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JAMA. 1999;281:1978.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The FDA has approved orlistat (Xenical, Hoffmann-La Roche, Nutley, NJ) for obesity management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. The product is also indicated to reduce the risk for weight regain after weight loss. It is indicated for obese patients with an initial body mass index of at least 30 kg/m² or at least 27 kg/m² in the presence of other risk factors (eg, hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia).

Orlistat is a reversible inhibitor of lipases. It acts in obesity management by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats. Because it reduces absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta carotene, patients should take a multivitamin supplement that contains fat-soluble vitamins once a day at least 2 hours before or after administration of orlistat.

The effects of orlistat on weight loss, weight maintenance, and weight regain and on a number of obesity-related illnesses were assessed . . . [Full Text of this Article]