Orlistat is a drug available over the counter as the brand Alli, in a lower dose than the prescription version Xenical. Alli is intended to be part of a low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program for losing weight. Orlistat blocks some dietary fat from being absorbed, and research shows it to be effective for weight loss and maintaining a desired weight.
Weight Loss
Orlistat use promotes gradual, reasonable weight loss, according to eMedExpert. It helps patients reduce body weight by an average of 5 percent to 10 percent, with the greatest weight loss occurring within the first six months of taking the drug.
Weight Maintenance
Orlistat also is effective at helping people avoid gaining back weight they have lost. In a two-year study cited by Endotext.com, patients taking orlistat had lower weight regain rates than those taking a placebo.
Low-Fat Diet
Taking Alli encourages a low-fat diet. Patients must avoid foods with more than 30 percent fat per serving while taking Alli, because higher amounts of fat can cause gastrointestinal side effects. These side effects include abdominal cramping, gas, diarrhea and bowel incontinence.
Cholesterol Levels
Another study cited by Endotext found that a group of patients taking orlistat showed improvements in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, and in total cholesterol levels. These are considered improvements in markers for cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes
A study published in a 2004 issue of "Diabetes Care" found the cumulative incidence of diabetes was 9 percent in the placebo plus diet and lifestyle group, and 6.2 percent in the participants taking orlistat. This is a diabetes risk reduction of about 37 percent. A study cited by Endotext found that orlistat improves insulin sensitivity and leads to lower blood glucose.
Non-Addictive
Orlistat is non-addictive, unlike some weight loss drugs containing stimulants. It has low potential for misuse, because people who take excess amounts or do not follow usage instructions typically experience unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects.
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