Indications for fat blockers

According to the instructions for use, the fat-blocker Orlistat is indicated from a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or a BMI of 28 kg/m2 in the presence of risk factors. These risk factors include diabetes mellitus or fat metabolism disorders. It should only be used in conjunction with a change in diet. This should include a calorie-conscious and low-fat diet.

Is it possible to lose weight with fat blockers without dieting and exercise?

No. The principle of fat blockers is the combination of a lower-fat, healthier diet and supportive help from a medication. Fat blockers can only inhibit a certain amount of fat absorption.

If too much fat continues to be absorbed, a fat blocker will not be sufficient to achieve permanent weight reduction. Whether sport is always necessary to lose weight is certainly a controversial issue. Especially in patients with a BMI above 30 kg/m2, light endurance sports should show relatively fast results and is therefore recommended. Not only for losing weight but also for basic physical fitness.

What success can be expected when taking fat blockers?

As briefly mentioned above, studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the fat-blocker Orlistat in comparison with a placebo. About 20% of patients who regularly took Orlistat and followed a diet were able to reduce their weight by more than 10%. However, there is still a risk of the yoyo effect after discontinuing treatment with Orlistat.

However, even this was compared to a placebo and it was shown that patients who took orlistat gained 3.2 kg instead of 5.6 kg (placebo). The extent of weight loss depends on the initial weight and dietary adherence. And, of course, also on whether regular physical exercise is taken in addition.

Mode of action of the grease blockers

Orlistat inhibits the enzyme lipase in the gastrointestinal tract. The lipase is responsible for splitting the fats (triglycerides) taken in with food into free fatty acids and monoglycerides. Due to the inhibition, the lipase can no longer carry out this splitting.

However, the fats ingested with food can only enter the bloodstream in split form via the intestinal wall and thus fulfil their further use, for example fat storage.Inhibition of lipase thus leads to a reduced fat absorption of the body. Fat blockers are supposed to reduce the absorption of about 1/3 of the fat taken in with food. In most cases, this results in a reduction in body weight. Studies have shown that within one year the average weight loss of patients who took Orlistat and were on a diet was greater than that of patients who were on a diet and took a placebo, i.e. a placebo. The proportion of patients who lost more than 10% of their body weight under therapy was 21% (in the placebo group only 9%).