Orlistat (Alli/Xenical)
Lipase inhibitor. Blocks intestinal fat absorption. Acts almost entirely within the gastrointestinal tract. No direct brain effect — does not cross the blood–brain barrier.
Benefits
Blocks roughly a quarter of dietary fat absorption to aid modest weight loss alongside a reduced-fat diet.
Risks
Causes oily stools, urgency, and flatulence—worse with high-fat meals—and reduces fat-soluble vitamin absorption (supplement separately). Rare liver injury has been reported.
Informational only — not medical advice.
Body systems
Organs
Where to buy
Popular Orlistat (Alli/Xenical) products on Amazon. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician before starting a supplement.
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Research (3)
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments for obesity in adults McGowan et al. (2025) PubMed ↗
- Medications for Obesity: A Review Gudzune et al. (2024) PubMed ↗
- Orlistat-associated adverse effects and drug interactions: a critical review Filippatos et al. (2008) PubMed ↗
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