From the Guidelines
The most effective over-the-counter (OTC) medication for fat burning is orlistat (brand name Alli), which is taken as 60mg capsules before meals containing fat, up to three times daily. This medication works by blocking fat absorption in the intestines by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, resulting in a significant weight loss of 5.8 kg compared to 3.0 kg with placebo in the 4-year XENDOS trial 1. Other OTC fat burning medications include caffeine supplements, green tea extract, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which stimulate metabolism and increase energy expenditure, but their effectiveness is modest compared to orlistat.
Some key points to consider when using orlistat include:
- Taking a multivitamin to ensure adequate nutrition, as orlistat decreases the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) 1
- Following a balanced, reduced-calorie diet with no more than approximately 30% of calories from fat at any meal to minimize gastrointestinal side effects 1
- Being aware of potential side effects, such as fecal urgency, oily stool, flatus with discharge, and fecal incontinence, which can be ameliorated by following a balanced diet and taking a fiber supplement 1
It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications. Additionally, lifestyle modification through diet and exercise should always be recommended for all obese patients, as it is crucial for achieving and maintaining weight loss 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
orlistat works by preventing the absorption of some of the fat you eat. for every 5 pounds you lose from diet alone, orlistat can help you lose 2-3 pounds more. The most common over-the-counter (OTC) medication for fat burning mentioned is orlistat 2.
- It prevents the absorption of some of the fat you eat, leading to weight loss.
- It is recommended to follow a well-balanced, reduced-calorie, low-fat diet while taking orlistat.
From the Research
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications for Fat Burning
- Orlistat is a commonly used OTC medication for fat burning, which works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fat 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The 60-mg OTC dose of orlistat has been shown to block the absorption of approximately 25% of ingested fat and facilitate modest weight loss 4.
- Orlistat has been found to decrease serum LDL-cholesterol values by approximately 10% and modify lifestyle behavior by encouraging lower fat consumption 4.
- Other ingredients that are commonly used in fat burning supplements include green tea, caffeine, chromium, carnitine, and conjugated linoleic acid, which can help convert stored fats into energy and boost metabolism 7.
- Sibutramine is another medication that has been used for the treatment of obesity, but it is not available over-the-counter and has been associated with cardiostimulating and gastrointestinal adverse effects 5.