Orlistat for Obesity

Orlistat is prescribed to help people who are Reference obese Opens New Window (those with a Reference body mass index [BMI] Opens New Window of 30 or higher) to lose weight. It may also be prescribed for people who have BMIs of 27 or higher when they have other conditions (such as Reference diabetes Opens New Window, Reference high blood pressure Opens New Window, or Reference high cholesterol Opens New Window) that are made worse by being overweight.

Orlistat is also available in a lower strength without a prescription. This orlistat is meant for adults who are overweight (those who have a BMI of 25 or higher).

Orlistat is designed to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet, which is a diet that includes no more than 30% of its calories from fat. A regular exercise program is also an important part of any weight-loss treatment plan.

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