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National Institute for Clinical Excellence Supports Xenical (Orlistat) For Weight Loss MONTREAL, CANADA -- March 12, 2001 -- Obese people should have the opportunity to use Xenical® (orlistat) as part of a weight loss program, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommended last week to the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales. The drug should only be available, however, to adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 kg/m2 and no associated illness or to adults with a BMI of least 28 kg/m2 and have type 2 diabetes, hypertension and/or high cholesterol. They must also have lost at least 2.5 kg through diet and exercise one month prior to their first prescription. Patients should only stay on orlistat beyond three months if they have lost five percent of their body weight since beginning treatment. To continue past six months, they must have lost ten percent of their body weight. Treatment should not usually continue beyond 12 months and never beyond 24 months. "Today’s guidance is another example of how NICE can help doctors and patients be clear about the value and appropriate use of a new medicine," said Professor Peter Littlejohns, Clinical Director of NICE. "Obesity has a major impact on a person’s physical, social and emotional well-being and future health. Doctors and patients need to work together to manage this condition and today’s guidance provides advice on the contribution which orlistat can make." In 1980, six out of 100 adult men and eight out of 100 women in England were considered obese (a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more). Xenical (orlistat) prevents the absorption of some fat in the intestine, allowing just under one-third of the fat that would normally be absorbed to be excreted through the feces. People taking orlistat may feel an urgent need to move their bowels, move their bowels more frequently and report ‘fatty’ stools. They may experience some anal-leakage. Patients taking this drug may be advised to take vitamin supplements and to limit their fat intake. Advice, support and counselling on diet, physical activity and behavioural strategies should be offered. Related Link: Xenical (orlistat). E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version