Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome

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Korean J Obes 2006; 15(3): 159-167

Published online July 1, 2006

Copyright © Korean Society for the Study of Obesity.

Effect of Orlistat on the Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Patients

Eun Jeong Chio, Hye Kyung Kim, Hye Soon Park

Department of Family Medicine Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine

Abstract

Background: The importance of moderate weight reduction in obese patients, associated with a marked risk reduction of cardiovascular disease, has been emphasized. Orlistat is an anti-obesity drug which has a function of inhibition of dietary fat absorption. This study was conducted to assess the effect of orlistat on weight, abdominal obesity and other metabolic parameters in Korean obese patients.
Methods: A 12week weight reduction program including life style modification and 120mg orlistat administration three times a day was performed in obese patients (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Anthropometry and metabolic risk factors were measured before and after this program. Abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and total adipose tissue (TAT) were also determined by CT scan. We analyzed pre and post intervention data in 61 patients who finished 12week weight reduction program.
Result: The mean weight decrease from baseline was 4.0 kg and mean body fat decrease was 3.4%. A significant reduction of waist circumference accompanying prominent decrease of visceral adipose tissue was observed. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total and LDL-cholesterol, and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly improved. High risk group having abnormal metabolic risk factors showed remarkable improvement of metabolic parameters after the treatment.
Conclusion: Orlistat usage induced not only reduction of weight and abdominal obesity but also improvement of metabolic parameters including blood pressures, lipid profiles, and elevated liver enzymes in Korean obese patients.

Keywords: Obesity, Metabolic syndrome, Anti-obesity agents, Orlistat