Dumfries & Galloway Health Board
Prescribing Support Team

Orlistat review

Posted: 13 Jul 10 Edited: 8 Aug 18
Audits Central Nervous System


Orlistat reduces the absorption of dietary fat. It is prescribed as an anti-obesity drug, in conjunction with a mildly hypocaloric diet, for individuals over 18 years of age with a BMI of 30kg/m2 or more, or in individuals with a BMI of 28kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors e.g. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolaemia. It should only be used where diet, physical activity and behavioural changes are supported. Treatment should continue beyond 12 weeks only if the patient has lost at least 5% of initial body weight. Drug treatment should be discontinued if the individual regains weight at any time whilst receiving treatment.

This audit aims to determine whether patients prescribed orlistat are being managed in accordance with the product license.