Treatment with Xenical (orlistat) has been found to be as effective for weight loss as a low carbohydrate diet.
A new study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine found that patients taking the drug in combination with a low fat diet attained similar improvements in weight, serum lipid and glycemic indicators as those on a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (LCKD).
The study's 146 participants, with an average age of 52 years and body mass index of 39.3, were either instructed to limit their carbohydrate intake to 20g per day or take 120mg of Xenical three times a day for 30 days, as well as restricting their consumption of fat, cholesterol and calories.
During the 48-week duration of the study, the majority of the weight loss occurred in the first 12 to 24 weeks while the maximum weight loss was achieved at 24 to 36 weeks.
"The LCKD and the O + LFD [orlistat plus a low-fat diet] were equally effective for weight loss and several cardiovascular disease risk factors, although the low-carbohydrate diet was more effective for lowering blood pressure," the authors wrote.
The researchers wrote that Xenical patients reported gastrointestinal adverse effects more frequently than the LCKD participants, though the latter experienced their own adverse event – constipation – which was mostly resolved by increasing fluid and dietary fibre intake or adding a fibre supplement.
"Our results highlight the importance of combining intensive dietary counseling and medical management with these interventions to maximize weight loss and minimize adverse effects and attrition," the researchers wrote.