Comparision of Efficacy and Safety of Orlistat vs Placebo in Obese Patients in Pakistan

Introduction Obesity has become a rising health concern in Pakistan. Several primary measures, such as dietary restrictions and regular exercise, are taken to limit the severe consequences of obesity. Still, such measures alone have been proven to be often short term and therefore, inadequate. In this study, we will evaluate the role of pharmacological management via orlistat in obesity. Methods and Materials A total of 120 patients were enrolled in this study and were divided randomly into two groups (drug arm and placebo arm) of 60 patients each. A standard dose of 120 mg capsules of orlistat given three times a day was administered to the participants of the drug arm group. A placebo was given to the participants in the second group. Baseline investigations were conducted on day 0 of the study, and follow-up visits were planned to take place in week 24 for all participants. Any side effects or adverse events were inquired about and documented in these visits. Results In the orlistat arm, we noted a significant reduction in both body mass index (BMI) (0.04) and waist circumference (0.04). Reduction in weight was more in the orlistat arm than in the placebo arm. However, it is non-significant when compared between day 0 and week 24. Adverse events, such as oily spotting (31.91%), flatus with discharge (27.65%), faecal urgency (25.53%) and fatty stool (35.553%), were significantly higher in the orlistat arm. Conclusion Orlistat has shown positive results in reducing weight, BMI and waist circumference; however, patients should be counselled about potential side effects caused by the mechanism of action of Orlistat.