Orlistat is used to help people lose weight as well as lose weight while eating a low-calorie diet. Orlistat works by reducing the amount of fat that is absorbed from our diet.
Orlistat reduces the absorption of fats in the intestines, by inhibiting lipase. Lipase is an enzyme secreted by the pancreas and stomach into the intestinal lumen. Lipase works to break down dietary fat so that it can be absorbed systemically.