Obesity is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and all-cause mortality. Because of this, obesity is accepted as a chronic disease which necessitate the long term treatment. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of orlistat a selective inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipase, on weight loss and lipid profiles of obese individuals.

The volunteers whose body mass index (BMI) higher than 30 Kg/m², admitted to Fırat Medical Center Endocrinology Clinic for weight loss were include in this study. They were treated by 120 mg orlistat 3 times a day and were on diet for 3 months.

Thirty patients ( 20 female, 10 male) with mean age 40.80 ± 10.7, were included in this study. Their average weight was 95.01 ± 17.89 kg, BMI: 36.43 ± 5.91 kg/m2, fasting glucose level: 98.32 ± 14.01 mg/dl, 2-h plasma glucose level: 137.24 ± 41.97 mg/dl, total cholesterol: 212.08 ± 51.47 mg/dl, trigyliceride 199.92 ± 83.45 mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol: 110.04 ± 41.68 mg/dl and HDL-cholesterol: 41.36 ± 13.90 mg/dl. After 3 month treatment: the body weight was: 87.72 ± 16.67 kg, BMI: 33.61 ± 5.46 kg/m², fasting glucose level: 90.28 ± 11.19 mg/dl, 2-h plasma glucose level: 125.28 ± 29.82 mg/dl, total cholesterol:153.72 ± 35.46 mg/dl, triglyceride: 126.80±38.38 mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol:89.40±25.80 mg/dl, and HDL cholesterol 44.80 ± 11.26 mg/dl and these changes were statistically significant. Steatorea, abdominal distantion and diarrhea were the most common side effects observed. The treatment was not stopped in any patient because of severe side effects.

In conclusion, orlistat decreased the body weight, BMI, fasting glucose, 2-h plasma glucose, total- cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and TG levels and increased the HDL- cholesterol level significantly. The results of this study indicate that orlistat may be useful in hyperlipidemic obese individuals.