Orlistat is used to help overweight individuals with weight loss. It can also help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

Obesity is a disorder that involves excessive body fat. The body mass index (BMI) is frequently used to calculate whether or not you are of normal weight, overweight, or obese. If you have a BMI of 25-29, you are overweight. A BMI of 30 or higher indicates obesity.

Obesity doesn’t just affect the way you look. Holding excess fat in the internal organs can cause serious medical problems and adversely impact your quality of life.

Complications that may be caused by obesity include:

• Heart disease
  
• Stroke
  
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
  
• Type 2 diabetes
  
• Cancer (especially cancers of the internal organs)
  
• Sleep apnea (potentially life-threatening breathing problems when sleeping)
  
• Gallbladder disease
  
• Liver problems
  
• Osteoarthritis (damage to the joints)
  
• Gout
  

Weight gain and obesity can be caused by a wide variety of risk factors. The most basic is an intake of more calories than your body burns. If you take in more calories than you burn during the day, your body begins to store these excess calories as fat.

In addition, orlistat may be used after weight loss to help individuals maintain a healthy weight.

It is important to note that orlistat is used as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for weight loss. It alone is not enough to help you lose weight or manage obesity. Orlistat should be used in conjunction with a low-calorie and low-fat diet, along with an exercise program.

Orlistat belongs to a classification of medications known as lipase inhibitors. Lipase inhibitors help individuals lose weight by preventing the intestines from absorbing fats in their food. Unabsorbed fats are removed from the body via bowel movements.

Orlistat is meant to be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments. Individuals who require orlistat are often recommended a low-fat and reduced-calorie diet along with an exercise program to help lose weight. Orlistat works with these healthy habits to prevent excess fat from being absorbed by the body. It alone will not cause weight loss.

Orlistat has been shown to cause mild side effects in some individuals. Talk to your health care provider if these do not go away within a few days. If you begin to experience more serious effects, seek medical attention immediately.

Common side effects of orlistat use include:

• Gas/ flatulence
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Abdominal pain
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Increased number of bowel movements
  
• Urgent need for a bowel movement
  
• Oily stools
  
• Oily spotting on underwear and clothes
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Headache
  
• Nervousness/ anxiety
  

More serious side effects include:

• Hives
  
• Skin Rash
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Itching
  
• Severe stomach pain
  
• Dark urine
  
• Fatigue
  
• Weakness
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Back pain
  
• Side pain
  Shivering
  
• Fever
  

If you experience any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately. These are symptoms of a serious adverse reaction–or allergic reaction–to this medication and require treatment right away.

Orlistat has been shown to affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E and K). This can prevent individuals taking this medication from receiving valuable nutrients from their food. Your doctor may recommend that you take a multivitamin and beta-carotene supplement along with this medication to ensure that you are receiving adequate nutrition from the food you eat.

As with all medication, inform your health care provider of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Let them know if you have or ever had kidney stones, diabetes, liver disease, gallbladder disease, thyroid disease, or an eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia). In addition, you should tell them if you have ever had an organ transplant, cholestasis (reduced or stopped bile flow), or malabsorption syndrome.

Tell your provider about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with orlistat. Orlistat can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions. Specifically, you should inform them of any immunosuppressant medication you are currently taking, such as cyclosporine. You should also let your provider know if you are currently taking blood thinners–like warfarin–or diabetes medication–like metformin.

In addition, let your doctor know if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding before starting treatment with this medication.

Orlistat is commonly supplied as an oral tablet. It is available in both prescription and non-prescription strengths. The specific strength, dosage, and form of orlistatibuprofen you should take will depend on your age, body weight, and the condition requiring treatment.

Your diet should contain less than 30% of calories from fat while you are taking orlistat. Exceeding this can lead to side effects like those listed above. Carefully follow your doctor’s dietary orders–maintaining a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats–while taking this medication.

Do not crush or chew this medication. Swallow the oral tablet whole. Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children, and at room temperature. Avoid exposing the medication to excess heat or moisture.

Take this orlistat exactly as ordered by your health care provider. Do not increase or discontinue the dosage without consulting with your provider first.

If you begin to notice any adverse side effects like those listed above, notify your health care provider immediately.

Yes. Nonprescription-strength orlistat is widely available at most pharmacies and medical supply retailers (like CVS). It is sold under the brand name Alli.

Before purchasing orlistat over the counter, you should discuss your condition with your health care provider. Some patients may require a stronger dosage of orlistat and will be prescribed the medication. It is recommended that you seek medical advice prior to starting treatment with orlistat.