First clinical studies with Orlistat: A short review

Lipase inhibition, leading to decreased intestinal fat adbsorption can be used in the treatment of obesity, Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, in a dose of 50 mg three times a day leads to a significant increase in weight loss compared to placebo in moderately obese people, These results are confirmed in a multiple-dose study using 10 mg,60 mg and 120 mg Orlistat three times a day vs, placebo, The use of lipase inhibition has no significant influence on fasting levels of several hormonal systems,including thyroid hormones, catecholamines and IGF-I, The same is true for the responses of several gastrointestinal and pancreatic hormones after a liquid high-fat mixed meal, In general, Orlistat is tolerated very well, although a higher occurence of gastrointestinal side effects is seen.