Abstract

CLINICAL TREATMENT OF OBESITY DISEASE: A BRIEF REVIEW OF ORLISTAT

Sarath Chandra. M, Jyothi. Y* and Raghu Mohan Rao. P

ABSTRACT

Weight reduction by current anti-obesity drugs, compared to placebo, is at most around 5 kg. Orlistat, the most studied anti-obesity drug, is associated with the least-severe adverse effects, but compared with other drugs in its class it also delivers the most modest weight loss versus placebo (less than 3 kg). Orlistat appears to have a favorable risk/benefit profile, and cost-effectiveness ratios seem to be within a range that is generally considered acceptable. In the short-term, Orlistat is related to reduced diabetes incidence and to slightly improved blood pressure and lipid profiles. Given a very low continuation with Orlistat treatment in the population and very modest and, apparently, only short-term clinical effects, Orlistat is not likely to have a significant impact on the population health. Public health approaches of improving environmental and social factors to foster healthier food choices andincrease physical activity remain essential for addressing the obesity epidemic.The objective of this study was to review the current knowledge about the use of Orlistat from clinical treatment to assess this drug’s public health impact.

Keywords: Obesity, Orlistat, weight loss, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus.