Life Science Journal, 2012;9(1) http://www.lifesciencesite.com http://www.sciencepub.net/life lifesciencej@gmail.com 214 Impact of Orlistat on Body Weight and Lipid Profile of Adult Population Randa M Shams 1 , Medhat A Saleh 1 , Mohamed E Abdelrahim 2 . Asmaa S M Mohamed 2 1. Public Health and Community Medicine Department - Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University. 2. Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni – Suef University. medhatelaraby75@yahoo.com Abstract: Orlistat is currently the best available form of prescribed obesity medication which acts on the gastrointestinal system and works by reducing fat absorption in the gut which is eliminated in bowel movements. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of Orlistat on weight reduction, body mass index (BMI) and lipid profile of the Egyptian peoples. Methodology We recruit 55 healthy obese persons (BMI more than 30) and the same number of normal weight act as a control; both groups completed a questionnaire for demographic data and risk factors of obesity and the obese group takes Orlistat for 2 months while the control group take placebo tablet containing vitamins and both groups adheres to 1200 Calories diet. Weight and lipid profile (Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL and HDL) were measured before and after orlistat administration in both groups. By the end of two months only 35 obese and 38 none obese complete the study and the remaining were drouped out from the study. Results: The results showed that there is a statistical significant difference in BMI before and after orlistat (P < 0.001) as it decreased from 37.08 ± 4.67 before to 35.40 ± 4.60 after, the same occurred in weight reduction as it decreased from 95.3 ± 12.6 kg before orilstat to 91.1 ± 12.9 after, Waist circumference decreased from 113.0 ± 11.2 to 109.6 ± 11.7 and this difference was statistically significant also. there is a statistical significant difference in all parameters of lipid profile before and after orlistat traetement as total cholesterol decreased from 199.9 ± 29.5 to 173.7 ± 27 and . Triglycerides from 199.4 ± 54.6 to 174.3 ± 50.7, LDL cholesterols decreased from 120.7 ± 24.8 to 102.4 ± 25.1, while HDL cholesterols increased from 38.3 ± 4.6 to 42.5 ± 5.5 and p value was <0.001. We conclude that Orlistat is one of the best prescribed obesity medications available for obese patients. Although research indicates that it can promote weight loss, there remain problems with adherence and much variability in patient outcomes. [Randa M Shams, Medhat A Saleh, Mohamed E Abdelrahim; . Asmaa S M Mohamed.. Impact of Orlistat on Body Weight and Lipid Profile of Adult Population.]. Life Science Journal 2012; 9(1): 214-219] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com . 31 Keywords: obesity, Orlistat, body weight, Lipid profile. 1. Introduction Orlistat (marketed under the trade name Xenical ® by Roche; or as alli [1] by GlaxoSmithKline also known as (tetrahydrolipstatin) is a drug designed to treat obesity[2]. Its primary function is preventing the absorption of fats from the human diet, thereby reducing caloric intake. It is intended for use in conjunction with a physician-supervised reduced- calorie diet. Orlistat is the saturated derivative of lipstatin a potent natural inhibitor of pancreatic lipases isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces toxytricini [3]. However, due to simplicity and stability, orlistat rather than lipstatin was developed into an anti-obesity drug [4]. Orlistat works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down triglycerides in the intestine. Without this enzyme, triglycerides from the diet are prevented from being hydrolyzed into absorbable free fatty acids and are excreted undigested. Only trace amounts of orlistat are absorbed systemically; the primary effect is local lipase inhibition within the GI tract after an oral dose. The primary route of elimination is through the feces. It also blocks the availability of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), so patients may need to take a vitamin supplement [5]. At the standard prescription dose of 120 mg three times daily before meals, orlistat prevents approximately 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed [36] and about 25% at the standard over-the-counter dose of 60 mg and Higher doses do not produce more potent effects[6]. Current recommendations suggest that it is used for patients who have a history of failed weight- loss attempts using behavioral methods and who can demonstrate at least 2.5kg weight loss by diet and exercise in the month prior to their first prescription. It is suggested that patients reduce their daily calorie intake by 500 to 1000 calories to promote weight loss, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that dietary fat is limited to about 30% of daily calories. As a result of its impact upon fat absorption, Orlistat has unpleasant side effects including liquid stools, an urgency to go to the toilet, and anal leakage which are particularly apparent following a high-fat meal as the drug causes the fat consumed to be removed from the body. Between