OBESITY: PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT WITH ORLISTAT

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the effectiveness of the pharmacological treatment of obesity with the use of orlistat, highlighting its mechanism of action, clinical benefits, and possible adverse effects. Obesity is recognized as a major global public health problem and is associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The methodology adopted consisted of a qualitative bibliographic review based on the analysis of scientific articles published in academic databases such as SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies addressing the use of orlistat in the treatment of obesity and its effectiveness in reducing body weight were selected. The results indicate that orlistat acts by inhibiting gastrointestinal lipase enzymes, reducing the absorption of dietary fat and contributing to weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Furthermore, several studies demonstrate improvements in metabolic factors, including reduced cholesterol levels and better glycemic control. It is concluded that orlistat can be an effective alternative in the treatment of obesity when used under professional supervision and associated with healthy lifestyle habits.