best per cap | $608.88 $361.20 (41%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms | |||
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor medication approved for weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater with associated risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. It functions by inhibiting gastrointestinal lipases, reducing dietary fat absorption by approximately 30%. This non-systemic agent supports sustainable weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet, offering a pharmacologic option for individuals struggling with obesity. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy in not only promoting weight reduction but also improving metabolic parameters.
Features
- Active ingredient: Orlistat 120 mg (prescription strength) or 60 mg (over-the-counter)
- Mechanism: Reversible inhibitor of gastric and pancreatic lipases
- Form: Capsules for oral administration
- Non-systemic action; minimal absorption into bloodstream
- Requires concomitant reduced-calorie diet (~30% calories from fat)
- Typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management program
Benefits
- Promotes clinically significant weight loss (5–10% of initial body weight within 6 months)
- Improves obesity-related comorbidities including glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
- Reduces LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels
- Helps establish healthier eating patterns through behavioral feedback
- Supports long-term weight maintenance when used as directed
- Provides measurable biochemical feedback on dietary fat intake
Common use
Orlistat is indicated for obesity management in adults with BMI ≥30 kg/m², or ≥27 kg/m² with risk factors such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. It is used adjunctively with a medically supervised reduced-calorie diet and should be incorporated into a comprehensive weight management program that includes physical activity and behavioral modification. Treatment is typically initiated when dietary alone has proven insufficient for achieving target weight loss goals.
Dosage and direction
The recommended dosage is one 120 mg capsule three times daily with each main meal containing fat (during or up to 1 hour after the meal). Doses may be omitted if a meal is skipped or contains no fat. The medication should be swallowed whole with water. Maximum daily intake should not exceed 360 mg (three capsules). Treatment duration beyond two years has not been extensively studied, though many patients continue under medical supervision based on individual response and tolerance.
Precautions
Patients should maintain a nutritionally balanced, reduced-calorie diet with approximately 30% of calories from fat to minimize gastrointestinal effects. Higher fat intake may increase the likelihood of adverse effects. A multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) should be taken once daily at least 2 hours before or after orlistat administration. Regular monitoring of weight, BMI, and metabolic parameters is recommended. Use with caution in patients with history of hyperoxaluria or calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.
Contraindications
Orlistat is contraindicated in patients with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis. It should not be used during pregnancy or by nursing mothers. Hypersensitivity to orlistat or any component of the formulation prohibits use. The medication is not recommended for patients undergoing organ transplantation or those taking cyclosporine. Those with anorexia nervosa or bulimia should avoid this medication.
Possible side effects
Common gastrointestinal effects include oily spotting, flatus with discharge, fecal urgency, fatty/oily stool, oily evacuation, increased defecation, and fecal incontinence. These effects are generally mild to moderate, decrease with continued use, and are associated with high-fat meals. Other reported effects include abdominal pain/discomfort, nausea, infectious diarrhea, rectal pain/discomfort, tooth/gum disorder, headache, upper respiratory infection, back pain, and menstrual irregularity.
Drug interactions
Orlistat may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and beta-carotene. It may decrease plasma levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and antiepileptic drugs such as valproate and lamotrigine. Concurrent use with warfarin requires careful monitoring of INR levels. Orlistat may affect the absorption of oral contraceptives; additional contraceptive methods are recommended. Blood glucose monitoring should be intensified when used with antidiabetic medications.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be skipped and the regular schedule resumed with the next meal. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Consistency with meal timing optimizes therapeutic effect but occasional missed doses have minimal impact on overall efficacy when the treatment regimen is generally adhered to properly.
Overdose
Cases of overdose have reported increased severity of gastrointestinal effects. There is no specific antidote for orlistat overdose. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Medical attention should be sought if severe symptoms occur. Given its minimal systemic absorption, systemic toxicity is unlikely, though dehydration from prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms may require intervention.
Storage
Store at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F) with excursions permitted between 15–30°C (59–86°F). Keep container tightly closed and protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after expiration date printed on packaging. The medication should not be stored in bathrooms or other areas with high humidity.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Orlistat should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Individual results may vary. Patients should consult their physician before starting any weight management medication and report any adverse effects promptly. The medication is not appropriate for all individuals with obesity and requires comprehensive medical evaluation before initiation.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate that orlistat-treated patients achieve approximately 2–4 kg greater weight loss compared to placebo at one year. In the XENDOS study, orlistat plus lifestyle modification reduced the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 37% in obese patients with normal glucose tolerance. Patient-reported outcomes indicate improved quality of life measures and satisfaction with weight loss results, though gastrointestinal side effects remain the most common reason for discontinuation. Long-term data support maintained weight loss superiority over placebo for up to four years with appropriate medical supervision.