Medication

• Orlistat (Xenical) is a drug that promotes loss of weight by preventing the digestion and absorption of fat in food by inhibiting the pancreatic lipase. Pancreatic lipase is an enzyme which breaks down fat in food. Without this enzyme the fat is excreted undigested. The consequences are steatorrhea - oily loose stool -, fecal incontinence, frequent or urgent bowel movements and flatulence. Reducing fat intake minimize these effects. Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K) is prevented as well , which includes a additional intake of multivitamin tablets. Patients with indigestion and reduced gallbladder function should avoid receiving Orlistat.

• Sibutramin (Reduktil, Meridia) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptalke inhibitor and take effect to the appetite by increase the serotonin concentration in the brain. It is one of the drugs which are called appetite suppressant. There are lots of diseases where Sibutramin is contraindicated e.g. psychiatric diseases, not sufficient controlled hypertension, coronary heard disease, stroke, overactive thyroid gland, glaucoma and seizure disorders. Constipation, dry mouth, paradoxically increase of appetite, nausea, strange taste in the mouse, increased blood pressure and headache are typical side effects.

• Rimonabant is an anorectic drug with anti-obesity effect. It reduces appetite by blockade of the CB1-receptor in the brain. Thus weight can be reduced very effectively, especially in combination with making exercises and lower calorie diet. Sleeplessness, constipation, decreased libido and irritability are one of the most common side effects. Researcher showed raised risk of anxiety and depression, consequently the FDA has not recommended the approval of the drug (see: Research news: "Diet drug rimonabant: Increased risk of psychiatric side effects").