Effect of Orlistat in Obese Patients With Heart Failure: A Pilot Study

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization. Obesity is increasingly common and is a major public health problem. The aim of this study is to assess whether obese patients with heart failure can benefit from losing weight via an orlistat‐assisted diet. This randomized clinical trial included obese patients with ejection fractions ≤40%. Orlistat and diet counseling were compared with diet counseling alone. Twenty‐one consecutive obese patients with heart failure were recruited. Significant improvement in 6‐minute walk test (45.8 m; 95% confidence interval, 5.2–86.4 m; p=0.031), functional class (−0.6±0.5, p=0.014), weight loss (−8.55 kg; 95% confidence interval, −13.0 to −4.1 kg;pp=0.017), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.03), and triglycerides (p=0.036) were observed in the orlistat group. Orlistat can promote significant weight loss and symptoms of relief in obese patients with heart failure, as measured by 6‐minute walk test and functional capacity. The lipid profile improved. Orlistat was safe and well tolerated.