How does orlistat work to promote weight loss?
The drug is not systemically absorbed and works as an inhibitor of pancreatic and gastric lipases, enzymes are necessary for the breakdown of fats into absorbable fatty acids and monoglycerides. At recommended prescription doses (120 mg), orlistat can inhibit up to 30% of ingested fat from absorption in the gastrointestinal tract; at nonprescription doses (60 mg) approximately 25% of dietary fat is not absorbed. Orlistat has been the subject of many clinical studies and its safety record is well established.
