Orlistat: A New Option in Weight Control :: Pills Weight Loss Orlistat Essays

Orlistat: A New Option in Weight Control Orlistat is a lipase-inhibitor drug designed to help obese individuals lose and maintain their body weight. The drug in combination with a healthy low-fat diet and exercise can help in the treatment of obesity. Reducing fat intake is critical when attempting to reduce body fat. Orlistat reduces body fat by increasing the amount of fat passed through the body. The drug has already been approved in Europe and is expected to be approved by the FDA in the US in 1999.There have been scientific studies which support the effectiveness and low risks of Orlistat. Diet and exercise should be stressed in all attempts at weight loss, yet it seems Orlistat may be a helpful addition to the weight loss program for obese patients. Purpose of Treatment: Orlistat is a drug that is geared towards helping obese patients who have a bodymass index of 30 or over. It is not meant to replace a healthy lifestyle, instead it is meant to be an additional supplement with exercise and a healthy diet (Brooks 835). Orlistat is designed to prevent the body from breaking down and absorbing fat. In addition to reducing body fat Orlistat also reduces highblood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar (ukyes.com). Some of the unpleasant side effects of Orlistat can lead to behavioral changes as well. Orlistat causes a learned aversion response to over indulging in fatty foods and thus decreases the amount of calories and fat consumed by the body (drdiet.com). How it Works: The drug does not effect the brain as do other weight loss drugs such as Redux and Phen-fen and Meridia. Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor, meaning it interferes with fat absorption. Dietary fats are large molecules which are broken down by enzymes known as lipases and then absorbed into the body. These digestive enzymes are produced by the liver and pancreas whenever food is injected into the intestine. The enzymes aid in the absorption of nutrients from the food. Orlistat has been designed to act as an inhibitor of two enzymes: pancreatic and gastric lipases. This action reduces the hydrolysis of dietary triglycerides and prevents the absorption of free fatty acids and cholesterol (David 1997). One digestive fluid contains pancreatic lipase, which absorbs fat. Orlistat inhibits this lipase causing less fat to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The drug must be consumed right before or within an hour of consuming a meal.