Description
Orligat (Orlistat) 120 mg
Orligat 120 mg contains orlistat, a gastrointestinal anti-obesity medicine used as part of a reduced-calorie diet. It is a prescription-strength capsule formulation of a well-established lipase inhibitor.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is orlistat. It belongs to the class of pancreatic and gastrointestinal lipase inhibitors.
Established Medical Uses
Orlistat is authorised for weight management, including weight loss and maintenance, in people with obesity or overweight when used with a reduced-calorie diet. It has also been studied in adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet for weight reduction.
How It Works
Orlistat works mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. It blocks digestive lipases, which reduces the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. The unabsorbed fat is then eliminated rather than taken up by the body.
Important Safety Information
Orlistat should not be used in people with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis, and it is contraindicated in those with known hypersensitivity to the medicine or any of its components. Important interactions include cyclosporine, levothyroxine, and warfarin or other anticoagulants; vitamin absorption may also be reduced because fat absorption is decreased. Regulators have also highlighted reports of rare serious liver-related reactions, so liver safety is an important precaution.
Possible Side Effects
The most common adverse effects are gastrointestinal, including oily or fatty stools, increased bowel movements, fecal urgency, flatulence with discharge, and abdominal discomfort. Other recognised effects include headache and upper respiratory symptoms. Serious but uncommon reactions reported with orlistat include severe liver injury and hypersensitivity reactions.
Scientific Evidence
Clinical trials show that orlistat, used with a calorie-restricted diet, produces greater weight loss than placebo and can help reduce weight regain over time. Trials have also reported improvements in some obesity-related risk factors, including lipid measures, and in adults with type 2 diabetes it supported weight reduction alongside diet.
Medical Information Notice
This educational summary is based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- U.S. National Library of Medicine / DailyMed — Orlistat Capsules for oral use, prescribing information
- European Medicines Agency — Alli (orlistat) European public assessment report
- Sjöström L, et al. — Randomised placebo-controlled trial of orlistat for weight loss and prevention of weight regain in obese patients. Lancet. 1998.
