What is the oil drained with Orlistat

The fat excreted by Orlistat is dietary fat that has not been absorbed by the intestines. Orlistat inhibits the activity of gastrointestinal lipase, causing about 30% of ingested fat to be excreted in its original form through feces. The phenomenon of oil excretion is mainly related to factors such as drug action mechanism, dietary fat content, individual metabolic differences, medication duration, and gut microbiota status.

1. Drug mechanism:

Orlistat, as a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, can block the breakdown of triglycerides in food into absorbable free fatty acids. Undigested fat cannot penetrate the intestinal wall and directly enters the colon to form yellow oily stools, which is a hallmark of drug efficacy.

2. Fat intake:

The amount of oil excreted is positively correlated with the fat content in the diet. When consuming more than 20 grams of fat per meal, the unabsorbed fat will significantly increase. A high-fat diet may cause discomfort such as oily spots and a feeling of urgency. It is recommended to combine it with a low-fat diet to control daily fat intake below 40 grams.

3. Individual differences:

There are differences in drug sensitivity among different individuals. People with a larger body weight and normal pancreatic function have a more significant oil excretion effect. Some people may experience fat diarrhea, which is related to physiological factors such as intestinal transport speed and bile secretion.

4. Medication duration:

The phenomenon of oil discharge tends to stabilize after 1-2 weeks of continuous medication. In the initial stage, there may be anal oil leakage, which will gradually decrease as the intestine adapts. If severe fatty diarrhea persists for a long time, it is necessary to evaluate whether there are secondary problems such as chronic pancreatitis.

5. Microbial influence:

The structure of gut microbiota affects the efficiency of fat metabolism. Probiotic deficient individuals may experience worsening stool odor, and supplementing probiotics such as bifidobacteria appropriately can improve the intestinal environment and reduce discomfort caused by oil discharge.

During the use of orlistat, it is necessary to maintain a daily fat intake of less than 30% of total calories, with priority given to unsaturated fatty acids such as fish and nuts. Combining 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week can enhance weight loss effects. When severe abdominal pain or persistent diarrhea occurs, medication should be stopped and medical attention sought. Long term medication users should regularly monitor their levels of fat soluble vitamins. It is suggested that doctors should be consulted to assess the indications before use, and drug monitoring should be strengthened for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes and thyroid dysfunction.