Roche’s Xenical reduces cardio risk factors

Xenical (orlistat) was found to be significantly more effective than diet alone in reducing weight and improving cardiovascular risk factors in overweight patients or those suffering from obesity. Furthermore, over half the patients who received extended Xenical treatment no longer had symptoms of metabolic syndrome at the end of the study period.

The metabolic syndrome describes a ‘cluster’ of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and development of diabetes, such as increased waist measurement, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Xenical is the only weight loss medication to show improvement in all five metabolic syndrome risk factors.

Data from 20 randomized double-blind studies, covering results from over 3560 patients, was analyzed to assess the effect of treatment with Xenical on metabolic syndrome risks in overweight and obese patients. Results at the end of one year showed patients receiving extended Xenical treatment achieved twice as much weight loss as those on diet alone.

Significantly more patients receiving Xenical no longer had metabolic syndrome status compared to those on diet alone. Waist measurements were less, diastolic blood pressure was down and triglyceride levels were reduced.

Roche believes Xenical to be the only available weight loss medication that works locally in the gut to prevent dietary fat absorption by around 30%. It is an effective therapy that not only helps patients lose weight, but also helps them maintain their weight loss. Xenical is well tolerated and, unlike appetite suppressants, it does not act on the brain.