• Orlistat works by blocking the enzymes in the stomach and intestines.
• Fat is normally broken down by these enzymes and absorbed into your body to be stored.
• Without these enzymes, 30 to 40 percent less dietary fat will be taken up by your body.
• Instead, the unabsorbed fat will pass directly through your digestive system.

Indications

• in conjunction with a mildly hypocaloric diet for the treatment of obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater or equal to 30 kg/m²
• overweight patients (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m²) with associated risk factors

Initiation & Review

1. Obtain patient's baseline weight and BMI and repeat at each review
2. Reinforcement of adherence and lifestyle
3. Ensure patient takes supplements - Vitamin A, D, E & K

Review

1. Recheck weight and BMI
2. Has it decreased by 5% since initiation - Treatment with orlistat should be discontinued after 12 weeks if patients have been unable to lose at least 5 % of the body weight as measured at the start of therapy
3. Is patient currently suffering with side effects
4. Ensure patient takes supplements - Vitamin A, D, E & K
5. Annual discussion around potential benefits and limitations with the patient, reinforcement of adherence and lifestyle

Reference sources:

• https://pathways.nice.org.uk/pathways/obesity#path=view%3A/pathways/obesity/obesity-management-in-adults.xml&content=view-node%3Anodes-drug-treatment
• https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult/causes.html